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The Great Maine Bike Swap will return to Portland and expand to Orono this year. The swap, which brings together people buying and selling used bicycles and gear, will take place at the University of Southern Maine’s Sullivan gym on the Portland campus on April 27 and at the University of Maine’s new Student Recreation and Fitness Center on May 4. Both events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hundreds of bicycles of all types - from mountain bikes to road bikes, kids’ bikes, hybrids and even tandems - will be for sale at the swaps. The public is invited to sell used bikes in good, working condition. A large test riding area will allow shoppers to try out bikes. Volunteer advisors and experts will be on hand to help with pricing and bike fit.

Sponsored by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) and university student groups, the Great Maine Bike Swap also features exhibits by nonprofit groups, bike shops and other vendors. Mini-workshops will be held on topics such as flat tire repair and information will be available about upcoming biking events in Maine. A small commission on sales will support BCM’s bike safety and education programs.

The University of Southern Maine’s Public Interest Research Group is co-sponsoring the Portland swap for the second year in a row. About 1,500 people participated in last year’s Portland swap, and about 300 bicycles were sold. The Orono swap, in its first year, will be co-sponsored by the University of Maine’s Student Recreation and Fitness Center and the university’s Cycling Club.

For more information and directions, please visit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Web site (www.BikeMaine.org) or call (207) 623-4511.

Formed in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is working to make Maine accessible and safe for all residents and visitors so they may comfortably and responsibly bicycle. The BCM also promotes bicycling for transportation, health, recreation and fun to enhance our communities, environment and economy.