Yes, a lot of people bike year-round in Seattle, but for those of us who don’t regularly brave the rain on bike, May often marks the beginning of bike season.
May is historically #BikeMonth. In light the COVID-19 pandemic, bike month in Seattle looks a little different this year. Some bike month events have been re-imagined and postponed to later in the summer, and we’re encouraging people to bike locally as they stay close to home and essential services.
Tips to stay safe this bike season
- Bike locally – use bike trails, greenways, and Stay Healthy Streets in your area. Interested in getting fresh produce at a farmer’s market? See if your neighborhood farmer’s market has reopened and bike there. Looking for take-out? Check out the #SupportPugetSoundSmallBiz map and support a nearby restaurant.
- Maintain physical distance – On bike, just like on foot, you should keep 6 feet between yourself and others. When passing someone, make sure you give them a friendly heads-up and leave plenty of space.
- Follow rules of the road – If you’re riding a bike on the street, you’re required to follow the same rules of the road as when you’re driving a car:
- Stop at red lights and stop signs
- Signal when you’re turning
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
- If riding on sidewalks, ride slowly and yield to pedestrians
- Wear a helmet – Our hospitals are busy enough. Protect your noggin and always wear a helmet.
- Don’t spit, just don’t do it – It shouldn’t be a surprise that just like coughing and sneezing, spitting also spreads germs, including the COVID-19 coronavirus. Even if you think you’re healthy, please keep those germs to yourself.
- Bring a face mask – If you’re biking to a store, farmers market, restaurant for take-out, or anywhere else you may encounter others, make sure you have a face mask. As of this week, people in Seattle and King County are directed to wear face coverings in most public settings.
Even though there wasn’t a bike to work day this month to motivate you to give your bike a tune-up and take those first rides of the season, you should still do it!
Are you an essential employee who is still commuting to work (thank you!)?
See if biking fits into your commute. Check out our bike map to help plan your route.
Are you working from home?
Biking door to door may look different nowadays – perhaps it is pre-work bike ride through your neighborhood to get your creative juices flowing for the day or a mid-day bike break over lunch.
Do you have kids at home?
See if there is a new Stay Healthy Street in your neighborhood. Stay Healthy Streets are closed to thru-traffic and open to people biking, walking, running, and rolling in the street so people can maintain physical distance. They’re great for teaching kids how to ride a bike and fun for all ages.
Are you new to riding bikes in Seattle?
Seattle has 196 miles total of bike lanes, trails, and neighborhood greenways. Now is a great time to get comfortable on your bike – especially since traffic is down on many streets. Bike to your grocery store or other essential errands, or to get fresh air in your neighborhood.