As any responsible organization should, CalBike completely supports the official order to maintain strict social distance in every occasion until health authorities lift the recommendation. It’s imperative to halt the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Solo bike riding for exercise or for essential travel is not prohibited by any official order, provided that you maintain social distance. As we noted earlier this week, we strongly encourage everyone to get on a bike and use it for essential travel and for exercise and recreation. Now more than ever, biking provides exercise that is good for your physical and mental health. Being out in the sun boosts your immune system and your mood. CalBike encourages bike riding with two important conditions.

First, CalBike recommends that organized group rides and club rides are cancelled.

Among friends and riding buddies it’s difficult to maintain social distance. This advice may change if health authorities relax the social distancing order, or if we develop specific guidelines for social distance bike rides. Social distance requirements do not apply to people with whom you’re isolating, so go for that family ride! The roads are particularly safe right now.

Second, CalBike recommends extra caution.

An injury requiring hospitalization will put unnecessary pressure on an already overtaxed health system. Now is not the time for testing your limits on your bike, but for more casual and safe rides. While less afflicted countries are encouraging cycling to give people an alternative to public transit, Italy and Spain have banned recreational bicycling because of the potential for injuries and the stress that can place on the health care system. We don’t want that to happen here so be careful.