SOCIAL DISTANCING? YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP CAN HELP

• Posted on 16 April 2020
• By Coralie
• Posted in Commuter bike
• 0

Stay safe during the coronavirus crisis by supporting your local bike shop. As we’re encouraged to practice social distancing, more people are choosing to commute by bike. Last week, the numbers on the Velo Cycles bike monitor soared, showing 6000 more riders going past on the Capital City Trail. We also saw an influx of customers needing safety checks and servicing. Store manager Stuart Armstrong says that many of those customers “hadn’t

Stay safe during the coronavirus crisis by supporting your local bike shop.

As we’re encouraged to practice social distancing, more people are choosing to commute by bike. Last week, the numbers on the Velo Cycles bike monitor soared, showing 6000 more riders going past on the Capital City Trail. We also saw an influx of customers needing safety checks and servicing. Store manager Stuart Armstrong says that many of those customers “hadn’t ridden their bike in years.”

During pandemic panic, bikes are the ultimate transport solution. Riding a bike is one of the best ways to get from A-B whilst maintaining a safe distance away from others. Not only that, regular riding will boost your immune system, and maintain healthy fitness levels. If you’re struggling with stress, bike riding is a great way to improve your mental health. Dr Rial, a cyclist and GP, says that

But despite the riding boom, local bike shops are set to suffer. For the sake of safety, many bike shops will be forced to limit the number of physical customers coming in, with many already making the difficult decision to close up shop. 

Since a large proportion of bike products are manufactured in mainland China, stock levels will quickly decrease. Bicycling Australia reports that Bafang, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of e-bike motors and components are already experiencing delays as a result of the Chinese government’s enforced lockdown. And the worst is yet to come. Local bike shop owner Ben Larson expects that the worst impact on the bike industry will occur in June and July – “three to six months, probably from January 1,” he says.

So, what can you do to help?

The time to support your local bike shop is now, before the pandemic worsens. Whether you’re looking to buy a new bike, or need repairs on a current one, we’d encourage you to call your local bike shop or shop online to limit social contact where possible.

At Velo Cycles, all of our bikes are available to buy online. We have a certified team of mechanics on site who are willing to offer advice over the phone and organise a safe and fully sanitised service if needed. Call us on (03) 9381 0088.

We’re proud to be located in Carlton North amongst a community of local businesses. If we work together and get creative, we can help each other stay afloat. If you’re a local business owner looking for a solution to deliver goods to customers, why not do it by bike!

Consider an e-bike.

If you’re new to the whole cycling thing, the idea of regular riding might be a bit daunting. For newbies and seasoned cyclists alike, we’d recommend riding an e-bike for daily commutes and errands. The beauty of e-bikes is that with added motor assistance and large weight carrying capacities (often over 160kg), you can cart your essentials across town without breaking a sweat. View our range of electric bikes here.

Be safe and go solo.

As rider numbers are set to increase on the roads and bike trails, it’s more important than ever to ensure safety. If you haven’t ridden for a while, make sure that your tires, brakes, gears and lights are in good condition (and of course, always wear a helmet).  You can start with this safety check, and if you’re concerned about anything, give us a call or book in for a service.

We understand that for many people in the cycling community, bike riding is a primary means of social activity. Unfortunately, group rides are not advised during this time. Luckily, there’s still lots to be enjoyed about riding solo, and if you’re really missing the bike comradery, why not join a virtual ride?

OUR RECOMMENDATION: E-CITY BIKES

Looking for the perfect e-bike but feeling daunted by the range on offer? For first-timers and experienced riders alike, we recommend e-city bikes.

E-city bikes are our most popular style of e-bike. Suited to all rider abilities, e-city bikes feature comfortable step-thru or top tube frames, integrated lighting, rear cargo racks and up to 160kg weight carrying capacity.

Here are our top picks: