Bicycle Purchase Program

Any current TRU student who does not own a bicycle can apply to this program to purchase a used bicycle for $40. The program is coordinated by the TRU Sustainability Office.

Background

Bicycles are good for the planet and for people in countless ways, so TRU wants to encourage all members of our campus community to ride bikes regularly. Not only are they a low-cost and efficient mode of low-emission transportation, but they also help improve physical fitness and mental health.

The TRU Sustainability Office has eight used bicycles available, which were donated by the City of Kamloops. These are bikes that were recovered by the RCMP after being stolen but were never claimed by their rightful owners. The Sustainability Office has invested in labour and parts to get them road-ready. They range from mountain bikes to cruiser bikes. Each is mechanically sound, though they may show signs of wear and tear.

How the program works

• Open to any current TRU student who does not own a bicycle
• Interested students must email the Reference Confirmation form to sustain@tru.ca to have their name entered into a draw to purchase one of the eight bikes for $40
• Each applicant must list two referees on the form who can confirm the applicant does not currently own a bike
  • Referees must not be related to the student
  • Include the referee’s name, cell phone number, and email

Important dates

• Application deadline (including all reference letters): September 19, 2025
• Draw date starts: September 22, 2025

Selection and purchase process

• One name will be drawn from all eligible applicants. That student will receive first choice of the eight bicycles, pending validation of their references. That student will have an opportunity to look at the bikes in person and then choose a bike within 2 days of the draw
• Then a second student name will be drawn and they can select from the remaining seven bikes, and so on until all eight bicycles are chosen
• Each student must pay $40 to the TRU Sustainability Office at the time of bike selection (cash only) to complete the purchase and claim their bike. Bikes will be picked up from the TRU Sustainability Office after payment is complete
• Each selected student will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that they are receiving the bike as-is
• Note: If a selected student chooses not to purchase any of the remaining bikes, they forfeit their chance at choosing a bicycle (and they cannot give their choice to someone else) and a new name will be drawn to fill their place until all bikes are claimed

Available bicycles (see photos below and explanation of frame size)

• 

  Bike #1

  Cruiser with light blue rear frame wheel – 16.5” frame, single speed

• 

  Bike #2

  Cruiser with white and blue seat – 18” frame, single speed

• 

  Bike #3

  Purple Reebok mountain bike – 15” frame, 21 speeds

• 

  Bike #4

  Black Tech mountain bike – 20” frame, 21 speeds

• 

  Bike #5

  White Mercury mountain bike – 18” frame, 14 speeds

• 

  Bike #6

  Blue Norco Kokanee mountain bike – 18” frame, 21 speeds

• 

  Bike #7

  Black painted mountain bike with horns – 19” frame, 21 speeds

• 

  Bike #8

  Blue commuter bike with fenders – 20” frame, 8 speeds

Additional opportunities

Even if you're not selected for the program this round, you can still take advantage of other bike-related offerings on campus:

• Free bike maintenance workshops (fall and spring)
• Secure bicycle storage
• Access to showers at TCC
• Bike tune-up tools and air pump in the TRU Bike Shelter

Privacy and confidentiality

All letters of reference submitted as part of the application will remain confidential and used only to verify student eligibility in this program. They will not be shared or retained beyond the scope of this program.

For any questions, please email the TRU Sustainability Office: sustain@tru.ca.