Bicycles are almost indispensable in Amsterdam. Since most students live on a small budget, they are sorely tempted to purchase a stolen bicycle instead of buying one at a legal bicycle shop. However, many disadvantages are attached to such a purchase. You will be fined € 160 on buying a bicycle in the street – stolen or not – and you may get a police record. Besides, in this way, ‘sellers’ of these illegally acquired bicycles are encouraged to steal even more of them.

As an alternative, ASVA offers its members the opportunity to buy a cheap ASVA bike. Abandoned bicycles, collected by municipal services, and not retrieved by their lawful owners, are restored in social workshops and then sold through ASVA. Every week, these ASVA bikes are sold at the Binnengasthuis court at € 55 (excluding locks).

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Purchasing an ASVA bike
Guarantee
Locks
Stolen?

ASVA organizes a bike sale every Thursday at 12:30 pm. Those interested can register at the ASVA student desk and if necessary, become a member. Every week there are about 25 bikes available. Upon registering you will receive a number. You can choose which bike you would like to purchase when your number is called. Please bring your ID and enough cash since it is not possible to pay with credit cards or bank passes at the ASVA student desk.

On every ASVA bike there is a four week guarantee on small repairs and the frame. If something is wrong with your bike, you can have it repaired for free every Thursday during the bike sale within these four weeks. Flat tires and the lights are exempt from the guarantee.

Amsterdam is famous for its bikes, but perhaps even more famous because of the high number of bicycle thefts. It is because of this that we advise you to invest in a good lock. ASVA bikes come without one, so it is advisable to buy them in advance.

It is best to buy two locks. One that can be fixed on your bike and locks the rear wheel. The second should be a solid chain lock to attach your bike to bike racks. You can buy your locks (and have them installed) at Locker for a reasonable price. There is a Locker location at the Binnengasthuis court. Another option are the market traders at Waterloo square. They have a wide range of locks for low prices. Reliable brands are among others Python, AXA and Stahlex.

If you need a safe place for your brand new ASVA bike, you can store your bike at Locker for a mere 50 cents a day. Check the Locker website for more Locker locations in Amsterdam. When parking your bike outside, never be too lazy to use both locks. Thieves are often quicker than you think!

If your bike is not where you parked it, make sure it was really stolen and not removed by the municipality because it was parked illegally. Contact AFAC to check if they have got your bike when you think it may have been removed.

If your bike has been stolen, report the theft to the police. You can report offences online (in Dutch) at the website of the police department Amsterdam-Amstelland or call 0900 8844  for more information.

Stolen ASVA bike?
Normally you can buy one ASVA bike each year. If your ASVA bike has been stolen however, we make an exception. Please bring a copy of the police report (‘aangifte’) if you wish to buy a new ASVA bike.