Riding a bike is one of the best ways to get out and about in Los Angeles during the new coronavirus. 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. No matter where you decide to ride, it is helpful to stay apprised of the Los Angeles Department of Public Health guidelines.
Wear a Mask in Crowded Areas
In the most recently published Guidance for Individuals and Households, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health recommends wearing cloth face coverings at all times when away from home and around other people. Choose from a wide variety of mask designs, including athletic masks with adjustable ear straps and nose pieces made out of odor-resistant, moisture-wicking materials. You may be more eager to wear a design that matches the color of a women’s beach cruiser.
Cyclists should keep a mask readily accessible at all times. It may be possible to ride in some locations without coming into close proximity to many other cyclists or pedestrians, in which case you have the option not to wear a mask. You should put a mask on before approaching crowded areas to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus. You may need to slow to a stop in order to safely put on a mask.
Try To Maintain a 6-Foot Distance
Los Angeles Department of Health Guidelines recommends that every person practice physical or social distancing. Leave at six feet of distance between yourself and anyone not in your household or cycling group. On some paths or trails, this may require pacing or exercising care when passing.
In places where it is not possible to maintain six feet of distance, everyone present should wear masks. Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to keep six feet of distance between yourself and others when riding through crowded urban areas or on narrow paths or trails. You may want to wear a mask on these types of excursions or try riding at times with less bike and pedestrian traffic.
Take Rides At Less Busy Times
One of the best ways to reduce contact with other cyclists and pedestrians is to ride at times that are less busy. In some cases, it may be possible to go to locations at times when it is not necessary to wear a mask during your ride. You should consider the fact that other cyclists may have the same idea, particularly regarding popular paths, and bring a mask just in case.
A leading fitness application released data indicating that biking in Los Angeles was up 93% in May 2020 over levels during the same month in 2019. This increase in the number of cyclists on paths, roads, and trails may result in increased bike traffic and congestion. It is a good idea to put on a mask when riding in locations where it is not possible to maintain at least six feet of distance from pedestrians and other cyclists.
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.
