Friends,
Like everyone recently, we’ve been focused on the ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic. It’s been a weird week… two weeks… month? What day is it?
We’ve collected a few resources below to help our members and community. Read on for ways to stay physically active, tips for staying spatially distant and where to find more information.
A few reminders from Bike Walk Savannah HQ:
- Our office remains closed to the public and all volunteer sessions are canceled. We have planned for this closure through April 13, but this may change based on local emergency orders. We will update when we have more information!
- Staff is working behind the scenes to ensure that bikes are available through our New Standard Cycles program for clients, but we will not be accepting donations of bikes, parts or accessories at this time.
- This pandemic has thrown a wrench in our plans (pun not completely intended) for spring events and programming. We’ll be making announcements soon regarding our usual event schedule, so stay tuned for exciting new plans for Bike Month events, education classes, and Matt’s Moon River Cruise.
We wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support. In the coming weeks and months, your memberships and donations will be all the more important to ensure that we can continue our work to make Savannah’s streets safe for all people — no matter their mode of transportation.
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay well, and please continue to take care of your community.
Much love from the Board and Staff of Bike Walk Savannah
What’s Happening Locally
According to the latest emergency declaration from Mayor Johnson and the City of Savannah, biking and walking are not only allowed but encouraged to maintain both physical and mental health. Just make sure to practice safe spacial distancing and keep at least 6 feet between you and individuals not in your household.
Bike shops are allowed to remain open to provide repair services, provided they adhere to social distancing guidelines wherever necessary. Many shops are on an appointment-only basis — please call ahead before you go. Visit savannahga.gov for more information on what businesses are allowed to remain open and the COVID-19 reponse.
Chatham Area Transit has modified their schedules and services in response to COVID-19. Fees have been waived and all individuals are asked to board at the back of the bus for the safety of the drivers. Capacity on each bus is reduced by 50%. For the latest information, visit catchacat.org.
There are many resources that provide updates on the Coronavirus, in the US and worldwide, and resources that provide tips on how to spend time outside in a safe manner. Listed below are credible articles and websites that you can use to stay updated and aware.
Ways to be physically active during COVID-19
Daily Walks — with or without a pet!
Building a routine is important when you’re self-isolating. And while dog owners may have a built-in walk scheduled, we’re taking a page out of their book! Going for a daily walk helps to reduce your anxiety, get some sun, increases your physical activity and helps build a schedule for your day. Just make sure you have enough room to leave 6 feet of space! RSVP to our Wednesday Walks on Facebook! And if you want a furry friend to play around with, now is a great time to foster or adopt an animal. Check out the Humane Society, Chatham County Animal Services, and One Love Animal Rescue.
“Social” Bike Rides
We miss going out on bike rides with y’all! Our last ride was the Mountainfilm on Tour Bike Ride, so we’re going through withdrawals. Our solution? Every Friday we will be releasing a new virtual bike ride route for you to check out, ranging from 3-20 miles. If you go on that week’s ride, share your pictures on social media and tag Bike Walk Savannah and #BikeWalkSAV, and it’ll be like we were there together!
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
One of the things we’re missing is that connection to our neighbors. We’ve noticed that quite a few neighborhoods are creating their own scavenger hunts or safari’s — our friend Kate in Baldwin Park even created a ribbon tree! Neighbors are organizing to display things like rainbows, stuffed zoo animals or teddy bears, drawings of four-leaf clovers, or neighborhood landmarks and encouraging families to get out and explore. Are you planning a spatially distant activity for your neighborhood? Send us a message at info@bikewalksavannah.org.
We always encourage biking as a mode of transportation, but a constant concern is how long it will take people to get to the grocery store, or how much they can carry, or the best route to get to school. We may not be physically entering these destinations, but what better time than now to figure out the best route? Get some physical activity while preparing for the future. View our map for route suggestions.
Take a Virtual Cycling Education Class
We’ll be releasing more details about our own virtual classes soon, but for right now our friends at the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition are offering a 6-week free virtual city cycling course! For more information visit atlantabike.org/virtualcitycycling.
The CDC is encouraging everyone to practice social distancing to combat the spread of COVID-19, and exploring the outdoors is a great way to spend time alone. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites encourages everyone to come spend some time outside. Whether you are a hiker, biker, photographer or fisher, there is something at the parks for everyone to enjoy. Click here for inspiration on how you can get outdoors and enjoy yourself!
Tips for outdoor physical activity during COVID-19
- On a sidewalk, trail or bike lane, do not gather in groups.
- Avoid playgrounds or other areas where groups may form.
- Keep 6 feet between you and others at all times.
- Leave any areas where you cannot maintain a 6-foot distance — you are responsible for your own personal safety.
- Carry water, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to further protect yourself.
- Do not touch your face.
- Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
- Wearing fabric face masks is encouraged — these masks help keep you from touching your face, help to avoid the spread of airborne illnesses, and also limit the amount of pollen you are breathing in (we know, it’s bad out there this week!)
- When you arrive home, immediately change your shoes and leave your outdoor shoes in a separate space. Showering is encouraged, and you should wash or change your clothes immediately.
- Stay home if you exhibit any symptoms of illness.
Coronavirus Websites and Articles
More Tips and Articles on Biking and Walking
- Flatten the Curve: Created by a public health expert, this website debunks common myths and illustrates the importance of taking action now.
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Joint Statement on Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Physical Distancing – National Recreation and Park Association
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During the COVID-19 crisis, should we keep away from others while walking? Prof says yes – The Star
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Is it safe to run, hike, bike, or walk outside in public? – Fox News
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Why not encourage cycling during the coronavirus lockdown? – The Guardian
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How to Ride Safely Right Now During Coronavirus Concerns – Bicycling
- Facing COVID-19: Deep Center Mutual Aid Toolkit
- H.E.R.O. Database: A database with Chatham County’s complete list of health resources.
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Also, check the League of American Bicyclists for updates.
