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Bike New York Alerts: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Important information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on Bike New York’s programming and events. Last updated: April 8, 2020.


 

LATEST UPDATE:

 

APRIL 8, 2020 [5:00PM]

 

AN UPDATE FROM BIKE NEW YORK PRESIDENT & CEO KEN PODZIBA

 

Dear TD Five Boro Bike Tour Riders:

 

In March, we regretfully announced that the TD Five Boro Bike Tour would not be held as originally planned on May, 3, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While New York City officials marshal every available resource to slow the spread of the virus and save lives, we continue to discuss alternative dates for later in the year. We’ll keep you apprised as these discussions progress.

 

Be assured, the health and well-being of everyone participating in and supporting the 43rd Annual Tour is our top priority. And we’re grateful for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented global health crisis. We’ll communicate promptly once more information is available and conversations with our partners in City government have concluded.

 

Until then, please take care of yourselves, stay healthy, and be safe. We’re in this together.

 

Sincerely,

Ken Podziba


PREVIOUS UPDATES:

 

MARCH 24, 2020 [11:54AM]

 

WITH NYC BIKE SHOPS DECLARED ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES, RECYCLE-A-BICYCLE REMAINS OPEN 

 

The COVID-19 outbreak has had an incalculable impact on every facet of life in New York City, disrupting routines from the highest structural levels to the interpersonal and individual. As shops and restaurants switch to pickup- and delivery-only models and residents seek alternatives to mass transit, cycling’s role as a fundamental mode of transportation in all five boroughs has never been more apparent–and the need for reliable infrastructure to support that fact has never been more urgent. This past Sunday, Mayor de Blasio confirmed that bike shops–the power source that keeps our couriers, food delivery cyclists, bike commuters, and recreational riders going strong–are considered essential businesses under Governor Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” executive order.

 

Earlier this month, Bike New York temporarily suspended all classes, public programming, and local rides in the interest of public health. However, in response to our community’s increased cycling needs, Recycle-A-Bicycle (RAB)–our bike repair and refurbished bike retail shop–will remain open under modified conditions:

 

  • Effective today, Recycle-A-Bicycle’s Clinton Hill location will be open 7 days a week from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with strict limitations for entry enforced to protect the wellbeing of our customers and staff. We will admit no more than one customer into the shop at a time, and visitors must maintain at least 6 feet of distance from attending staff at all times.
  • From 12:00PM – 3:00PM each day, RAB will be open by appointment only, providing bike maintenance services to individuals performing critical work for other essential businesses and organizations. For more information or to schedule an appointment, reach out at (718) 858-2972 or email rabshop@bike.nyc.

 

Bike New York will continue to regularly monitor developments on the pandemic and will follow guidance from local and state health officials to ensure that we can resume our full schedule of public programming as soon as it is responsible to do so.

Please take precautions to safeguard your health and protect your community, and we’ll see you on the street!

 


 

MARCH 17, 2020 [9:10PM]

 

IMPORTANT STATUS UPDATES ON THE 43RD ANNUAL TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR AND 2020 BIKE EXPO NEW YORK

 

From Bike New York President & CEO Ken Podziba:

 

In response to the proliferation of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, restrictions on mass gatherings have become increasingly stringent, affecting sporting and cultural events the world over. The impact of this global pandemic continues to grow more severe in New York City and across the United States, and estimates for containment have been pushed later and later into the year. Bike New York has maintained a steady dialogue with City government officials as we work together to determine the safest course of action for our upcoming public events.

Please be advised of these two important event updates:

 

  • It is our hope that we will be able to announce a postponement of the 43rd Annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour, originally scheduled for May 3, 2020, in the coming weeks. We will continue to work with our government partners on the future of the event, and we’ll notify you of any updates as soon as we are able.
  • We have made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Bike Expo New York event on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2. We’re proud that the Expo offers cycling enthusiasts and industry innovators from around the world a rare chance to connect face to face, and we share in your disappointment in having to call this year’s event off.

With riders from across the country and around the world participating in the Tour each year, we know you have been eager for news regarding the status of this year’s event, and we are deeply appreciative of the patience and understanding our community has demonstrated as we navigate this challenging terrain. We will continue to provide registrants and the public with prompt updates, including our plans for distributing rider ID kits, as the situation develops. Please be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and watch bike.nyc/alerts for the latest information.

On behalf of Bike New York, we hope that you and your families remain safe during this unprecedented and difficult time.

 


 

MARCH 12, 2020 [4:48PM]

 

BIKE NEW YORK’S CLASSES AND PROGRAMMING SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

Bike New York continues to closely monitor developments regarding the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and its impact on New York City. In accordance with the latest recommendations for reducing viral spread issued by the City, New York State, and the Centers for Disease Control, Bike New York will proceed with a temporary suspension of all classes, public programs, and rides effective immediately and until further notice. This includes all indoor and outdoor classes, youth and adult programs, and Local Ride and Membership events. We will contact individuals who have already enrolled or registered by email in the days ahead with further information, and as the situation develops, we will actively evaluate the terms of our suspension to keep our community apprised. As an interim measure, our Education department is working to produce and implement digital classroom resources with the aim of offering online bike safety class sessions in the immediate future.

 

We are presently in conversations with our government partners and the City of New York to determine the best course of action regarding the TD Five Boro Bike Tour and Bike Expo New York, and we will strive to notify registrants and the general public of major event news as swiftly as possible. For the latest information, follow Bike New York on Facebook and Twitter and confirm your subscriber status for our mailing list.

 

We echo Mayor De Blasio’s encouragement of cycling and walking as alternatives to the use of public transit, and we urge Bike New Yorkers to familiarize themselves with information pertaining to symptoms and prevention practices provided by the CDC and NYC Department of Health.

 


 

MARCH 5, 2020 [11:12AM]


Bike New York President and CEO Ken Podziba issueS INITIAL CORONAVIRUS statement:

 

Bike New York is working with our government partners and closely following the status of the COVID-19 virus in order to plan for a safe event. At the present, there are no travel restrictions in place in the United States, and we expect the 43rd Annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour to take place as planned on May 3rd, as well as Bike Expo New York on May 1st and 2nd.

 

The health and safety of our riders has been and always will be our top priority, and we will continue to closely monitor the recommendations of the CDC and our local health department regarding large-scale events. We encourage all of our riders, volunteers, and exhibitors to familiarize themselves with standard public health practices as outlined by the CDC.

 

As this situation evolves, we’ll continue to evaluate potential impacts on our domestic and international participants, and we will provide the public with updates via this web page (www.bike.nyc/alerts) and by email