If You Plan It, They Will Come: Community Partnerships, Picnics, and Protecting Alberta’s Bikes

We’ve always said, “if we plan it, they will come.” Last week, we put that theory to the test by hosting a potluck picnic—and nearly 40 incredible people showed up to connect, eat, and laugh. Our community is growing, and we are so grateful for everyone who makes this network feel like family.

But the work never stops, and this week we are shining a light on one of our most valued partners: Kiwanis Chinook. We help Kiwanis Chinook every chance we get because they are the real deal. They work directly with social service agencies to get safe, reliable bicycles into the hands of families who need them most.

Have a bike to donate? Let us know, because donating to them means making a real, tangible difference. Even the process of repairing these donated bikes is a masterclass in community impact. The very first “once over” of these bikes happens at the Calgary Remand Centre. Inmates evaluate if the bikes are worth repairing, which provides them with valuable mechanics skills while drastically reducing our downstream repair time. It’s a beautiful cycle of rehabilitation and reuse.

On the theft-prevention front, we are actively working with municipalities, police departments, and local cycling groups across Alberta (except the City of Calgary, which unfortunately continues to ignore our outreach) to host bike registration events.

As proud ambassadors for both Bike Index and Project 529, we want to make sure your ride is protected. Want to know more about registration, donating a bike, or getting involved? Let us know. We’d love to chat!