This September, the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society (EBC) is holding an exciting fundraiser to help improve the facility on Norwood Boulevard.

To get the low-down on the event, I spoke with Chris Chan, EBC executive director, and Stacey Yuen, manager of Dirtbag Café/Rock Jungle Boulders.

Chan explained the fundraiser is partly to launch the organization’s new name of Bike Edmonton. “We’re also raising funds to do some important upgrades to BikeWorks North, which has been operating for nearly eight years now. We’ve identified some major improvements to better the experience for patrons and help us get more people riding.”

Those improvements include changing the layout for easier navigation and increasing security, comfort, and safety.

“We’ll also be constructing a bike hanger, similar to one which already exists at BikeWorks South, which will quadruple the storage space we have for bicycles. This is critical to improving revenues at the shop, which has struggled, and is also necessary to have a reasonable selection of bikes available for people who are looking to start riding.”

Chan explained EBC promotes and supports cycling via community workshops, education, advocacy, and events. The organization has history in Alberta Avenue.

“In 2010, we started our Spoke earn-a-bike program for youth in the Alberta Cycle building on 118 Ave, and when that building’s closure forced us to relocate, we chose to open a new shop nearby in Norwood/McCauley,” he explained. “This new shop continues to run The Spoke, but primarily serves as the home of BikeWorks North, our non-profit, volunteer-run community bicycle workshop.”

The fundraiser takes place on Sept. 8, from about 5 pm until 11 pm, although organizers are still confirming exact times.

Yuen is hosting the fundraiser and donating the evening’s beer sales to BikeWorks North.

“A number of our patrons are EBC members and some even volunteer with EBC, which is how we got involved with this fundraiser. We have a great space for hosting events and we are grateful for this opportunity to give back to the city and support a great non-profit organization that has helped to make cycling accessible to so many Edmontonians.”

Fundraiser participants can expect a lot of fun.

“There will be cycling, climbing, beer, food, a raffle, and some fun activities and games throughout the night to help raise money for EBC,” said Yuen. Anyone is welcome to attend.

For event updates and information about future programming, visit EBC’s Facebook page and edmontonbikes.ca.

EBC FUNDRAISER

Sept. 8, from about 5 pm until 11 pm (times TBA)

Admission by donation ($20 is recommended).

Admission includes free bouldering for the evening, with $5 rentals for shoes.

10505 107 St

Featured Image: The fundraiser will help pay for a number of improvements to the facility. | Molly Turnbull