Bike auction returns next week

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Police Department will host a bike auction at 8 a.m. July 29 at the police department.

“Hopefully some kids get some bikes that they need or for somebody who doesn't have a license or something like to get to and from work,” Police Chief Lyle Murray said.

According to Murray, the police department hosted a bike auction approximately four years ago when he first took over as chief.

“We had 200 bicycles that just sat there in our P.D. for years,” he said. “We’re getting a large amount again so, if we can sell them to the general public who maybe need bikes it’s good for everybody.”

This year’s auction is anticipated to have between 30-50 bikes for sale, but the process with be a little different from before.

“The last time we did it, we just did an auction one bike at a time, and I’m just trying to speed the process up, so, we’re just going to basically have batches,” Murray explained.

Bikes will be set in groups for $5, $15, and $25 to make quicker sales.

The police department will make these groups available for viewing 30 minutes before the auction begins, and Murray encourages interested parties to be on time.

“It should be over in 20 to 30 minutes at the most,” Murray said. “They don’t want to miss it.”

According to Murray, they will navigate the auction in a way that helps ensure the most people get bikes and they are distributed fairly.

Those purchasing bikes should bring cash or check for payment.

For any additional questions please contact the police department at 319 385-1450

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com