Bike share and car share remain options for essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic and the State of Washington’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
On Monday, March 23, Governor Inslee announced a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order to require Washingtonians to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
We expect all Seattleites to follow this order and Public Health Seattle King County social distancing guidance to protect themselves and our community.
People need reliable transportation to get to essential work duties and essential services.
Car share and bike share are part of our transportation services and are considered essential business. Especially with the reductions in transit service, people require options to get their groceries, go to work, and do other essential activities.
You can still use car share and bike share during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
First and foremost: If you are feeling sick, please stay home or contact your health care professional.
If you’re feeling healthy and need a ride, we currently have one bike share and one car share company operating in Seattle. Both are stepping up to their sanitation practices to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
JUMP bike bike share is disinfecting handlebars, seats, seat adjustment levers, and screens every time the bikes are rebalanced, serviced, or battery swapped.
Jump is also offering free 30-minute bike share rides to all essential workers at least through the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Hospitals, grocery stores, and all other essential businesses can reach out to Jump directly at SeattleSupport@Jump.com to receive codes that their essential employees can use for free 30-minute rides.
We will also be working with Jump to make sure there is available bike parking near these essential businesses during the crisis, adding temporary bike corrals where it might be most needed.
Zipcar car share is cleaning vehicles and using antiviral and antimicrobial solutions to disinfect steering wheels, door handles, keys, gear shifts, and other high touch areas. They’re also promoting healthy hygiene and safety practices for their team that works behind the scenes to care for their vehicles.
The companies cannot guarantee that every car and bike will be disinfected between every use.
We ask that all users help keep our community healthy by washing their hands before and after each use and disinfecting the handlebar or steering wheel if possible. Remember to stay six feet away from others and always wear a helmet while riding a bike.
Visit Public Health Seattle King County for more information about slowing the spread of COVID-19. This is a challenging time for everyone in our city, and we will get through together.