Essentials by Bike: Getting Around Town Safely and Responsibly During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As we settle into new routines due to Shelter In Place restrictions, many of us find ourselves looking for the silver lining amid COVID-19 concerns.
One such upshot is there are far less motor vehicles on our local streets. Not only is this great for the environment (those nasty emissions!), it’s a more comfortable setting for folks who are curious to use a bike as transportation, but who’ve felt too intimidated by busy streets to give it a try.
The prospect of navigating congested streets and the fear of getting in an accident are two of the biggest reasons a would-be bike commuter doesn’t pursue his or her dream of getting around town by bicycle.
With less traffic on Santa Cruz streets these days, it’s the ideal time to explore this option for running essential errands or commuting to work at an essential business. Proper route planning, a little bit of homework, and the right safety gear will further set you up for success.
It should go without saying, but we’re gonna say it anyway: be sure you’re adhering to social distancing requirements when you’re out and about, and stick to pedaling the essentials ONLY.
Shelter-In-Place essentials include commuting to and from work at an essential business, and activities such as grocery shopping, heath care appointments, and outdoor exercise.
More information on social distancing and essential activities/businesses can be found on the March 31 update of the Santa Cruz Shelter-In-Place Order. (5/1/20 update: this order was updated again on May 1, and integrates the April 24 health order mandating face coverings in most public situations.)
Research Your Route Options
Before you dash out on your bike to your essential errands or job, consider the routes available to you to determine which might feel safer.
You’ve probably driven the different routes before; think back to those drives and consider how wide the road might be, whether it integrates a green/bike lane, how fast cars go on it, and other factors. Choose side streets over main roads at first, and opt for routes with less traffic even if it’s a longer route.
Learn the Laws
Under California state law, cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists. Take some time to do your homework, learning the laws that apply to bicycling in California in general, and Santa Cruz County specifically.
Rules include stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, traveling with the flow of traffic, obeying speed limits, and yielding to pedestrians. All cyclists 18 and under are required to wear an approved helmet, and headphones covering both ears are forbidden.
These are just a few of the laws you’ll want to be familiar with. Read our blog post Bicycle Laws in Santa Cruz for a comprehensive review.
Review Proper Riding Technique
Proper riding technique will help keep you safe and confident as you get around town by bike. Riding cautiously and in control is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as injuries can put undue stress on our health care system. Stay alert, scanning ahead and anticipating issues.
Likewise, ride at a speed that lets you react promptly to the unexpected. Be prepared to brake at any time, so keep your hands on the brake levers when not making hand signals. Be vigilant for doors opening when passing parked cars, and be extremely careful crossing driveways, parking lot entrances/exits, and side streets. Similarly, keep an eye out for vehicles coming from the opposite direction that might turn left across your path.
It may seem counterintuitive, but make it a habit of keeping a buffer zone between yourself and the curb, even if it feels like you’re riding too close to the flow of traffic. Motorists will be more likely to see you, and less likely to squeeze by you.
And of course, keep a safe distance between yourself and others. Normally this would mean at least four feet, but current social distancing requires a minimum of six feet.
Make Sure Your Bike is in Good Shape
A properly tuned-up bike will minimize chances of mechanical issues, which can cost time and cause undue stress. Make sure the brakes work, the chain is lubed, and tires are inflated. Also check that all fasteners such as bolts and skewers are tight.
Check out our Guide to Caring for Your Road Bike for details on how to keep your bike in tip-top shape. If you’re not mechanically inclined, bring your bike to us, and our experienced mechanics will assess it for free, and advise on any issues.
Keep in mind, if you purchase(d) your bike at Epicenter, you get unlimited FREE basic tune-ups for the life of your bike!
Practice Around Cars
To get used to the feeling of cars being close to you, get some practice in a parking lot. Obviously, be very careful doing so, and don’t touch the vehicles with your hands ... or your bike!
Another thing you can practice in a parking lot (away from parked cars) is glancing behind you without swerving. Even if you have a mirror, this is a solid skill to have. To master the technique, practice on the painted line in a parking lot. If you struggle to stay straight, stick your left arm straight out behind you, then turn (head, shoulders, and neck!) and look over your left shoulder. Using your left arm as a guide this way will help you ride straight; you’ll soon be executing this move smoothly and won’t need to put your arm out.
Be Seen
Ensure you are SEEN while out on the roads. It’s best to choose a helmet, clothing, and other gear in hi-vis yellow for daytime cycling, and reflective materials for after dark. Run front and rear lights even during the day.
Make noise if you need to: use a bell, whistle, horn, or even shout. And last but not least, never assume a driver sees you — make eye contact to make sure.
Learn more about visibility in our blog post Be Seen: Four Ways to Increase Your Visibility.
Final Tips
It’s a good idea to allow for extra time so you won’t be worried about running late. Stress can cause you to make poor judgment calls … and it’s super important to keep your cool.
Likewise, be sure to eat a nutritious meal and be well hydrated. Not having the appropriate “fuel in the tank” can also cause you to make poor judgment calls.
And finally, it’s not enough to be a safe, responsible bicycle commuter … be courteous as well. Communicate clearly and thoughtfully through hand signals, eye contact, and other means.
If you have a smile and positive vibes to spare, offer them up to other cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers out there. Let’s spread the joy of cycling throughout our community during this unprecedented and uncertain time. We’re all in this together!
Check out our Guide to Getting Around Town by Bike for even more tips to make your bike commute or errands easier and safer.
Other Epicenter Cycling blog posts you might be interested in:
Cycling During the COVID-19 Pandemic