Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society

The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society (EBC) is a registered non-profit society and has been a leader in the Edmonton and area environmental and cycling community since 1980.

EBC promotes and facilitates cycling as everyday transportation in Edmonton by providing services and resources. Cycling is healthy, economical, and an ecologically sound mode of travel. Most of all it’s really fun!

What do we do?

BikeWorks

We run BikeWorks, a fully-equipped, volunteer-run community bicycle shop.

We have the tools you need to repair and maintain your bicycle. Anyone can come and use the shop, and a mechanic will be on hand to teach you everything you need to know.

BikeWorks carries a large stock of used parts and bicycles as well, which you can purchase for a low-cost.

Recycling

Part of EBC’s mandate is to reduce the environmental impact of people moving around Edmonton. Riding a bike is one of the easiest ways to reduce your ecological footprint.

Bicycles and Parts

EBC accepts donated bicycles, parts and tires during our regular shop hours. The donations are refurbished, reused, or recycled depending on their condition. Donations take on a new life as rebuilt bikes available for purchase.

Instead of cluttering your basement or creating hazards in your back yard, that old bike could end up being used and loved by someone new. If it can’t be salvaged, we ensure that it is recycled appropriately.

Bicycle tires

In 2006, EBC expanded our recycling program by partnering with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority, Mountain Equipment Coop, and a number of bike stores in Edmonton to pilot a project to collect and recycle old bicycle tires.

This initiative will remove bicycle tires from the waste stream and integrate them into current tire recycling programs. EBC is very excited about this new iniative, and we encourage you to dig those old, sad tires out of your garage and drop them off at EBC, or one of the the other collection points in the city.

Please note that EBC cannot offer tax deductible receipts for donated bicycles or parts, and does not trade for donations.

Low-cost bicycles

We offer refurbished bicycles for sale at BikeWorks, most priced from $50 and $100.  Our goal is to see more people on bicycles, not to make a profit.

Sizes and availability depends on donations in stock and volunteer hours, but if you’re in the market for a vintage cruiser, classic road bike or a pre-loved mountain bike, come see what we have on hand.

Secure bicycle parking

Riding your bike is the best way to get to the numerous festivals that happen in Edmonton. You can’t enjoy your bicycle if it’s stolen, so EBC provides safe, monitored bike parking at many festivals.

Cycling education

EBC offers nationally certified cycling education to children (CAN-BIKE for Kids), introductory on-road cycling skills (CAN-BIKE 1), and intermediate/advanced adult on-road effective cycling skills (CAN-BIKE 2).

These courses teach people to safely and effectively in the urban traffic.

We also run courses on:

• special-needs learn-to-ride
• basic bicycle maintenance
• winter riding
• studding your own tires
• building fixed gear bikes
• building custom bicycle lights
• custom retroreflective wear

If you would like more information about the courses we offer, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Advocacy

EBC has a long history of advocating to make it easier and safer to get around by bicycle in Edmonton. Our efforts - including advocacy for bikes on buses and greater multiuse trails - have resulted in real improvements for city cyclists. We continue to be involved in consultations with the City Transportation Department on the Bicycle Transportation Master Plan, and work on issues on behalf of bicycle commuters and active transportation, such as working with the City to clear multiuse trails in the winter.

EBC is the voice for bicycle commuters in Edmonton, so if there is an issue you think needs to be addressed, don’t hesitate to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Bicycle events

Throughout the year, EBC runs or supports a number of events to celebrate the amazing machine that is the bicycle!

The main event on the cycling calendar is Bike Month, which is held every year in June and features bike-themed movies, bike-to-work breakfasts, mocktails on the bridge and the hugely popular Bikeology festival.

In the past EBC has also coordinated events for the annual Commuter Challenge, Clean Air Day and the Great Commuter Race.

last edited: Mar 16, 2010