Cyclists waited in line for deals on wheels Saturday.
The line for the BikeABQ bike swap stretched through half of Sport Systems' 1605 Juan Tabo N.E. parking lot and continued down the plaza sidewalk. The other half of the lot was sectioned off by plastic fencing and filled with rows of bicycles propped on racks.
At 10 a.m., the gates opened to start of BikeABQ's bike swap benefit. The nonprofit organization received a 17 percent sales commission, which will go toward promoting bike rights, education and safety.
BikeABQ's part-time project manager Angelina Lopez said riding a bike is more economical than driving a car.
"As gas prices rise and obesity rises, riding bikes is a key solution to a lot of problems that our society is facing right now," she said.
Lopez, a student at UNM, said the group has prepared for the swap since February. She started riding her bike a year ago.
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"It was one of the most empowering experiences of my life," she said. "I was healthier than I'd ever been before, and I could get myself around without relying on anyone. Plus, it's a whole heck of a lot cheaper."
Lopez is part of a group that holds bike maintenance workshops at the Duck Pond every last Wednesday and Sunday of the month.
Julie Luna, BikeABQ volunteer coordinator, rounds up volunteers and collects items to sell.
Sixty volunteers prepared for the event, and 30 worked during the rush Saturday, she said. The swap included vintage bikes and ones that cost up to $2,500.
"We have high-end bikes and the clunky Wal-Mart used bikes," said Luna, who admitted she rides a 10-year-old mountain bike. "The cobbler wears the worst shoes."
