Epicenter Cycling: We’re Open to Support You!
Update 7/27/20: Santa Cruz County put on California Department of Public Health monitoring list, modifying or closing operations in several sectors. Read the 7/27/20 press release. Bike shops are not affected, and we continue to be open to serve our community.
Update 6/9/20: Face coverings and social distancing continue to be required as Santa Cruz County opens up even more. See the 6/9/20 press release about the latest health order which allows lodging restrictions to be lifted.
Update 5/26/20: Face coverings and social distancing continue to be required as Santa Cruz County opens up. See the 5/26/20 press release about the latest health order which allows early Stage 2 activities to proceed.
Update 5/1/20: Face coverings now mandatory. See the 4/23/20 health order and updated Shelter-in-Place order for more information.
Update 4/1/20: Bike service providers across the US were recently recognized by the federal government as being part of the nation's "essential critical infrastructure workforce" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, Santa Cruz County made it official, updating its Shelter In Place order on March 31 to include bike shops on their list of essential businesses. (References: PeopleForBikes Resources for Retailers and Industry During Covid-19 - Federal Actions; CISA Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure; Santa Cruz County Shelter In Place Order.)
As one of Santa Cruz’s largest bicycle service centers, Epicenter Cycling is committed to supporting bike commuters by operating as an “essential business” during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.
Cycling is the sole means of transportation for many in our county, including personnel vital to essential businesses such as health care facilities, grocery stores, financial institutions, courier services, etc.
To that end, we will remain open to support our cycling community. In accordance with the Santa Cruz County Shelter In Place Order (originally published 3/16/20; updated 3/31/20), we’ll be enforcing Social Distancing Requirements.
These requirements include maintaining at least six-foot distance from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into sleeve or elbow, not hands), not touching hands, and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.
Currently, our Santa Cruz store is open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm. Our Aptos store is open Monday through Friday from noon-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Note: since this blog post was published, Epicenter Cycling opened a new store in Monterey; hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am-6pm (closed Sunday and Monday).
We are allowing two customers or families at a time to guarantee social distancing. Please wait on outside dot and purple lines and we will come outside to let you in.
Santa Cruz County now requires all customers to wear a face mask inside and while waiting outside. Curbside pick up is available; please call if you want us to meet you at your car. Free local delivery also available.
Call us at (831) 423-9000 (Santa Cruz), (831) 662-8100 (Aptos) or (831) 920-1804 (Monterey).
Now, go ride your bike!
Current restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have certainly affected our community and our daily routines. Although there’s much we CAN’T do … one thing you CAN do is get outside and RIDE YOUR BIKE.*
The benefits of cycling are monumental, and especially helpful in trying times like these. Exercise can help keep your immune system strong, and it also combats depression and stress. With kids out of school, biking provides a healthy family activity, and gives children a feeling of control over a confusing situation.
Read our latest blog post to learn more about the benefits of cycling during the COVID-10 pandemic, and how to ensure you're doing so RESPONSIBLY and SAFELY.
Please know we’re here for you. Our community matters to us, and each and every one of you in it. If there’s anything we can do to help given the circumstances, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Keep healthy and safe!
Epicenter Cycling 💖
*According to Santa Cruz County’s Shelter In Place Order dated March 16, “individuals may leave their residence “to engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, or running.” Cycling and other outdoor activities such as surfing fall under “without limitation.” (Section 10.a.iii) Social Distancing Requirements can be found at Section 10.j of the order, or in the fourth paragraph of the above announcement.
Update 4/1/20: Santa Cruz County’s Shelter In Place Order was updated on March 31 to specifically list bicycling as an approved essential activity.