Monthly bike update: How does social distancing affect biking?
Hello, Fellow Social Distancing Cyclists!
As you all know, March has been like no other month in our lifetime as current events have been reshaping our world every few days. In this update, we’re sharing some information on bicycling during these crazy times and updates around Charlotte concerning our work and event postponements and rescheduling.
Is it safe to ride outside?
“Yes—as long as you’re alone. When people congregate together and someone sneezes or coughs, droplets get onto objects that people touch, and then people touch their face, Nieman (David Nieman, Dr.PH., a health professor at Appalachian State University) explains. The best plan for riding right now is to go out and ride solo and enjoy the outdoors in non-crowded areas. And, try timing your rides for when you know your route will be less crowded.” – Jordan Smith, Digital Editor – Bicycling.com
Further details from this article can be found here: How to Ride Safely Amid Coronavirus Concerns.
How does this relate to Mecklenburg County’s stay at home order? The order still allows you to take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog, and be in nature for exercise – but keep at least six feet between you and others. The critical point to keep in mind is this activity should only include yourself, or others you currently share living quarters with. More information and the link to Mecklenburg’s stay at home order are below:
What does Mecklenburg County’s ‘stay at home’ order mean for you?
Event updates
- Open Streets 704 – Postponed – New Date TBD (Fall Time Frame)
- Bike Charlotte – Rescheduled to Fall 2020
- The City Bike Tour with Catawba Lands Conservancy on April 21st – Postponed (New Date TBD)
- Bird Song Ride on April 19th -Postponed – To be rescheduled with Open Streets 704
- Charlotte Sustainability Awards – Rescheduled for September 9th
Grew – Built – Served
Sustain Charlotte advocated for a safe bicycle network for all ages and abilities by:
- Asking Charlotteans to sign our petition requesting $50 million of investment in the Bike Program, Vision Zero, Uptown Bicycle Network (Uptown Connects), and an east-west XCLT2 trail. Please sign it!
- Giving feedback at the LYNX Silver Line Public meeting concerning the need for capital infrastructure projects that supports multiple types of travel in the new transit corridor. Watch the video and take the survey!
- Sharing several bike-related articles:
- There’s an Unlikely Beneficiary of Coronavirus: The planet – Cleaner air while cycling! “…. in the busiest areas of Hong Kong, …. revealed that the fine particle pollutant PM2.5 decreased by 32%, while the larger particle pollutant PM10 fell by up to 29%, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was reduced by up to 22%.”
- North Carolina’s Trail Survey: Help improve the state’s trails by giving your input.
- Need to Get Around in a Pandemic? Ride a Bike – New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio urges folks to cycle to avoid crowds.
- Calgary to Test Road Closures and Edmonton Urged to Close Driving Lanes to give more space to pedestrians and cyclists.
- There’s No Better Time for Cities to Take Space Away from Cars – Closing certain streets to car traffic can help promote social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
We collaborated and built relationships in March by:
- Sharing information about local bike advocacy at a group ride to UNC Charlotte Center City. We were invited by Clean Air Carolina to share our work and experience at their Particle Falls exhibit, which helped viewers visualize local air pollution due to tailpipe emissions.
Our team served the community by:
- Hosting our GrowSmart on March 11th, where we discussed the importance of transit stops being accessible by walking and bicycling on a well-connected street network. CATS gave an update on how they’re making space for buses. Check out the Facebook Live. (The whole Sustain Charlotte Team)
- Participating in the City of Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan Design Sprint on March 6th, where we worked with other appointed members of the Transportation Working Group to discuss advocacy for a citywide goal to increase the percentage of trips taken by walking, bicycling, and transit.
Thank you so much for supporting bike advocacy in the Queen City. Please, everyone, stay safe and healthy!
Eric Zaverl
Bike + Walk Program Coordinator
Sustain Charlotte
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