Riding bikes during COVID-19 outbreak

Jul 19, 2020
ByBicycle Colorado

Everything you need to know about riding your bike during the COVID outbreak

This article will be updated regularly with more resources and information.

If you have resources you’d like to share, or if you are in need of support in your community, please send an email to Jack Todd, Senior Communications and Policy Manager, at jack@bicyclecolorado.org.

Jump to:

Intro
COVID 101
How to avoid infection
Recommendations for riding your bike
Recommendations for visiting bike shops (and keeping employees safe)
What we’ve heard from communities, events, and Bicycle Colorado supporters
What to do if you think you are sick
Conclusion

Updated 7-21-2020

During this very difficult moment in time, we’ve been thinking a lot about our 28 years spent fighting for safer and more accessible riding at Bicycle Colorado. Like most organizations, our work has changed over the past few weeks⁠—we are developing contingency plans and exploring ways to be good partners and neighbors during this ever-changing crisis.

We have also been thinking a lot about how lucky we are to live in a place that is so conducive to riding our bikes. With our amazing climate, stunning scenery and a culture that values and encourages taking advantage of the outdoors, it can be easy to take the opportunities that bicycling offers for granted.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has injected an air of the unknown into our society of late, it’s also served as a reminder for us of the many benefits of bicycling. Bicycling connects people, it improves our health and the health of our neighbors, it reduces our stress levels in times of uncertainty like our current moment, and it allows us to see the world in new and unexpected ways.

Bikes make communities more resilient in the face of the unexpected.

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to develop and change the way we work, educate and interact with our friends, family and coworkers, it’s our hope that you’ll continue to get out and ride your bikes to make your community as resilient as possible. But we also hope you’ll do so safely and with your fellow community members in mind.

As a disclaimer, we are not medical professionals at Bicycle Colorado. The content below is inspired by conversations we’ve had with members of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), doctors for USA Cycling, statements from the Governor’s Office and Colorado Department of Tourism, bike shop owners and employees, other individuals and extensive research.

Here’s what we’ve learned, and what we think you should know, about riding your bike during the COVID outbreak

Let’s start with the basics of the virus

COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus for which there is no known cure or vaccine at this time. It’s likely that most of us have had some form of the coronavirus at some time in our lives—it typically presents as a common cold with minor respiratory symptoms. Like many viruses, COVID-19 is spread through contact and “droplet transmission,” and research indicates that it can survive as long as three days on plastic, glass or metal surfaces.

What makes COVID-19 unique?

While most coronavirus strains present with mild symptoms, COVID-19 can lead to far more severe symptoms in some individuals, and especially in older adults and those with underlying immune conditions (take diabetics, for example).The most common symptoms are fever and dry cough. Very few people with COVID-19 will have a runny or stuffy nose.
No one is known to be immune to this strain of the virus at this time.
It has a long asymptomatic period, usually around 5 days but up to 12 days, where individuals who have come into contact with the virus are unaware they may have it, show no symptoms and still be contagious.
It is highly contagious if steps aren’t taken to prevent its transmission. While individuals with illnesses like the flu are expected to infect an average of 1.3 other individuals (this is called the Reproduction Number, or r-naught), people carrying COVID-19 are expected to infect 2.2-2.5 others unless steps are taken to mitigate the spread.
The virus attaches to cells in the lungs, heart and intestines, but it is most severe in lung cells and can lead to pneumonia in even mild cases.

There are simple steps that everyone can take to make sure they are not spreading the virus, or contracting it themselves. If you’ve heard the term “social distancing” lately, and it’s a safe bet that you have, this is what it’s all about (please note, this list is not exhaustive, but it’s a good starting place):

Reports suggest the virus may be able to spread in the air. Best practice is to wear masks in public to protect yourself and others.
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds after touching any surfaces you don’t know to be sterile. Our friends at the League of American Bicyclists recommend singing this song while washing your hands to keep track of time.
- Hand sanitizer also works well but, as this article from VOX shows, “soap is dope” when it comes to eliminating viruses.

Don’t touch your face unless you know you have clean
hands!
Cover coughs and sneezes with a
tissue (and then throw that tissue in the trash) or your elbow or shoulder.
If your employer allows, work from
home to avoid unnecessary interaction with other individuals.
Avoid public areas as much as
possible.
- Keep at least a 6 foot distance from others
  when out in public areas.
Stay home if you think you’re sick or
starting to feel sick.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
Do your best not to interact with people who
have had—or even may have had—contact with others who may be contaminated. As a general rule,
unless you know a person very well (and know where they’ve been and who they’ve been in touch with over the
past 14 days), it’s in your best interest not to risk spending time with them right now. Hello, video chat! This is what social
distancing is all about, and it’s not just for you: when you take steps to social distance, you are also
protecting the older adults and other at-risk individuals you interact with and care about.

You can find CDPHE’s official COVID-19
recommendationshere. One note that stands out in
particular is the following (emphasis added):

“Recognize signs of stress in yourself. Identify what you
are afraid of. Figure out if what you fear is something that you can address right now. If not, know
what activities help you release energy from stress and fear, such as physical activity, listening to music, or talking with someone you trust. Do something that
puts you in a positive mood.”

At times like these, it’s important to remember that taking care of our mental health
is as important as taking care of our physical health.

Don’t touch your face unless you know you have clean
hands!
Cover coughs and sneezes with a
tissue (and then throw that tissue in the trash) or your elbow or shoulder.
If your employer allows, work from
home to avoid unnecessary interaction with other individuals.
Avoid public areas as much as
possible.
- Keep at least a 6 foot distance from others
  when out in public areas.
Stay home if you think you’re sick or
starting to feel sick.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
Do your best not to interact with people who
have had—or even may have had—contact with others who may be contaminated. As a general rule,
unless you know a person very well (and know where they’ve been and who they’ve been in touch with over the
past 14 days), it’s in your best interest not to risk spending time with them right now. Hello, video chat! This is what social
distancing is all about, and it’s not just for you: when you take steps to social distance, you are also
protecting the older adults and other at-risk individuals you interact with and care about.

You can find CDPHE’s official COVID-19 recommendations
here. One note that stands out in particular is the
following (emphasis added):

At times like these, it’s important to remember that taking care of our mental health
is as important as taking care of our physical health.

So, what does this have to do with riding a bike?

As Governor Polis recently noted, riding your bike is a great way to stay healthy—physically and mentally—while living in a socially-distanced world. Health experts from around the country strike the same tone, and citizens have been taking advantage of the benefits around the country.

In a USA Cycling conference call with bicyclists and bicycling event organizers on March 17, 2020, Dr. Michael Roshon noted that riding bikes also carries little risk of contamination or infection. For bicyclists, Roshon notes that you are very unlikely to contract COVID-19 while riding outside, and especially not while riding by yourself. His recommendations include:

First and foremost: if you think you’ve been exposed, self-quarantine. Including being outdoors. Do not ride outside.
Maintain a minimum of six feet of distance when riding around others.
- Do not go for group rides with people who live outside of your household. Only ride with people you are already staying at home with and, when passing someone else on the road or trail, leave as much space as you can to ensure you are adhering to social distancing best practices.
If you are going for a bike ride, ride from your place of residence.
- Governor Polis issued new guidance on May 25 that allows Coloradans to “Travel to within their local community or as necessary to access outdoor recreation areas.” The amendment continues, “If travelling outside their community, Coloradans are urged to honor all restrictions in place at their destination and avoid travel to counties or municipalities that issue travel restrictions.” This means that you may put your bike on your car to go for a ride elsewhere, but at Bicycle Colorado we still encourage you to ride from your place of residence whenever possible to limit spread to or outside of your community.
Wear a mask, buff or other face covering while riding to protect yourself and others, regardless of your age and health.
Practice good hand hygiene at all times.
Get your sleep! Your immune system is stronger when you practice healthy sleep habits. Roshon recommends 8-9 hours.
Eat healthily. Now is not the time to fast; fasting hinders your immune system.
Exercise!
- But keep in mind that it’s important not to overdo it. When you push yourself too hard, you can limit your immune system’s response to a virus.
Do not spit or snot-rocket on rides or around other people walking or biking. Carrying a kerchief or bandana in your pocket is a good alternative that will mitigate the risk of any spread.
- If you have to do so and don’t have bandana or kerchief, make sure no one else is around you. Check out this article from Bicycling Magazine which dives deeper into the topic.
If you’re in a shelter-in-place or stay-at-home area that prohibits you from riding your bike, it’s important to heed those rules and stay home. Don’t put yourself or your loved ones at risk because you want to go for a ride. For a list of communities with shelter-in-place orders, scroll down to the “What We’re Hearing” section.
Finally, don’t ride risky. This is an especially bad time to be in a bike crash. You don’t want to go to the hospital right now, and doctors don’t want to see you unless they need to, so taking reasonable precautions while riding is especially important right now.

The prevailing wisdom at this point of the COVID-19 outbreak is that this is likely to last a few months at least. Many organized rides have been postponed or canceled all together, with additional decisions still to be made by local communities and events. We will keep our Events Calendar up-to-date with any information we hear.

Interested in taking your bike commuting to the next level?
Check out our recent post on bike commuting!

And what about getting my bike fixed or repaired?

Now that bike repair is considered an essential service in Colorado’s statewide stay-at-home order, you can still support your local bike shop by visiting for fixes and repairs. If and when you visit a bike shop, it’s incredibly important that you take precautions not to endanger bike shop employees. If you plan to visit a bike shop, do so only when necessary and make sure you are taking all steps to keep yourself and shop employees from catching the virus, including all the steps listed above.

Additionally, many of the bike shops we have spoken with have taken quick steps and precautions that have changed the way they are doing business. Many shops are services bikes by appointment only, and some are diagnosing mechanical problems over the phone before customers can bring their bikes to the shop.

It is best to call your local bike shop ahead of your visit to ensure that they are open and ready to take your bike in for service.

Additional precautions that we’ve heard bike shops are taking include:

Diagnosing as many problems as possible over the phone or by having customers text a photo of their bike to the shop and providing a service quote over the phone or text.
Having people wait outside of the shop if they are checking in a bike, especially when customers bring kids (one shop told us, “Normally it’s great that kids touch everything when they’re in the shop, just not right now”).
Spraying every bike that comes in with isopropyl alcohol to ensure it is sanitary, but asking customers to bring clean bikes to the shop.
Limit number of people in the shop.
Limiting retail service to bike purchases only (not accessories).

At any time, and especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to listen to your bike mechanics and ensure you’re keeping them safe. If you are allowed in a shop, make sure you are still practicing social distancing best practices when inside. If you aren’t allowed in shop, please respect your mechanics’ wishes and the precautions they are taking. Also recognize the extra times that these precautions take. The bike shops we’ve heard from so far are as busy as they’ve ever been ensuring that you can ride safely. Add to that the time it takes to clean and sanitize the bikes and tools, and you’ve got some hard-working mechanics. Be sure to give them an extra thanks!

We hope you’ll go out and support your local bike shop when necessary. If you can throw an extra tip in for your mechanics when you visit, we’re sure they’d appreciate that, too!

What we’ve heard from local riding clubs, organizations, events and local governments

Here are links to what we’ve heard from local clubs, organizations, events and local governements about how COVID-19 is impacting their work. If you want to share additional announcements, please send an email to Jack at jack@bicyclecolorado.org.

Shelter-in-place, Stay-at-home and Safer-at-home orders

Colorado:

Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties

Events and Event Organizers

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many rides and races of 2020 have been canceled, postponed or switched to a virtual format. See below for updates on event cancelations and scheduling changes.

Still on for original date (keep an eye out for updates!)

Mountain Experience Challenge—held successfully in June!
Colorado Park 2 Park Challenge—July 25
Stonewall Century Ride—August 8
Venus de Miles—August 29. Also held as virtual ride the same day!
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Hill Climb—August 8
Steamboat Springs Stage Race—September 5 – September 7
Pikes Peak APEX presented by RockShox—September 24 – September 27
VeloSwap—November 7, 2020**

Virtual

Ride4Success—successfully held virtually as the RollOut4Success in June!
Pedaling 4 Parkinson’s—successfully held virtually in June!
Bike MS: Colorado—successfully held virtually in June!
The Tour de Steamboat presented by Shimano—Happening now through August 2
Colorado CF Cycle for Life—Happening now through August 15
Tour de Victory—July 26 – July 31
Emerald Mountain Epic (in support of our advocacy friends, the Routt County Riders)—August 8-23
Mountains to Desert—September 1 – September 26
Pedal 4 Possible—September 19 – September 26

Postponed

Gran Fondo Moab—September 6
Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride—September 12**
Beti Bike Bash—September 20
Steamboat Roubaix—Keep an eye out for updates – no new date set yet!

Canceled

** Indicates a Champion Event Member of Bicycle Colorado

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick

Follow the steps below: If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow the steps below to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care

Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation

Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more information is known.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick with COVID-19. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live in the home should stay in a different room. When caregivers enter the room of the sick person, they should wear a facemask. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean your hands often

Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option, especially if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing personal household items

Do not share: Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

Clean high-touch surfaces in your isolation area (“sick room” and bathroom) every day; let a caregiver clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in other areas of the home.

Clean and disinfect: Routinely clean high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom and bathroom.
- If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.

High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
Household cleaners and disinfectants: Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
- Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Many also recommend precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
  - Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. A full list of disinfectants can be found here.

Monitor your symptoms

Seek medical attention, but call first: Seek medical care right away if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing).
- Call your doctor before going in: Before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do.
Wear a facemask: If possible, put on a facemask before you enter the building. If you can’t put on a facemask, try to keep a safe distance from other people (at least 6 feet away). This will help protect the people in the office or waiting room.
Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department: Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the operator that you have or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before medical help arrives.

How to discontinue home isolation

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
- If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
  - You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

- - other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

- - at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
- If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
  - You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

- - other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

- - you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.
In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.
More information is available here.

In short, Bicycle Colorado recommends:

First and foremost, follow all expert public health advice to help keep fellow Coloradans safe during this pandemic.
Ride a bike! As long as your community doesn’t have a “shelter-in-place” restriction, get out there with your family or for solo rides!
Stay positive and healthy. Together, we’ll come out of this pandemic stronger. Bikes will help.

Thank you for all of your support of Bicycle Colorado. We appreciate you.

Your membership makes resources like this possible

Join or renew today.

About the Author: Bicycle Colorado

Bicycle Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Denver. We use advocacy, education and passion to make Colorado one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. We encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions and provide a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado. With the support of our members and numerous partnerships across the public and private sector, we’ve made significant strides in improving bicycling since 1992.

COMMENTS (31)

Geoffrey Jones March 26, 2020 at 5:41 am - Reply

Can a bicycle or motorcycle rider catch Covid-19 through airborne contact?

Jack Todd March 26, 2020 at 8:18 am - Reply

Doctors with USA Cycling have told us that that is extremely unlikely, especially if riders are taking proper social distancing precautions.

Max Barclay May 14, 2020 at 9:34 am - Reply

Hi Jack,
Max from South Okanagan E Bike safaris just north of your border. I had seen some reports out of the UK that Joggers should be given more distance, 3x .
Thanks for writing this its excellent and informative, we hope to open with caution in June and are putting guidelines together.Max

Jack Todd May 15, 2020 at 9:42 am - Reply

Hi Max! Thanks for reaching out, and hello from across the border!

I think you’re referring to the study out of Belgium that went viral in mid-March that his since seen some pretty intense scrutiny. You can take a look at some of the concerns with the study by reading this excellent article from Vice.

Questions about the study validity aside, we’re recommending leaving as much space as possible when out riding, and six feet at the very minimum. It’s our opinion that there’s no harm in taking an abundance of caution.

We’re also recommending that all bicyclists wear a mask when out for a ride to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community. Using shared bikes like you do, having a lot of hand sanitizer is also a good practice.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to reach out to me at jack@bicyclecolorado.org if you want to connect further.

Freida March 28, 2020 at 7:06 am - Reply

Is it safe to be breathing outside air without a mask on during this unfortunate outbreak?
Thank you

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy March 30, 2020 at 9:05 am - Reply

COVID-19 is spread primarily through respiratory droplets, like what’s left in the air after someone coughs, sneezes or talks. They’re heavier than air so they don’t remain suspended for very long in the air. Scientists have encouraged folks who feel ill or know they have been exposed to wear a mask to prevent spreading to other people, but say that people who are well don’t need to wear a mask, just keep at least a six-foot distance from other people and practice social distancing.

Spencer March 30, 2020 at 12:48 pm - Reply

I like many others out there. Keep their bikes in their apartments. With that. Is it able to stay on tires and come into your home with out cleaning your tires?

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy March 30, 2020 at 4:10 pm - Reply

A virus needs a living host in order to spread or multiply so it won’t spread across your floor on its own. Bringing your bike inside is probably okay as long as you’re washing your hands before and definitely after handling it. The key, as far as we’ve read, is being diligent about not touching one’s face and also washing hands after riding or working on your bike, which is good practice anytime but especially now.

Donald Schmertz April 1, 2020 at 7:34 am - Reply

Would Bicycle Colorado recommend that group rides be unwise.

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy April 1, 2020 at 8:23 am - Reply

Yes. USA Cycling has recommended races and other gatherings, such as group rides, be canceled or postponed. The state stay-at-home order prohibits gatherings of any number of people unless they all live in the same residence. This reduces risk of exposure or transmission between individuals and households.

Ken Jessett April 6, 2020 at 8:48 am - Reply

“If you are going for a bike ride, ride from your place of residence.” Do not put your bike on your car or leave your community to ride.”

I fail to see the purpose of this, explanation please!

Jack Todd April 6, 2020 at 11:44 am - Reply

Hi Ken,

Communities around the state are discouraging people from traveling outside the boundaries of those cities, towns and counties in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Additionally, we’ve heard and seen just how crowded trailheads are these days. With people getting out and recreating more than ever on our trail systems, it’s very important not to overcrowd trailheads where the virus could easily spread.

We want to encourage our readers to take proactive steps not to spread the virus, and the quote you reference is an effort to do that.

Thanks for reading! Please feel free to reach out to me at jack@bicyclecolorado.org if you have additional questions.

Ken Jessett April 6, 2020 at 12:18 pm - Reply

The local hike/bike trail on Sunday was so crowded with former mall shufflers (malls are closed) that it was like a Petri dish swimming with live virus germs; best to drive and ride than ride in such a soup.

Leslie Jagoda April 15, 2020 at 9:26 am - Reply

So this article is circulating makes you think we need a lot more space than 6 ft. Can you comment?

Belgian-Dutch Study: Why in times of COVID-19 you can not walk/run/bike close to each other.

Jurgen Thoelen
Apr 7 · 3 min read

What is a safe distance when running, biking and walking during COVID-19 times? It is further than the typical 1–2 meter as prescribed in different countries!
In a lot of countries walking, biking and jogging are welcome activities in these times of COVID-19. However, it is important to note that you need to avoid each other’s slipstream when doing these activities. This comes out of the result of a study by the KU Leuven (Belgium) and TU Eindhoven (Netherlands). (1)(2)(3)
The typical social distancing rule which many countries apply between 1–2 meters seems effective when you are standing still inside or even outside with low wind. But when you go for a walk, run or bike ride you better be more careful. When someone during a run breathes, sneezes or coughs, those particles stay behind in the air. The person running behind you in the so-called slip-stream goes through this cloud of droplets.
The researchers came to this conclusion by simulating the occurrence of saliva particles of persons during movement (walking and running) and this from different positions (next to each other, diagonally behind each other and directly behind each other). Normally this type of modelling is used to improve the performance level of athletes as staying in each other air-stream is very effective. But when looking at COVID-19 the recommendation is to stay out of the slipstream according to the research.
The results of the test are made visible in a number of animations and visuals. The cloud of droplets left behind by a person is clearly visible. “People who sneeze or cough spread droplets with a bigger force, but also people who just breathe will leave particles behind”. The red dots on the image represent the biggest particles. These create the highest chance of contamination but also fall down faster. “But when running through that cloud they still can land on your clothing” according to Professor Bert Blocken.

Out of the simulations, it appears that social distancing plays less of a role for 2 people in a low wind environment when running/walking next to each other. The droplets land behind the duo. When you are positioned diagonally behind each other the risk is also smaller to catch the droplets of the lead runner. The risk of contamination is the biggest when people are just behind each other, in each other’s slipstream.
On the basis of these results the scientist advises that for walking the distance of people moving in the same direction in 1 line should be at least 4–5 meter, for running and slow biking it should be 10 meters and for hard biking at least 20 meters. Also, when passing someone it is advised to already be in different lane at a considerable distance e.g. 20 meters for biking.
This is definitely information I will be taking into account and it also puts in perspective the closing of busy parks etc. Perhaps the better way is just running in the street, on your own or at least with sufficient distance. Stay safe

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy April 15, 2020 at 10:12 am - Reply

Thanks for sharing, Leslie. There’s conflicting information about the study’s validity, as Vice explains in this article https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/v74az9/the-viral-study-about-runners-spreading-coronavirus-is-not-actually-a-study. Given the uncertainty either way, we’re recommending giving six feet of space at a minimum, but giving as much space as is possible. We recommend riding at less popular hours and only from your home. If you are comfortable riding on less crowded streets, we encourage you to do that as well. Feel free to reach out to me via email at aishwarya@bicyclecolorado.org if you have further questions!

Lindsey April 15, 2020 at 6:18 pm - Reply

Can you post which streets have been closed for walking/biking?

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy April 16, 2020 at 8:10 am - Reply

The City and County of Denver has an updated list here in that grey pop-up box with the green sidebar and title text. https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info/parking-enforcement-during-covid-19.html

Tristen May 8, 2020 at 11:08 am - Reply

I need some clarification. I had a friend on a bike, who was stopped by an officer. He was asked to see his license to proove that he was no further than 10 miles from his place of residence. I have head nothing about an approximation of distance you can be from your home when riding? He was told that if he was further than 10 miles, he needed proof that his bike was means for transportation to his “essential job”. Is this now the new rules? I can’t find this anywhere…

Jack Todd May 8, 2020 at 2:31 pm - Reply

Hi Tristen,

Thanks for your comment, and sorry that this happened to your friend. You can find the most recent safer-at-home text here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hbAJMZKY5yH4HFejT27IWnbO6Dodm6m5/view

There isn’t anything in it that explicitly states he must have been riding within 10 miles of his home, though that is what the state (and us at Bicycle Colorado) is encouraging. Section I-H reads: “Individuals may participate in local and personal recreation in outside public spaces, as an authorized Necessary Activity, in groups no larger than 10 and practicing social distancing maintaining 6 feet between participants. Travel for recreational purposes should be limited to your own community like your county of residence or traveling no more than about 10 miles.”

Again, we think bicyclists should be abiding by these guidelines, but it doesn’t say anywhere that bicyclists must do this or be subject to being pulled over. Nor does it mandate anywhere that anyone bring their proof of ID at all times to verify their residence.

However, the order does give a lot of leeway to local law enforcement. Section VI reads: “This Order will be enforced by all appropriate legal means. Local authorities are encouraged to determine the best course of action to encourage maximum compliance. Failure to comply with this order could result in penalties, including jail time, and fines, and may also be subject to discipline on a professional license based upon the applicable practice act.”

I don’t know where this happened to your friend, but it’s possible that local law enforcement could have determined this as the best course of action for your friend’s community. That would have to be researched locally. We have not heard of any local agencies being so strict about enforcement, so this would be news to us.

Please let me know if I can answer anything else. I hope this is helpful.

Charlie May 13, 2020 at 4:47 pm - Reply

I do not see how you can stop passing the virus when a positive person on a bike on a bike trail passes a pedestrian or another rider

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy May 14, 2020 at 9:36 am - Reply

Hi Charlie! According to what we’ve read, as long as a bicyclist isn’t coughing or sneezing or spitting as they pass another trail user, the person being passed is not likely to come into contact with a load of virus big enough to do any harm.

We encourage bicyclists and other folks moving near others to use masks because it reduces the risk of transmission even more. In addition, we’re encouraging leaving as much space as possible given the trail conditions, and a minimum of 6 feet of separation at all times.

We’re also asking all bicyclists to exercise extra caution and not ride outside of their limits right now to prevent unnecessary injuries/hospital visits which can take up valuable space in a hospital and lead to more risk of exposure.

Lawrence Robertson February 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm - Reply

What is happening with organized rides this summer. Will they occur

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy March 1, 2021 at 11:24 am - Reply

Hi Lawrence! Each ride is different, but there are a number lined up to take place this summer with certain safety protocols. We are updating our Events page as we hear from different events, and ride websites will give details, too.

Martin Alva October 14, 2021 at 3:56 am - Reply

Very informative article! Due to covid, It’s very important to taking precautions while bike riding. I appreciate your ideas and will sent you soon. Thanks for posting!

Wicked Stock February 21, 2022 at 4:19 am - Reply

Truly a great post. Thanks for such a great information.

Everything you need to know about riding your bike during the COVID outbreak

This article will be updated regularly with more resources and information.

If you have resources you’d like to share, or if you are in need of support in your community, please send an email to Jack Todd, Senior Communications and Policy Manager, at jack@bicyclecolorado.org.