Bike Shops May Stay Open During Coronavirus Closure, Mayor Says

NEW YORK CITY — Bike repair shops have been added to the list of essential businesses allowed to stay open when a statewide stay-at-home order goes into effect Sunday night, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"Bike repair shops are essential," de Blasio said during a news conference Sunday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "New York State on PAUSE" executive order says the only businesses allowed to have commuting workers as of 8 p.m. Sunday are those deemed essential, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, laundromats and child care centers.

The list of so-called "essential" businesses released by the governor's office Friday included auto repair shops but did not include bike repair shops, prompting an outcry from elected officials and advocacy groups like Transportation Alternatives and Long Island Streets.

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The city Department of Transportation reported a surge in cycling during the first 10 days of March, after city officials advised commuters to walk or bike to work in an effort to reduce overcrowding and slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

For those who dnt think that shops are “essential biz” I give you a live look at the line infront of the (always awesome) @BicycleRoots store in #crownheights To comply with social distancing, staff is only allowing 1-2 customers in the store at a time for repairs. #bikenyc pic.twitter.com/3tbYD1Tv1C
— Shabazz Stuart (@ShabazzStuart) March 21, 2020

Cuomo's executive order calls on New Yorkers to only use public transportation when absolutely necessary and to limit potential exposure to the new coronavirus by staying at least six feet away from other riders.

"We know the most effective way to reduce the spread of this virus is through social distancing and density reduction measures," Cuomo said Friday.

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