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The front page of the June 19 edition of The Coulee News contained a nice feature article: “West Salem Police Department to peddle bikes.”

The second paragraph of the article noted that “The bike sale will be held on June 21 from 8 a.m. to noon,” and the third paragraph notes Police Chief Charles Ashbeck as saying: “The sale hopes to give people the opportunity to purchase a bicycle inexpensively while freeing up storage.”

But the sale as promoted did not take place and did not give people the opportunity promised.

Unfortunately, folks arrived at the sale at 8 a.m. or shortly before to find a lot of the bikes were gone. When asked why, prospective buyers learned that someone arrived around 7 a.m. with a trailer, bought many of the bikes and departed — leaving the community out of luck.

Yes, the goal was to sell the bikes, free up storage space and make a few dollars for police department programs. Sure, the goal was reached — with no consideration for the community who believed the article in The Coulee News. A whole lot of folks were very disappointed to find they’d spent time and gas dollars only to be told “the bikes were gone.” And there are probably a number of folks who couldn’t afford a new bike who were excited about an opportunity to purchase one they could afford only to find they’ll still have no bike.

Adding further to the negative, the person who bought them will likely refurbish, resell and make a tidy profit. Ugh!

When it comes time for another bike sale, I hope the police will think twice before making such decisions.