Campus Safety Bike Sale Returns April 21
If you’ve ever thought about picking up a bike for getting around campus or just want a simple, affordable way to enjoy the warmer months, Campus Safety has you covered.
On Tuesday, April 21, from 2 – 4 p.m., 鶹’s Campus Safety team will host its annual bike sale in the Campus Safety parking lot, north of the soccer stadium. The event, now more than a decade in the making, has become a practical and popular way to connect students (and neighbors) with bikes that are ready for a second life.
Assistant Director of Campus Safety Tyson Moore says the sale has been a steady part of campus life for at least 10 years, with about 50 bikes finding new owners each year.
“We’ve built a really thorough process over time,” Moore said. “Our goal is to care well for campus spaces while also giving these bikes another chance to be used.”
That process begins long before the sale. Bikes left on campus for extended periods are carefully tagged and tracked. After a lengthy grace period, and multiple efforts to identify an owner, unclaimed bikes are collected and stored for several more months before ever being considered for the sale.
“We want to make sure we’re doing this the right way,” Moore said. “If a bike belongs to a current student, we don’t touch it. And if someone comes looking for a bike, we work hard to get it back to them.”
By the time sale day arrives, the bikes represent a wide range of conditions and price points. Most are priced between $20 and $60, depending on their condition. Some are ready to ride, while others may need a little TLC, perfect for someone who doesn’t mind a small project.
Buyers can browse the selection, test ride bikes in the parking lot, and even pump up the tires before making a decision. The process is simple: bring cash, pick a bike, and take it home.
The sale is open not only to Calvin students and employees, but also to the broader community.
Beyond the sale itself, Moore hopes the event also serves as a reminder of good bike habits on campus.
“The biggest things are simple,” he said. “Register your bike, it’s free, lock it up, and take care of it. That goes a long way in keeping your bike safe and in good condition.”
With spring in full swing, the timing couldn’t be better to grab a bike and get moving. Whether you’re commuting to class, cruising campus, or exploring the trails around Grand Rapids, April 21 is a great opportunity to get started.