A Difficult Update from Calgary Bike Swap

For the first time in our 15-year history, we feel compelled to publicly acknowledge the stress and disruption that ongoing conflicts have had on Calgary Bike Swap, our volunteers, and our community.

Over recent years, we have experienced repeated situations involving marketplace confusion, reputational strain, and interactions surrounding competing bicycle events and one associated organization operating within Calgary.

Toay, we filed another police report relating to conduct we believe contributed to harassment and disruption surrounding our events. This represents the fifth police report filed over several years and numerous reports to the City of Calgary bylaw enforcement for harassment.

We are intentionally avoiding inflammatory language and are focusing only on what we can responsibly state.

Our concern remains the wellbeing of our volunteers, attendees, and the long-standing community identity associated with Calgary Bike Swap, which has operated continuously since 2011. We have copyrighted Bicycle Swap Software Inc, which is what our bike swaps operate under.

Our recent event should have been a safe and positive experience for everyone involved. We specifically selected a non-City venue in an effort to create a calm and respectful environment. Despite those efforts, several attendees and volunteers again expressed concerns regarding interactions connected to the broader disputes affecting our organization.

Four years ago, Calgary’s cycling community was collaborative and trusting. Organizations shared ideas, volunteers, resources, and encouragement. We deeply valued those relationships.

Today, much of our time is spent addressing conflict, confusion, and legal concerns rather than focusing solely on our mission of helping people access affordable bicycles.

We do not wish harm toward anyone. We continue to hope for accountability.

At the same time, we are profoundly grateful for the extraordinary support we have received from volunteers, attendees, vendors, and community members who have stepped forward to support Calgary Bike Swap and share their experiences.

Your kindness has meant more than you know.

CSR 26-00301941

Chris & Laura Grant
Calgary Bike Swap / Alberta Bike Swap

Alberta Bike Swap – Calgary Bike Swap

Bicycle Swap Software Inc.