Upcoming BVG and Polizei bicycle auctions - a great way to get your own bike.

Some of you may not have been in Berlin long enough to hear about the bicycle auctions that happen on behalf of Polizei and BVG every two months. Those bikes that are not claimed by their owners after an allotted time are sold off to the highest bidder at these auctions.

Having attended many of these auctions, I recommend the Polizei auctions as they are more organised and have a larger number of bikes on offer.
The benefits of buying a bike in this manner are:

1. cheap bikes - cheaper than flohmarkts
2. proof of receipt - means you can sell off bike later more easily
3. not supporting bicycle theft
4. it's an exciting atmosphere and gives you a buzz when you're the highest bidder 

It is best if you go there with someone who knows what to look out for in buying a second hand bike, as they are of varying quality and a little bit about how numbers sound in German is a plus.

If you contact us at BSB, we may be attending and be able to help you out in choosing a suitable ride.

The next BVG auction  --> 23/01/14 (viewing starts at 8am, auction from 10am)

• ~ 40 bikes on offer usually (also other items, sporting equipment, cameras, laptops, phones, etc.)
• requires you to pay a deposit of 5€  for the bidding slip in order to place a bid (bring your Anmeldung or other proof of your address, passport)
• a bit chaotic/ unorganised at times
• pay with EC card or cash only (no credit cards)
• from 8am (viewing of bikes) and then auction starts at 10am.
• recommend you bring a picnic with you - eg snacks and tea

Where? Saalburgstr 3/3a, 12099 (nearest UBahn: Ullsteinstrasse)
 BVG auction website - click here

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The next Polizei auction --> 28/01/13 (viewing starts at 8am, auction from 10am)

• ~ 200 bikes on offer usually (also other items, sporting equipment, cameras, laptops, phones, etc.)
• no bidding slip required - bid using your upraised hand, pay for each item immediately after you have won it
• well organised
• cash only - no cards
• will be taking place from 8am (viewing of bikes) and then auction starts at 10am upstairs
• recommend you bring a picnic with you - eg snacks and tea
  

Where? AssetOrb GmbH
Werdauer Weg 23, 10829 Berlin (near S-Bahnhof Schöneberg)
Polizei auction website - click here

The details of all future BVG and Polizei auctions will be on the calendar in "Things to do" at the top of this page.

Happy bidding!

BikeSurfBerlin information poster

Wonderful information poster, courtesy of Raelina and her US friends.

Feel free to print, distribute or send to all your friends or other interested parties. This will help BSB become even bigger in 2014 and hopefully inspire others to set up similar projects elsewhere.