BICYCLING -- The Spokane Bike Swap and Expo is set for Saturday, April 9, -- one day only this year -- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

The swap enables cyclists to buy or sell bikes on consignment as needed to upgrade or keep the right wheels underneath them.

Meanwhile, the proceeds are geared to the Spokane River Centennial Trail, a local treasure for recreation on foot or on bikes.

People selling or donating bikes and register online at spokanebikeswap.com and check in on Friday, April 8, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.  

Admission is $5. Kids 12 and younger get in free. Prizes will be offered.

The Bike Swap is especially fitting for families trying to keep fast-growing kids in the saddle. Kids who buy used bikes get free helmets while supplies last.

The swap also features three free clinics on bike maintenance and mountain biking.

Last year, the Friends of the Spokane River Centennial Trail made good use of the record $38,000 raised by the 4th annual Spokane Bike Swap & Expo. 

The swap has emerged as a prime benefactor for the maintenance and improvements to the 37-mile route along the river from Riverside State Park to the Idaho border.

Other numbers from the 2015 swap to note:

• 913 bikes consigned for sale
• 43 bikes donated
• 673 bikes sold
• 3,826 attendees
• 140 volunteers
• 58 exhibitors
• 32 sponsors

Here's a snapshot of what the Friends group had on its plate for using the money:

Old Mission Trailhead: This new trailhead has been added just east of Sullivan Road, next to the River House at the Trailhead Apartments at Mile 8.5. The City of Spokane Valley has plans to add infrastructure to this area.

Argonne Road Gap: Inland Empire Paper Company is meeting with State Parks and Spokane County Parks to move forward with the easement at the community pumpkin patch, to allow re-routing the Trail from Upriver Drive.

Mission Avenue Gap:Final design studies are in place with City of Spokane and and the Friends are hope funding can be made available to complete the three phases simultaneously. 

Don Kardong Bridge: This major thoroughfare for 10,000 Gonzaga University and Riverpoint campus students need of re-decking and new paint.

Riverfront Park:  Centennial Trail visibility, traffic flow and safety are the primary considerations for this renovation - and the Friends would like to see the Trail become a tourist attraction here with glow in the dark asphalt and directional signs.

Post Street Bridge: Friends will be working on the Project Advisory Committee for the upcoming Post Street Bridge renovation.

Bridge to Boone Gap: Now completed, the friends designed the Mile 25 overlook sign highlighting the history of this scenic location.   

Boone to TJ Meenach: The friends are supporting the City of Spokane as it seeks to upgrade this gap, which has numerous safety issues and shares miles with Bloomsday.    

Carlson Road: The friends are supporting the Spokane County as it seeks to upgrade this gap in Riverside State Park.

Sontag Park to Lake Spokane Extension: State Parks will begin construction in August and we the Friends have pledged $20,000 in matching funds for this project.