City Cycling & COVID-19: What Are the Rules in Los Angeles
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Riding a bike was one of the best ways to get out and about in Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it still is. The best bikes for men and women, such as cruisers, hybrids, and Dutch-style bikes, are perfect for transportation and recreation anywhere in the city, from the Strand to inland trails.
This article describes the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidance that applied in 2020. Those pandemic rules have since been lifted, and the WHO ended the COVID-19 global health emergency in May 2023. Check current local public health guidance before you ride.
Wear a Mask in Crowded Areas
In 2020, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's guidance for individuals and households asked people to wear cloth face coverings when away from home and around other people.
Riders could choose from many mask designs, including athletic masks with adjustable ear straps and moisture-wicking materials. You may be more eager to wear a design that matches the color of a women’s beach cruiser.
Cyclists were advised to keep a mask handy. On quiet stretches with no one nearby, riders could go without one, then put it on before approaching crowded areas to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is safest to slow to a stop before putting on a mask.
Today, the CDC says wearing a mask and keeping distance can help lower the risk of COVID-19 spread. That can still make sense in crowds if you are sick or at high risk.
Try To Maintain a 6-Foot Distance
The 2020 Los Angeles guidance also asked everyone to practice physical distancing. That meant leaving six feet between yourself and anyone not in your household or cycling group.
On some paths or trails, this required pacing yourself or taking care when passing. In places where six feet of distance wasn't possible, everyone present was asked to wear masks.
Keeping distance is harder in crowded urban areas and on narrow paths. Wearing a mask on those rides, or riding when there is less bike and pedestrian traffic, helped reduce close contact.
Take Rides At Less Busy Times
Riding at quieter times is one of the easiest ways to reduce contact with other cyclists and pedestrians. Keep in mind that other riders may have the same idea, especially on popular paths.
Cycling grew in popularity in many cities during the pandemic as people looked for safe ways to exercise outdoors. More riders meant more congestion on paths, roads and trails, so planning quieter routes and times helped.
HP Thoughts: COVID-19 affected all facets of life around the world but as the pandemic started to ease up, many people went out again and continued living as normally as they could without contracting the disease. In the USA, most people enjoyed the outdoors again while others around the globe went on with their lives happily. What does this mean to the rest of us? Read our article to find out: Fighting The Coronavirus.
