March 19, 2018 – On March 24, Canadians celebrate the humble and essential independent bicycle shop with the first annual Bike Store Day. In 2017, Sean Carter of BikeBike Inc. in Calgary, Alberta conceived the plan for an event to “celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding the hundreds of independently owned bike stores in Canada.”

We love the idea. Bicycle stores are more than just places people go shopping. They are community hubs for the two-wheeled set where the latest news and events are shared, where riders go to be with like-minded individuals to talk drivetrain innovations, host repair and ride clinics and partake in a slice of bicycle culture.

Inspiration struck after observing the success of Record Store Day in the music industry. Together with Ben Cowie of London Bicycle Cafe, with whom he worked on the Bike Town Podcast, Carter spearheaded the plan in Canada.

The Bike Store Day event began to take shape when marketing company Curious Communications offered assistance with a marketing campaign. An Instagram @bikestoredayca was added to help promote the event and connect cyclists across the country.

 

On March 24, independent bicycle retailers from British Columbia to Ontario will host special events and offer unique sale items in celebration.

For example, the London Bicycle Cafe will hold its official grand opening celebrations complete with a morning group ride, live music, free coffee all day long, treats, and cargo bike demonstrations in addition to showcasing its 2018 line of city bikes. While, in Calgary, Alberta, Bow Cycle Sports will be hosting three events to celebrate including E-bikes, suspension set-up and the latest in tire innovations.

Berlin Bicycle Cafe in Kitchener, Ont. will be holding an Earth Hour ride and campfire; in British Columbia, Sooke Mountain Cycle has a Customer Appreciation Day and Winnipeg, Manitoba’s Natural Cycleworks will be giving away five free tuneups in addition to having refreshments and games available in the shop.

For the complete rundown of Bike Store Day events and further information visit here.