“My job is to protect the dignity of these bikes; they have feelings too!” Corbin declared.

More than 50 bidders crowded the Phillips Brooks House parlor room, many wet from the rain outside, watching and bidding as bikes were cycled in and out of the room one at a time.

The auction started somewhat slowly and quietly but quickly shifted gears as bidders began to compete for wanted bikes.

“Who here is in a serious relationship?” Corbin asked as he wheeled in a bike complete with a rear child seat.

Kennedy School of Government Kate P. Kohler, who is married, got the bike for $40.

Most of the bikes that were auctioned off had been abandoned and were given to PBHA by the Harvard University Police Department or Yard Operations.

In addition, two completely refurbished bikes were donated to the auction by Quad Bikes.

Agudelo was available throughout the auction to answer questions about the bikes, as well as to pump tires, fix chains and help the new bike-owners complete free bike registrations with HUPD.

“I think it’s great that Quad Bikes is here to support the efforts of [PBHA],” said Kohler.

Agudelo said he hopes to continue this cooperation in the future.

“Ideally we would collaborate in such a way so that we could work on all the bikes before the auction,” he said.

The highest bid of the afternoon, at $215, went to bike commuter Melitta King from the Office of Communications of the School of Public Health.