With the kids getting antsy at home, we decided to go out for a quick ride at GGP this weekend.
We followed the guidelines (according to the official order and the bicycle coalition FAQ) and practiced social distancing while wearing our masks.
California’s current shelter-in-place mandate issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 20 requires residents to stay at home except for essential needs such as getting food and going to the doctor. Outdoor exercise is allowed but the state is asking people to take their walks, runs and hikes in their neighborhoods and at neighborhood parks.
The kids did their best trying to keep their masks on but it didn’t alway work out, haha. We will consider ordering kids-sized masks for next time.
Also, to our surprise, we saw a huge ferris wheel set up across from the CA Academy of Science! It looks like a lot of fun!
FAQ: Biking during Shelter in Place,
by the SF Bicycle Coalition on March 23, 2020
On March 17, San Francisco’s “shelter in place” order took hold, which was followed by a similar statewide order beginning on March 20. These extreme measures were taken as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread rapidly throughout California and beyond.
Am I allowed to ride a bicycle right now?
Yes, but you can only bike for essential travel (e.g. going to work or buying groceries) and for recreation as long as you practice proper social distancing. The he shelter-in-place public health order limits all travel, no matter the mode, to essential trips.
A spokesperson for Mayor London Breed further stated that “people should exercise for mental and physical health, but they should maintain social distance of at least six feet from others and not do it in a group.” Therefore, you’ll have to cancel your group rides until the shelter in place order has been lifted, but you can still continue to bike if you responsibly distance yourself from others.
Do I need to wear a mask when I’m outside biking?
April 3: On April 3, Bay Area public health officials recommended people wear masks to cover their faces while outdoors and in public. A variety of masks and cloth coverings such as bandanas and scarves can be worn safely while biking. Covering noses and mouths with cloth will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but is not a substitute for social distancing. Staying home and washing your hands are still the most important and effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, medical-grade masks, like N95s, are in short supply and need to be reserved for health care workers and first responders.