MILFORD, Del. - An update to Delaware's State of Emergency now allows bike shops to open, with some restrictions.
"Governor Carney explicitly talked about automobile and bike repair facilities together as essential,” says Bike Delaware Executive Director James Wilson.
Under the order, sales and repairs must be made by appointment only. Lifecycle in Milford has had no face to face contact with customers since March 16.
Lifecycle Owner Jenn Rowan, who has a background in healthcare, says she saw how the virus was spreading in European countries, and figured the United States was not far behind. So she made a business plan to get ahead and take precautions.
"Customers have just been coming up to our door giving us a phone call, and we stand at the door and talk to them through the glass,” says Rowan.
If someone buys a new bike at Lifecycle, the shop is offering a free repair plan for the first year of service.
"I think it's really beneficial to the community both in physical health, ability to get to their jobs, and mental health to be able to access a new bicycle, and get outside and get some joy and peace under these circumstances,” says Rowan.
Wilson says with the increase in unemployment rates, some people are concerned that they will not be able to afford gas later down the line, and need another, cheaper form of transportation, like bicycles.
