I’m a cyclist. Not a race-winning, super fast, well-known cyclist, but an average-pace, somewhat normal human being that loves to ride a bike. In fact, I love to ride so much, I’m planning to ride the Southern Tier in September this year. I need to practice a lot to be ready for this challenge. Like other cyclists, I just want to ride my bike. I want to ride during this COVID-19 crisis while doing what’s right and being respectful to my community. By community, I’m not just talking about fellow cyclists, I’m talking about friends, family, and everyone in my local community.

I realize there are people all over the spectrum of “this is real and I’m freaked out” to “this is stupid and it’s not a big deal.” No matter what you believe, there are healthy ways to ride in these unprecedented, chaotic times. The list below is a combination of research I’ve done, social posts I’ve seen, and experience from riding. I’d like to start with the spectrum. Where are you?

I’m probably about a 7, and I’m trying to be respectful of the 9-10s.

No matter where you are on the spectrum, here are some cycling tips that are relatively easy to do and beneficial to our communities.

Ride solo.

I’m enjoying my solo rides. This is a time for me to unwind, think, and get some fresh air. In training for my Southern Tier ride (3,055 miles in 40 days), I’m doing my own training regimen and just enjoying the peace and solitude for a change. I miss my group ride friends, but we’ll be back together again at some point. And, shelter-in-place allows for solo riding.

Respect others.

Respecting people, laws, club rules (if you’re part of a cycling club), and other’s beliefs that are not the same as yours is important in a time like this. This is really just being mindful of others and doing your part to help in a sucky situation we’re all in together, whether you like it or not. None of us had a choice in this, but we do have choices on how we respond to it.

Small group rides.

Notice I did not say, “no group rides.” A group is two or more people. If you and your partner both ride, of course, ride together. If you have a few close friends that you trust and they’re practicing social distancing, ride with them spaced for social distancing. I’d keep the small ones to 4 people or less. Again, this is based on my own experience. Distancing has to be intentional on small rides. These ones I’ve done are at a social pace which makes it much easier to keep your distance. For accountability and encouragement, do a ride with someone where you’re far apart, but within eye-sight of the other person. Again, not being legalistic here, but respectful.

Use trail etiquette.

Paved trails are great if you have them. My experience lately is that everyone (with the exception on one crazy girl who stopped running in an intersection next to a pole, blocking the trail) is doing their part. Walkers and joggers move to the side of the trail or get off completely. Turning your head away from people you’re passing or covering your face is nice. Social distancing is pretty easy to do on the trail and doing so makes it easier for all of us to share our common spaces in a healthy way.

Use a trainer.

If you have a bike trainer and Zwift, now is a good time to use those. Disclaimer: I tried a trainer, and I really din’t care for it, so I chose to purchase cold weather and rain gear.

Compete online. 

Many of us are very competitive. If you are, set up segments. Do time trials. Join challenges. Compete with your friends on Strava. Create challenges. Go out and try to beat those KOMs/QOMs.

Keep your bodily fluids to yourself.

Yes, it’s gross, but it needs to be said. Cyclists do things while cycling that we would never consider doing otherwise. Snotters and spitters (yes, Mike Spitters included) need to stop doing these things when anywhere close to people. Also, if you’ve not considered getting a Buff, now is a great time. Buffs are magical. You can pull it up over your face when passing people or to cover your face is you’re sneezing or coughing. No, they don’t prevent the spread, but they do help.

No stunts.

When riding my mountain bike, I’m always tempted to do things that are fun, yet things where I know I could get hurt. Riding down stairs, technical trail features, jumping stuff, and the list goes on. We do not want to end up in the hospital right now. Not only would that expose you to more sick people, you may be taking up a bed that is truly needed to save someone’s life.

Carry supplies.

I know we want to keep our bikes lightweight, but during this time, consider carrying a little more than normal. Extra water bottles, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, snacks. Less stops and you won’t have to touch anything, but if you do, you’re prepared. 

Check your bike bag.

Do you have everything you need if your bike breaks down? And do you know how to use it? Laugh if you will, but there was a time I didn’t know some of the basic things and I just thought someone on the group ride will know and help. Having a SAG on standby doesn’t hurt either. This is a great time to support your local bike shops and order supplies online.

Be visible.

Use lights even during the day. Wear bright colors. Riding on the streets is nice right now because there’s minimal traffic, but you’re not as visible riding solo as you are when in a group. Unfortunately, there are still distracted drivers even though there are less of them. Like a COVID-19 infected person, it only takes one to create a bad situation for someone else.

Join a local cycling club.

Even if you’re a casual rider that does not group ride, your local club can provide a lot of good info for safe cycling. And when this Coronavirus stuff is over, you could join a novice ride and join our cult … I mean, club. Haha, that one is for my kids.

Keep riding.

Exercise plays a huge role in staying healthy, so keep riding and working out when you can. I’m part of the work-from-home group right now. I was IMing with a co-worker and she runs during her lunch breaks. I’ve been riding during mine about 3 days a week. Take advantage of whatever your situation is. I have a friend that works in a grocery store. Riding is her sanity and personal time right now. She’s doing many rides on her trainer and solo neighborhood rides.

There are probably many more things we could be doing. Do you have ideas? Please share them!

Please be safe and ride respectfully.