Good News from the Industry as it Rallies Against the Spread of Covid-19 [Update: Endura Start Production on PPE]
Among the constant bad news about the worsening spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, brands and people in the bike industry are trying to make the most of a bad situation. Check out some of the positive news stories to come through our inbox.
Endura start production on PPE for the National Health Service in Scotland
Endura has announced that they have been working with a number of different companies to start rapid production on PPE gowns for NHS Scotland. Starting from this week the apparel company has collaborated with Keela, Redwood TTM and Transcal to provide a significant volume of PPE for health services in Scotland. Using specialist fabrics produced by Don & Low the project from Endura will look to provide more than half on the non-sterile gowns needed for health and care workers in Scotland.
You can find out more about the project here
Royal Racing Launch 'Thank you NHS' Jersey
To show their appreciation for the hard-working staff of the NHS, Royal Racing has launched a special edition version of their Core Jersey in the UK with all profits going to NHS Charities.
Find out more here.
Nominate an Essential Worker in the Alta Cycling Group Real Heroes Bike Month Giveaway
Alta Cycling Group has launched the Real Heroes Bike Month Giveaway to celebrate and give back to workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. Starting today through May 22, Alta is accepting nominations for healthcare workers, teachers, postal employees, grocery employees or anyone who has gone above and beyond to help their communities. Six nominees will be selected to receive a new bike from one of Alta’s five cycling brands— Diamondback, iZip, Raleigh, Haibike and Redline.
“We are thrilled to partner with local bike shops to deliver these gifts to the hardworking people in their community,” said Jill Nazeer, Marketing Director at Alta Cycling Group. “These retailers have been working tirelessly to support their neighbors and we are honored to highlight their efforts and put more smiles on the frontline.”
Rules and regulations can be found here. Alta looks forward to reading about all the amazing real life heroes helping on the front lines during this unprecedented time.
For additional dealer information and to nominate please visit wwww.altacycling.com.
Clif Bar Donate 7 Million Bars to Food Banks and Frontline Healthcare Workers
Clif Bar has revealed on social media that so far they have donated seven million of their products to food banks and frontline health care workers as part of their effort to help those in need during these hard times.
Roval Components Announces Support Our Shops Program
Hiplok donates 100 bike locks to NHS staff hit by bike theft
To help prevent bike thefts from UK medical workers, Hiplok is donating 100 special blue bike locks to the NHS. They said on Instagram, "These are tough times but stealing bikes from the very people saving our lives is not the answer. That’s why we are producing and donating 100 locks to the NHS hospitals targeted by bike thieves. Our co-founder John just packed the first shipment of NHS blue ones."
'Supply Connector' launched by a group of North Carolina organisations
Supply Connector is a new venture launched by a group of North Carolina organisations that includes the NC Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry and NC Outdoor Recreation Coalition. The platform aims to provide vital information for manufacturers who have pivoted their factories towards making PPE and other important items, whether it is locating the correct materials, regulatory information or direct connections to those who need the equipment.
The site is a 100% volunteer effort from business management firm, Good Talk, and web design agency, Status Forward, with support from the NC Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, Growing Outdoors Partnership, North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Coalition, and Outdoor Gear Builders.
Find out more here.
Ibis Makes Protective Face Shields
SRAM Mask Making Project
To date, the Zipp facility has sewn nearly 2,000 masks, and cut material for almost 20,000!
WaveCel Shift manufacturing to PPE Shields
WaveCel, a company which normally focuses on producing liner for helmets has announced that they have shifted their manufacturing to face shields. Like many other companies, they have seen the huge demand for PPE and want to help those in need.
Tairin Wheels Begin Production on Face Shields
Canadian bicycle wheel brand, Tairin Wheels, is another company stepping up and providing custom face shields for health workers as they begin production after finding out that local hospitals were running out of supplies.
Yeti Cycles Commits to Producing 20,000 PPE Shields
Joining forces to support continued shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Colorado, Smith and Black Diamond support Colorado mountain bike manufacturer Yeti Cycles as they shift focus to produce face shields for health care professionals fighting COVID-19 from the front lines.
Smith’s donation of 4,000 yards of goggle strap material, along with Black Diamond’s donation of 5,000 headlamp straps, will help Yeti Cycles complete 20,000 face shields being manufactured at its headquarters in Golden, Colorado. Calling on the Yeti Tribe to connect with those in need through social media efforts, the initial run of face shields had been claimed by healthcare workers and first responders across Colorado within the first 24 hours. The group is looking to source additional materials to increase shield production quantities in order to meet urgent demand.
Yeti began production of the face shields on Saturday, following an open-source shield template shared by students from the University of Wisconsin. The first delivery of finished shields to doctors, first responders and hospital workers will leave Yeti HQ this week.
Learn more here.
Pedal MTB Offers Free Coaching to Key Workers
Once the social distancing restrictions have been lifted, Pedal MTB will be offering multiple, free half-day coaching sessions. The sessions will be held at Coed Y Brenin, North Wales, UK over a full weekend. All key workers involved in the Covid-19 response are eligible to apply. Our Partners Bikes Brenin will be offering free bike hire on selected bikes (availability dependent) for those that need a bike. Kingud will be providing some spot prizes for people attending and we also hope to have them in attendance to offer free bike washes. We are still in discussions with other companies who support us, so watch this space for more developments.
How it will work
• If you are a key worker, register an interest HERE. (We are reliant on your honesty here, if you are not a key worker please do not register for this event).
• Once a date has been set, those that have registered will be contacted by email.
• Coaching slots will then be allocated by Pedal MTB; if demand exceeds supply then places will be randomly allocated.
• There will be a range of sessions happening over the weekend to accommodate all riding levels. So if you are new to mountain biking or a seasoned pro we will put on the right session for you.
Specialized Donate 1 Million Masks to Health Care Professionals
CamelBak Gives Away 10,000 Reusable Water Bottles to Frontline Workers
CamelBak has launched an initiative during COVID-19 that, as a hydration brand, supports our healthcare workers and those on the frontline to keep them healthy and hydrated.
CamelBak is giving away 10,000 reusable water bottles to healthcare workers and those on the frontline. The process is simple: anyone authorized within their organization or facility can reach out to CamelBak at social@camelbak.com from a valid company email address to submit their request. They should provide their name, name of the facility, shipping address, phone number, # of bottles needed, and a photo of their medical or organization ID.
To date, CamelBak has donated to hospitals throughout California, New Jersey and New York. If you know of anyone in need please send them this information.
‘The CrowFro Show’ vodcast starts fundraiser for NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal
As part of their new YouTube series ‘The CrowFro Show’ will be interviewing Danny Hart with a fundraiser launching to support the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. With each episode, the guests will be asked to donate something special with those who donate have a chance of winning. Follow the show on YouTube here
Find out more here.
Hope Produces Visors and Ventilator Parts
Specialized Supports Covid-19 Essential Workers
Today, Specialized launched an initiative to bring safe and reliable transportation to essential workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. Specialized is giving essential workers across the United States free bikes through a crowd-sourced community referral program, and has donated bikes to Transportation Alternatives, a bicycle advocacy organization in New York, which is matching essential workers with bikes where the need is greatest.
WHAT: Bikes provide healthy, reliable, and convenient transportation while practicing safe social distancing.
WHEN: The community referral program begins April 13, 2020 and will run through April 22, 2020.
WHERE: Consumers can visit www.specialized.com/essential-transportation for more details on how to get involved nationwide.
WHY: Keeping essential workers moving is critical for our communities. The impact of COVID-19 is hard to process, and the actions we can take often feel small in comparison to the scale of the problem.
Muc-Off launch 'Anti Bac Fight Back' project
Muc-Off has added to their recent efforts of assisting with the shortage of plastic bottles for hand sanitiser by launching their new 'Anti Bac Fight Back' project. The new program from the UK based company sees them take three different approaches to the situation. Support front line workers, protecting people and global support.
Adding to their previous efforts Muc-Off is now providing ITU nurses with anti-bacterial moisturising creams to help with the soreness creating by wearing face masks during their shifts. The aim is to donate 100,000 products to front line health workers.
They have also released a new range of anti-bacterial sanitisers and gels for everyone which will see 10% of profits from the products go to the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Finally, they have also started using their R&D team's 3D printer to produce PPE faceguards for local hospitals.
You can find out more here.
Oakley Donate 20000+ units of protective eyewear to Healthcare Workers while also developing protective shield for front line health workers.
Oakley has announced on social media that they have so far donated over 20000 units of protective eyewear that will be sent across America and Europe. In addition to their sizeable donation, the company have also put their R&D and Manufacturing teams to work on a protective shield that they hope to mass produce for first responders and front line medical staff.
Santa Cruz Bicycles' R&D Team Uses CNC Machinery to Produce Face Shields for Local Medical Staff
Although Santa Cruz, California is in a shelter-in-place like most of the world, Santa Cruz Bicycles’ R&D team is at work producing face shields (PPE) for local medical staff using sheets of plastic cut using their CNC machinery typically used for cutting carbon fiber as well as 3D printers used for prototyping.
The equipment is able to make up to 20 face shield lenses every 9 minutes, yielding ~1000 shields per day. Ten days were spent evaluating designs, developing multiple prototypes and getting feedback from local healthcare professionals to ensure the end product suited their needs. 3D printers are used to make reusable and sterilizable support frames using open source CAD designs. Enough material has been procured to produce 8,000 face shields in two different designs in the next week. 75 face shields from the pilot run were delivered to the Santa Cruz County Donation Center today. The team isn’t working in isolation, this is a community effort, working with volunteers, medical professionals and other local companies to coordinate efforts into effective and rapid action to address the anticipated needs.
With a little help from everyone, we’ll get through this together and come out as an even tighter community on the other side.
If you'd like to help donate to the cause you can find the Santa Cruz Community local COVID-19 response fund info here.
Bell + Giro Donate 3000+ Goggles to Healthcare Workers
Bell and Giro, major providers of outdoor sports and recreation products, today announced the donation of 3,194 protective goggles to America’s frontline healthcare workers combating the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus. The goggles, held and distributed at Vista Outdoor’s Rantoul, Illinois manufacturing and distribution facility, will be delivered to hospitals and other public health facilities in 18 states and 41 different health care facilities.
“Our Bell and Giro products are designed first and foremost to keep people safe, whether they are commuting to work or recreating in the outdoors. In light of the ongoing pandemic, our products are now proving to be an essential element for health care workers responding to the unprecedented public health crisis the world faces as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Sword, President of Bell + Giro. “This personal protective equipment, or PPE can help doctors, nurses, and other first responders focus on what they do best, and where they are needed most. Bell + Giro, and the entire Vista Outdoor family is indebted to our country’s medical professionals, and it is our duty to do everything we can to support them.”
The donation was done in coordination with Goggles for Docs, a newly formed organization that gets ski, mountain bike, and motorcycle goggles into the hands of healthcare workers who currently have no eye protection as they treat COVID-19 patients. The organization was created by members of the ski and snowboard industry after reading various reports that goggles had turned into valuable personal protective equipment for health care workers. More than 13,000 goggles have been donated thus far.
For more, please visit their website at: gogglesfordocs.com
Dario Acquaroli Donates his World Championship Winning Bike to Corona Relief Effort
Dario Acquaroli is donating his 1996 Under 23 winning bike to help support the Mobile Intensive Care Units in Bergamo, Italy. Caroli beat Cadel Evans to take the win on September 17 1996 aboard this custom titanium hardtail and has kept hold of the bike for nearly 25 years.
Acquaroli competed in 19 UCI World Championships in total with the Italian national team, winning two European Championships (1992, 1993), two UCI World Championships (Juniors in 1993, U23 in 1996) and five Italian Championships (1992, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2005) with Team Bianchi, Full-Dynamix and Sintesi Larm.
He told the UCI: "Many people I know have died or are sick. The situation is worse than you can imagine reading in the news. But here we don't cry too much, we roll up our sleeves and give our contribution."
To win the bike, you can donate as little as $10 on his Wishraiser, here.
Acquaroli said: "I would be happy if the winner is someone who appreciates the value of that object and who understood that I donated it with my heart and for the cause. I imagine the bike hanging on a wall in the house and guests who come for dinner and ask what it is, and they can discover the story behind it. It’s nice if the winner of the bike is a simple person, who just donated only 10 euros."
Smith Optics and 100% offer protective eyewear to caregivers and hospital workers
Both Smith Optics and 100% have announced programs that will see both brands provide personal protective equipment to those working hardest against the spread of the virus. Smith is currently sending out goggles to fufill hospital requests and they are asking the riding community to donate goggles or money to the cause. 100% have announced that so far they have donated over 1000 pairs of eyewear to caregivers who are being asked to buy their own Personal Protection Equipment.
Velocio launches 2020 Unity jersey to benefit efforts battling COVID-19
New England based cycling apparel brand Velocio has announced the launch of their 2020 Unity jersey which will see 100% of profits go to three charities that are working hard to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chosen three charities are Save the Children, Project C.U.R.E and Corona Virus Relief Fund.
For more information on the UNITY project, log onto www.velocio.cc.
Shotgun release 30 free illustrations for kids to colour in at home
And all illustrations are drawn by the super talented Mike Hearsey from @snide.art, who is certainly worth a follow on the gram if you like bike art. Subscribe for the drawings, here.
Muc-Off looks to offer help with the short supply of hand sanitizer bottles
Muc-Off has announced that they are going to be slowing down their regular production of lubricant and bike care products, which frees them up to make bottles that can be used by hand sanitiser producers. The company were seeing reports that makers of hand sanitizers were struggling to find bottles to fill with their product due to the overwhelming demand so they decided to launch a scheme for producers of hand gel to sign up through a form on their website to request a supply of plastic bottles.
USA Cycling to assist companies who are supporting those in need with the ‘Bikes Give Back’ program
With companies offering their support for those in need by using their manufacturing services to produce face masks and ventilators, USA Cycling have announced their new ‘Bikes Give Back’ program which will see 50% of all memberships sales given directly to support companies who have pledged aid to those who need it. Currently, the cycling federation has committed to providing financial support through the program until 3 May 2020, which is when their domestic event suspensions will expire.
Scicon Sports to produce face masks and protective eyewear
Scicon Sports joins the ranks of companies using their factories to produce personal protection items. The company has converted its production line to make respirator face masks and protective eyewear in response to requests from companies, private entities and law enforcement agencies for protective equipment.
Panaracer will continue to financially support events despite cancellations
Panaracer has announced that they will still pay sponsorships and attendance fees to all of the events that were previously on its schedule that have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. The list includes over 30 events that were going to be supported by the company.
The Bike Project launches virtual bike maintenance classes to teach people how to repair their own bikes
UK charity 'The Bike Project', which donates bikes to refugees in the UK, has launched virtual "Dr Bike" sessions. These will be one-to-one video sessions delivered by their team of mechanics with the aim to help people fix their bikes. All National Health Service staff are being offered the sessions for free to ensure they can keep using their bikes as a way to get to and from work.
Find out more here.
Santini and Kitsbow shift clothing production to make facemasks
Performance clothing manufacturer Santanti announced this week that with the falling sales of its clothing range due to the virus it was planning to instead shift its production lines towards masks with the aim to produce 10,000 a day. The masks once produced will be given to those fighting against the spread of COVID-19.
Talking to local news outlet, BergamoNews.It, the marketing manager for Santini, Paola Santini, said: “We have made the prototype, now we are waiting for the go-ahead from the Politecnico di Milano which is testing it and from Monday 23rd of March we could put our mask into work. We have already tested the machinery and we are ready to produce ten thousand masks per day. We receive many requests, but the priority will be addressed to Bergamo and its province, because we touch the difficulties of our hospitals and how much they still work in companies with their own hands.”
Kitsbow have also decided to start making protective equipment for local first responders and medical staff. They have apparently already had an order for 26,000 units that will ship on Monday. Read more on Bicycle Retailer, here.
Industry Nine hopes to shift manufacturing to support fighting the virus
Industry Nine has announced on social media that they have CNC machines ready to make parts that could be in short supply because of the COVID-19 outbreak. In their statement, they specifically mention ventilator components but they are asking anyone to get in contact with them if they think they can help them make the items that are in desperate need during the crisis we are currently all facing.
Monkey's Sauce begins produce hydroalcoholic gel to supply hospitals
Monkey's Sauce has decided to use its large stock of glycerin and alcohol to produce alcoholic gel for hospitals. Monkey's Sauce said: "Monkey's Sauce and Hexis Group (our parent company, manufacturer of self-adhesive vinyl films) produce hydroalcoholic gel to supply hospitals. Glycerin is a major component of our sealant and we use alcohol to clean all machines & to produce some products like Hexis Shagclean. As we have a lot of stock that's why we decided to produce hydroalcoholic gel. Thank you to all the staff currently working at the factory while respecting the safety rules"
BMZ Group stops production of batteries for ebikes to make batteries for ventilators
The BMZ Group, who produce Li-ion batteries that are used in e-Bikes, has decided to convert their production lines to make Li-ion batteries for medical equipment with a focus on ventilators, which are in short supply across the world. They have found that companies producing ventilators desperately need batteries with the company seeing a 50% increase in inquiries.
BMZ Founder and CEO Sven Bauer told Cycling Industry News: “For us, health protection is paramount. That is why we didn’t hesitate for a moment when we received a distressed call from manufacturers of urgently needed ventilators. We are in the fortunate situation of having access to an extensive inventory, allowing us to increase the number of batteries we produce for use in medical technology.”
RGT Cycling indoor training app has been made free to users
With some parts of the world on full lockdown and others asking to limit any potentially dangerous activities more riders have been looking towards indoor training apps to get in some miles. While Zwift has offered up some added events, RGT Cycling has decided to make their platforms completely free to users. The programs, which normally cost £12.99 (per month), will now be available to everyone at no charge for the time being as they want to encourage people to stay indoors and not put themselves in a situation where they might add to the strain of healthcare services.
Alex Serban, the founder and CEO of RGT, told Cycling News: “As the impact of COVID-19 is felt around the world, this mission has become more important than ever and after watching inspiring communities come together to support each other, our need to do everything we can to help became obvious.
“At a time when focusing on profit would be easy, this removal of restrictions will provide free access for all and, we hope, offer some support to the cycling community.”
Cycling shops report a rise in sales as more people look to cycling as a mode of transport
Cycling Industry News reported earlier this week that with the spread of COVID-19 and the worries over using public transport they have found that bike shops have been seeing a rise in sales.
Energise e-Bikes has found that they are selling to people who they would not normally serve with a spike in sales at weekends. They told Cycling Industry News: “We did have a spike on the weekend sales-wise, particularly in the 30 to 40-year-old commuter demographic, which we don’t see that often.
Tring Motion’s David Barnett, hasn't found quite the same kind of sales as Energise but they have seen more people coming to have repairs on their bikes: “Mine has been mainly repairs, activity has increased despite my website being offline for a few days. I have had an uptick on lower priced units, for sure.”
Bicycle Retailer has also reported that New York has seen a rise in sales with New York city bridge counters seeing increased traffic and Citi Bike share system finding a usage increase of over 50%.
In the same report, it mentions that Bicycle Habitat which has three locations in the city has found increases of over 75% in their shops since the outbreak of COVID-19. Charlie McCorkell, owner of Bicycle Habitat told Bicycle Retailer: “We’ve been pretty busy; we’re an important part of the whole system right now and we’re doing our best to keep it going.
“We’re seeing sales in two categories: the transportation category and the other is what I call ‘normalizing your children’s experience in a time of crisis.’ We’re selling a lot of kids bikes. I think parents are trying to give kids a good experience as opposed to everything sucks out there.”
Trash Free Trails announce selfless isolation initiative with the DIY spring trail clean
Trash Free Trails were set to kick off their Spring Trail Clean tour next month, which would have seen them head to 10 locations across the UK to clean up the trails from plastic waste left behind by trail users. But with the spread of the virus and government restrictions, the plans could not go ahead but that does not mean that trails can't be cleaned. To keep their idea going, they have announced 'Selfless Isolation', which involves anyone interested to head out to their local trails and pick up any rubbish that you can find. Even if we can't have as much fun on our bikes at the moment we can at least make sure that the places we ride stay clean and healthy for when we can return to the trails.
Endura start production on PPE for the National Health Service in Scotland
Endura has announced that they have been working with a number of different companies to start rapid production on PPE gowns for NHS Scotland. Starting from this week the apparel company has collaborated with Keela, Redwood TTM and Transcal to provide a significant volume of PPE for health services in Scotland. Using specialist fabrics produced by Don & Low the project from Endura will look to provide more than half on the non-sterile gowns needed for health and care workers in Scotland.
 | Our Product Development and Production teams are busy with a new project, in collaboration with other manufacturers, to deliver significant quantities of PPE to the National Health Service in Scotland. |
You can find out more about the project here
Royal Racing Launch 'Thank you NHS' Jersey
To show their appreciation for the hard-working staff of the NHS, Royal Racing has launched a special edition version of their Core Jersey in the UK with all profits going to NHS Charities.
Find out more here.
Nominate an Essential Worker in the Alta Cycling Group Real Heroes Bike Month Giveaway
Alta Cycling Group has launched the Real Heroes Bike Month Giveaway to celebrate and give back to workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. Starting today through May 22, Alta is accepting nominations for healthcare workers, teachers, postal employees, grocery employees or anyone who has gone above and beyond to help their communities. Six nominees will be selected to receive a new bike from one of Alta’s five cycling brands— Diamondback, iZip, Raleigh, Haibike and Redline.
“We are thrilled to partner with local bike shops to deliver these gifts to the hardworking people in their community,” said Jill Nazeer, Marketing Director at Alta Cycling Group. “These retailers have been working tirelessly to support their neighbors and we are honored to highlight their efforts and put more smiles on the frontline.”
Rules and regulations can be found here. Alta looks forward to reading about all the amazing real life heroes helping on the front lines during this unprecedented time.
For additional dealer information and to nominate please visit wwww.altacycling.com.
Clif Bar Donate 7 Million Bars to Food Banks and Frontline Healthcare Workers
Clif Bar has revealed on social media that so far they have donated seven million of their products to food banks and frontline health care workers as part of their effort to help those in need during these hard times.
| To help #feedthefight against COVID-19, we’ve now donated seven million CLIF BAR®, CLIF Kid®, and LUNA® bars to food banks and frontline health care workers across North America and the EU. We’re still shipping some, but swipe to see not only where they’ve gone in the US so far but also some of the folks who’ve received them. The images and words of thanks that we’ve received are humbling because, really, it’s all 1,222 of us Clifsters who are so incredibly thankful to them. Some heroes have capes, but way more have stethoscopes. |
Roval Components Announces Support Our Shops Program
Effective immediately, Roval Components is acting to lessen the impacts felt by local bike shops across the country as operations change in response to COVID-19. Through the Support Our Shops program, Roval is sharing profits from every full-price RovalComponents.com wheel sale with their retailers while bike shop operations are impacted.
“We’re all in this together. Bike shops are the lifeblood of cycling– as riders, we all rely on them and we can’t watch our friends experience financial stress without acting to help. Support Our Shops shares the profits from online sales, with our bike shops, providing much-needed income while their sales operations are curtailed due to social distancing measures,” says Roval Brand Manager Ben Capron.
Riders making a wheel purchase can support their favorite shop by entering the name of the shop on checkout– any authorized Roval shop in the USA is eligible to receive the funds. If no shop is selected, the dollars will go to the Roval retail partner closest to the buyer.
The Support Our Shops program is only valid for US-based Roval retail partners. Roval will be supporting this program with continuing promotion until shops nationwide are able to resume normal sales operations. See further details at RovalComponents.com
“We’re all in this together. Bike shops are the lifeblood of cycling– as riders, we all rely on them and we can’t watch our friends experience financial stress without acting to help. Support Our Shops shares the profits from online sales, with our bike shops, providing much-needed income while their sales operations are curtailed due to social distancing measures,” says Roval Brand Manager Ben Capron.
Riders making a wheel purchase can support their favorite shop by entering the name of the shop on checkout– any authorized Roval shop in the USA is eligible to receive the funds. If no shop is selected, the dollars will go to the Roval retail partner closest to the buyer.
The Support Our Shops program is only valid for US-based Roval retail partners. Roval will be supporting this program with continuing promotion until shops nationwide are able to resume normal sales operations. See further details at RovalComponents.com
Hiplok donates 100 bike locks to NHS staff hit by bike theft
To help prevent bike thefts from UK medical workers, Hiplok is donating 100 special blue bike locks to the NHS. They said on Instagram, "These are tough times but stealing bikes from the very people saving our lives is not the answer. That’s why we are producing and donating 100 locks to the NHS hospitals targeted by bike thieves. Our co-founder John just packed the first shipment of NHS blue ones."
'Supply Connector' launched by a group of North Carolina organisations
Supply Connector is a new venture launched by a group of North Carolina organisations that includes the NC Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry and NC Outdoor Recreation Coalition. The platform aims to provide vital information for manufacturers who have pivoted their factories towards making PPE and other important items, whether it is locating the correct materials, regulatory information or direct connections to those who need the equipment.
The site is a 100% volunteer effort from business management firm, Good Talk, and web design agency, Status Forward, with support from the NC Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, Growing Outdoors Partnership, North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Coalition, and Outdoor Gear Builders.
| As manufacturers quickly recognized the widespread impact of COVID-19, they began to pivot their capabilities and use their skills, resources, and talent to help meet the needs of our heavily impacted healthcare system. By pivoting, our manufacturers have been able to increase production and retain employees while remaining open as essential businesses amidst an uncertain economic landscape. This platform allows essential providers to quickly and directly connect with skilled manufacturers to get necessary products into places of need to help protect workers on the frontlines. |
| Like any good trail system, connectors help you navigate the landscape more quickly. With COVID-19, we don’t have time for the long way around. Our manufacturers, suppliers, and essential providers need to connect rapidly to meet the urgent needs of their workers. I am grateful for the quick collaboration with Status Forward and this group to make it happen and look forward to seeing this platform help bolster U.S. manufacturing as we ramp back up after COVID-19. But until then, it’s time to put this tool to good use. |
Find out more here.
Ibis Makes Protective Face Shields
| We wanted to share a new product we’ve been working on - it’s a protective face shield. These shields are essential for medical workers and first responders. They provide respiratory droplet protection and help extend the life of N95 masks. ⠀ ⠀ The University of Kansas created the original open-source design. We've worked with the @SantaCruzBicycles engineering team to optimize the file. After several revisions, we’ve been able to redesign the cut files to produce twice as many shields per day! ⠀ ⠀ This design has many advantages. It's light, flat packs, can be quickly disinfected, and is comfortable to wear for extended periods. To make these face shields, we are using our automated materials cutter. We use this machine for cutting the carbon fiber prepreg that goes into our Carbon 831 frames. To help maintain our social distance and ramp up face shield production, we’ve been running split shifts. Ruben Reyes has been coming in early to start loading/unloading materials and organizing the cut files. Preston Sandusky, one of our engineers, has been taking the late shift. ⠀ ⠀ After we cut the face shields, another set of employees disinfects and packages them. We are cutting between 200-250 shields a day and hope to ramp up production as needed. ⠀ ⠀ Yesterday, we delivered our first batch of face shields to PPE 4 Central Coast. This local organization is coordinating shipments to first responders. If you’d like to get involved, please visit their website (link in bio) for ways you can help. They need help fabricating and distributing PPE to folks in need. They’ve also set up a GoFund Me fundraiser to help them fund this effort. Please contact them if your organization is in need of PPE. |
SRAM Mask Making Project
To date, the Zipp facility has sewn nearly 2,000 masks, and cut material for almost 20,000!
| Doing what we can. Like so many others, SRAM team members recognize that in this time of crisis, the health of the caregivers on the front lines is of the highest priority. As part of the continuing effort to battle COVID-19, we have volunteered Zipp facility team members and their capabilities in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE). SRAM has partnered with Ascension and Community Hospitals in the Indianapolis area, they have provided us materials, and we have provided manufacturing expertise. We are currently helping to produce 2,000+ protective masks per day and have capacity for more. SRAM will continue to reach out to more potential partners, hospitals, and care centers, and we are very proud to support this effort. For anyone interested in producing PPE for their local health care systems can contact the American Hospital Association. #millionmaskchallenge |
WaveCel Shift manufacturing to PPE Shields
WaveCel, a company which normally focuses on producing liner for helmets has announced that they have shifted their manufacturing to face shields. Like many other companies, they have seen the huge demand for PPE and want to help those in need.
Tairin Wheels Begin Production on Face Shields
Canadian bicycle wheel brand, Tairin Wheels, is another company stepping up and providing custom face shields for health workers as they begin production after finding out that local hospitals were running out of supplies.
| Trying to contribute for the current situation by making and donating face shields; after finding out that local hospitals have run out of these. Please stay home if you can, for you and for the overwhelmed medical personnel. |
Photos Josh Conroy
Yeti Cycles Commits to Producing 20,000 PPE Shields
Joining forces to support continued shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Colorado, Smith and Black Diamond support Colorado mountain bike manufacturer Yeti Cycles as they shift focus to produce face shields for health care professionals fighting COVID-19 from the front lines.
Smith’s donation of 4,000 yards of goggle strap material, along with Black Diamond’s donation of 5,000 headlamp straps, will help Yeti Cycles complete 20,000 face shields being manufactured at its headquarters in Golden, Colorado. Calling on the Yeti Tribe to connect with those in need through social media efforts, the initial run of face shields had been claimed by healthcare workers and first responders across Colorado within the first 24 hours. The group is looking to source additional materials to increase shield production quantities in order to meet urgent demand.
Yeti began production of the face shields on Saturday, following an open-source shield template shared by students from the University of Wisconsin. The first delivery of finished shields to doctors, first responders and hospital workers will leave Yeti HQ this week.
| Yeti typically designs products from the ground up, but in this case we wanted an efficient way to make the most effective thing. Time is critical, so we’re doing it with materials we’ve pulled together from industry friends and available through our supply chain. It’s not surprising, but everyone we contacted wanted to help and their help was critical in this coming together so quickly |
Learn more here.
Pedal MTB Offers Free Coaching to Key Workers
Once the social distancing restrictions have been lifted, Pedal MTB will be offering multiple, free half-day coaching sessions. The sessions will be held at Coed Y Brenin, North Wales, UK over a full weekend. All key workers involved in the Covid-19 response are eligible to apply. Our Partners Bikes Brenin will be offering free bike hire on selected bikes (availability dependent) for those that need a bike. Kingud will be providing some spot prizes for people attending and we also hope to have them in attendance to offer free bike washes. We are still in discussions with other companies who support us, so watch this space for more developments.
How it will work
• If you are a key worker, register an interest HERE. (We are reliant on your honesty here, if you are not a key worker please do not register for this event).
• Once a date has been set, those that have registered will be contacted by email.
• Coaching slots will then be allocated by Pedal MTB; if demand exceeds supply then places will be randomly allocated.
• There will be a range of sessions happening over the weekend to accommodate all riding levels. So if you are new to mountain biking or a seasoned pro we will put on the right session for you.
Specialized Donate 1 Million Masks to Health Care Professionals
Specialized founder and CEO, Mike Sinyard, has used the companies connections in Asia to source thousands of face masks. Using the connections Sinyard was able to quickly get access to large quantities of face masks which were immediately shipped to US hospitals. Sinyard said: “This is the largest crisis our generation has ever seen. Giving back is the only thing to do. I am beyond grateful to help, and these masks will keep front line medical staff safe.
“Everything helps, but there is a massive need now. We are utilizing our global supply chain to procure as many pieces of PPE as possible. The need is now, we need to act.”
As well as providing face masks to US health care workers Sinyard is also working with Specialized and organisations in New York to provide bicycles to essential workers.
“Everything helps, but there is a massive need now. We are utilizing our global supply chain to procure as many pieces of PPE as possible. The need is now, we need to act.”
As well as providing face masks to US health care workers Sinyard is also working with Specialized and organisations in New York to provide bicycles to essential workers.
CamelBak Gives Away 10,000 Reusable Water Bottles to Frontline Workers
CamelBak has launched an initiative during COVID-19 that, as a hydration brand, supports our healthcare workers and those on the frontline to keep them healthy and hydrated.
CamelBak is giving away 10,000 reusable water bottles to healthcare workers and those on the frontline. The process is simple: anyone authorized within their organization or facility can reach out to CamelBak at social@camelbak.com from a valid company email address to submit their request. They should provide their name, name of the facility, shipping address, phone number, # of bottles needed, and a photo of their medical or organization ID.
To date, CamelBak has donated to hospitals throughout California, New Jersey and New York. If you know of anyone in need please send them this information.
‘The CrowFro Show’ vodcast starts fundraiser for NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal
As part of their new YouTube series ‘The CrowFro Show’ will be interviewing Danny Hart with a fundraiser launching to support the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. With each episode, the guests will be asked to donate something special with those who donate have a chance of winning. Follow the show on YouTube here
Find out more here.
Hope Produces Visors and Ventilator Parts
"Although our factory has been closed for bike components we have been running our 3D printer 24/7 on producing visors for our local NHS Health Trust with deliveries to them every few days.
Last week we also shipped our first batch of CNC parts to one of the ventilator projects we are currently working with. This is an ongoing project with more parts shipping each week."
Last week we also shipped our first batch of CNC parts to one of the ventilator projects we are currently working with. This is an ongoing project with more parts shipping each week."
Specialized Supports Covid-19 Essential Workers
Today, Specialized launched an initiative to bring safe and reliable transportation to essential workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. Specialized is giving essential workers across the United States free bikes through a crowd-sourced community referral program, and has donated bikes to Transportation Alternatives, a bicycle advocacy organization in New York, which is matching essential workers with bikes where the need is greatest.
WHAT: Bikes provide healthy, reliable, and convenient transportation while practicing safe social distancing.
WHEN: The community referral program begins April 13, 2020 and will run through April 22, 2020.
WHERE: Consumers can visit www.specialized.com/essential-transportation for more details on how to get involved nationwide.
WHY: Keeping essential workers moving is critical for our communities. The impact of COVID-19 is hard to process, and the actions we can take often feel small in comparison to the scale of the problem.
| Together, using the power of the bicycle, we can help make life a little easier for those on the front lines. |
Muc-Off launch 'Anti Bac Fight Back' project
Muc-Off has added to their recent efforts of assisting with the shortage of plastic bottles for hand sanitiser by launching their new 'Anti Bac Fight Back' project. The new program from the UK based company sees them take three different approaches to the situation. Support front line workers, protecting people and global support.
Adding to their previous efforts Muc-Off is now providing ITU nurses with anti-bacterial moisturising creams to help with the soreness creating by wearing face masks during their shifts. The aim is to donate 100,000 products to front line health workers.
They have also released a new range of anti-bacterial sanitisers and gels for everyone which will see 10% of profits from the products go to the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Finally, they have also started using their R&D team's 3D printer to produce PPE faceguards for local hospitals.
You can find out more here.
Oakley Donate 20000+ units of protective eyewear to Healthcare Workers while also developing protective shield for front line health workers.
Oakley has announced on social media that they have so far donated over 20000 units of protective eyewear that will be sent across America and Europe. In addition to their sizeable donation, the company have also put their R&D and Manufacturing teams to work on a protective shield that they hope to mass produce for first responders and front line medical staff.
| Wanting to help in these trying times, the R&D and Manufacturing teams here at Oakley, have been working diligently to put their time and talents to good use. In collaboration with the local medical community, the teams have developed a protective shield that will be mass-produced and provided to our first responders and front-line medical workers. In addition to this we have also made a donation of 20,000 units of protective eyewear that will be shipped across North America and Europe. We will continue to offer our support wherever possible throughout this crisis. We’re all in this together. |
Santa Cruz Bicycles' R&D Team Uses CNC Machinery to Produce Face Shields for Local Medical Staff
Although Santa Cruz, California is in a shelter-in-place like most of the world, Santa Cruz Bicycles’ R&D team is at work producing face shields (PPE) for local medical staff using sheets of plastic cut using their CNC machinery typically used for cutting carbon fiber as well as 3D printers used for prototyping.
The equipment is able to make up to 20 face shield lenses every 9 minutes, yielding ~1000 shields per day. Ten days were spent evaluating designs, developing multiple prototypes and getting feedback from local healthcare professionals to ensure the end product suited their needs. 3D printers are used to make reusable and sterilizable support frames using open source CAD designs. Enough material has been procured to produce 8,000 face shields in two different designs in the next week. 75 face shields from the pilot run were delivered to the Santa Cruz County Donation Center today. The team isn’t working in isolation, this is a community effort, working with volunteers, medical professionals and other local companies to coordinate efforts into effective and rapid action to address the anticipated needs.
With a little help from everyone, we’ll get through this together and come out as an even tighter community on the other side.
If you'd like to help donate to the cause you can find the Santa Cruz Community local COVID-19 response fund info here.
Bell + Giro Donate 3000+ Goggles to Healthcare Workers
Bell and Giro, major providers of outdoor sports and recreation products, today announced the donation of 3,194 protective goggles to America’s frontline healthcare workers combating the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus. The goggles, held and distributed at Vista Outdoor’s Rantoul, Illinois manufacturing and distribution facility, will be delivered to hospitals and other public health facilities in 18 states and 41 different health care facilities.
“Our Bell and Giro products are designed first and foremost to keep people safe, whether they are commuting to work or recreating in the outdoors. In light of the ongoing pandemic, our products are now proving to be an essential element for health care workers responding to the unprecedented public health crisis the world faces as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Sword, President of Bell + Giro. “This personal protective equipment, or PPE can help doctors, nurses, and other first responders focus on what they do best, and where they are needed most. Bell + Giro, and the entire Vista Outdoor family is indebted to our country’s medical professionals, and it is our duty to do everything we can to support them.”
The donation was done in coordination with Goggles for Docs, a newly formed organization that gets ski, mountain bike, and motorcycle goggles into the hands of healthcare workers who currently have no eye protection as they treat COVID-19 patients. The organization was created by members of the ski and snowboard industry after reading various reports that goggles had turned into valuable personal protective equipment for health care workers. More than 13,000 goggles have been donated thus far.
For more, please visit their website at: gogglesfordocs.com
Dario Acquaroli Donates his World Championship Winning Bike to Corona Relief Effort
Dario Acquaroli is donating his 1996 Under 23 winning bike to help support the Mobile Intensive Care Units in Bergamo, Italy. Caroli beat Cadel Evans to take the win on September 17 1996 aboard this custom titanium hardtail and has kept hold of the bike for nearly 25 years.
Acquaroli competed in 19 UCI World Championships in total with the Italian national team, winning two European Championships (1992, 1993), two UCI World Championships (Juniors in 1993, U23 in 1996) and five Italian Championships (1992, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2005) with Team Bianchi, Full-Dynamix and Sintesi Larm.
He told the UCI: "Many people I know have died or are sick. The situation is worse than you can imagine reading in the news. But here we don't cry too much, we roll up our sleeves and give our contribution."
To win the bike, you can donate as little as $10 on his Wishraiser, here.
Acquaroli said: "I would be happy if the winner is someone who appreciates the value of that object and who understood that I donated it with my heart and for the cause. I imagine the bike hanging on a wall in the house and guests who come for dinner and ask what it is, and they can discover the story behind it. It’s nice if the winner of the bike is a simple person, who just donated only 10 euros."
Smith Optics and 100% offer protective eyewear to caregivers and hospital workers
Both Smith Optics and 100% have announced programs that will see both brands provide personal protective equipment to those working hardest against the spread of the virus. Smith is currently sending out goggles to fufill hospital requests and they are asking the riding community to donate goggles or money to the cause. 100% have announced that so far they have donated over 1000 pairs of eyewear to caregivers who are being asked to buy their own Personal Protection Equipment.
| The Goggles for Docs program materialized in just a few days to support hospital need, and is based solely on volunteer support and product donation. Smith is currently sending new and used goggles to fulfill hospital requests, and will continue to promote the program, encouraging our community to volunteer and donate on an individual level. Beginning today at 7pm EST on Facebook, Goggles for Docs is hosting a virtual Après Ski Music Series of live-streamed sets by featured artists – where listeners can tune in and donate goggles or cash contributions that will directly purchase additional protective gear for medical staff. For more information visit the link in our bio |
| Stronger together. 100% Together. With so many caregivers being encouraged to purchase their own Personal Protection Equipment, we thought we would help them out. We are pleased to have donated over 1,000 pairs of sports performance eyewear, all outfitted with clear, UltraHD lenses to those fighting on the front lines, our heroes. We will get through this, together. |
Velocio launches 2020 Unity jersey to benefit efforts battling COVID-19
New England based cycling apparel brand Velocio has announced the launch of their 2020 Unity jersey which will see 100% of profits go to three charities that are working hard to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chosen three charities are Save the Children, Project C.U.R.E and Corona Virus Relief Fund.
| Velocio Apparel, a New England-based cycling brand specializing in performance apparel, announced today the launch of a benefit jersey to benefit aid for those suffering through COVID-19 crisis. Founded in 2017 with the goal to “Make a difference at least in some small way,” Velocio’s Unity project develops a new jersey annually that speaks to a chosen initiative, an issue that requires the world to come together to work for a greater good. 100% of the profits from Unity Jersey sales are donated to charities that embody their mission. This year’s Unity Jersey is aimed to give aid to those who need it in these times. 100% of the profits from the effort will support three non-profit organizations. Save the Children / No Kid Hungry, Project C.U.R.E. and The Corona Virus Relief Fund, all crucial nonprofits aimed at stemming the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The pre-order opens April 2, 2020 and closes May 1, 2020. All preorders are expected to ship by August 1, 2020. Velocio encourages those unable to contribute through the jersey pre-order to consider donating to the charities directly. |
For more information on the UNITY project, log onto www.velocio.cc.
Shotgun release 30 free illustrations for kids to colour in at home
Shotgun are releasing 30 ‘Shred Til Bed’ MTB animal illustrations for kids to collect and color every day during April.
| With coronavirus putting the world into lock-down, we realise a lot of families can’t get onto the trails right now, so this is our way of trying to keep the MTB stoke alive at home. Hopefully we’re all back on the trails before we know it. |
And all illustrations are drawn by the super talented Mike Hearsey from @snide.art, who is certainly worth a follow on the gram if you like bike art. Subscribe for the drawings, here.
Muc-Off looks to offer help with the short supply of hand sanitizer bottles
Muc-Off has announced that they are going to be slowing down their regular production of lubricant and bike care products, which frees them up to make bottles that can be used by hand sanitiser producers. The company were seeing reports that makers of hand sanitizers were struggling to find bottles to fill with their product due to the overwhelming demand so they decided to launch a scheme for producers of hand gel to sign up through a form on their website to request a supply of plastic bottles.
| Lots of stories are doing the rounds regarding a lack of plastic bottles in circulation for anti-bacterial gel manufacturers. To try and do our bit to help rectify this, we are slowing the production of our lubes to make our 50ml and 120ml bottles available for anti-bacterial producers to use. |
USA Cycling to assist companies who are supporting those in need with the ‘Bikes Give Back’ program
With companies offering their support for those in need by using their manufacturing services to produce face masks and ventilators, USA Cycling have announced their new ‘Bikes Give Back’ program which will see 50% of all memberships sales given directly to support companies who have pledged aid to those who need it. Currently, the cycling federation has committed to providing financial support through the program until 3 May 2020, which is when their domestic event suspensions will expire.
Scicon Sports to produce face masks and protective eyewear
Scicon Sports joins the ranks of companies using their factories to produce personal protection items. The company has converted its production line to make respirator face masks and protective eyewear in response to requests from companies, private entities and law enforcement agencies for protective equipment.
Panaracer will continue to financially support events despite cancellations
Panaracer has announced that they will still pay sponsorships and attendance fees to all of the events that were previously on its schedule that have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. The list includes over 30 events that were going to be supported by the company.
| We see supporting the cycling community, and especially events in 2020, as an investment in the future of the sport, and a way to recognise event promoters for the role they play in the cycling community,” said Panaracer’s Jeff Zell. “For decades, events have been an important part of how Panaracer engages cycling and cyclists, and we look forward to reconnecting with all of you, when it is safe to do so. Additionally, events are a proving ground for products and technologies, and we intend to continue to develop our tires, in part, through these venues. |
The Bike Project launches virtual bike maintenance classes to teach people how to repair their own bikes
UK charity 'The Bike Project', which donates bikes to refugees in the UK, has launched virtual "Dr Bike" sessions. These will be one-to-one video sessions delivered by their team of mechanics with the aim to help people fix their bikes. All National Health Service staff are being offered the sessions for free to ensure they can keep using their bikes as a way to get to and from work.
Find out more here.
Santini and Kitsbow shift clothing production to make facemasks
Performance clothing manufacturer Santanti announced this week that with the falling sales of its clothing range due to the virus it was planning to instead shift its production lines towards masks with the aim to produce 10,000 a day. The masks once produced will be given to those fighting against the spread of COVID-19.
Talking to local news outlet, BergamoNews.It, the marketing manager for Santini, Paola Santini, said: “We have made the prototype, now we are waiting for the go-ahead from the Politecnico di Milano which is testing it and from Monday 23rd of March we could put our mask into work. We have already tested the machinery and we are ready to produce ten thousand masks per day. We receive many requests, but the priority will be addressed to Bergamo and its province, because we touch the difficulties of our hospitals and how much they still work in companies with their own hands.”
Kitsbow have also decided to start making protective equipment for local first responders and medical staff. They have apparently already had an order for 26,000 units that will ship on Monday. Read more on Bicycle Retailer, here.
Industry Nine hopes to shift manufacturing to support fighting the virus
Industry Nine has announced on social media that they have CNC machines ready to make parts that could be in short supply because of the COVID-19 outbreak. In their statement, they specifically mention ventilator components but they are asking anyone to get in contact with them if they think they can help them make the items that are in desperate need during the crisis we are currently all facing.
| Industry Nine is in a position to help with manufacturing parts needed and assisting supply efforts in combating the virus outbreak. At our disposal are dozens of CNC machines ready to make parts in short supply like ventilator components. Our engineering teams have years of robotics and automation experience ready to support companies producing PPE like masks and gloves. We're reaching out to our contact network to find ways to support these industries in need, but now we're calling on our dedicated followers to help us connect with other manufacturers or suppliers. If you think you can help us in this effort please email: tips@industrynine.net Please share with or tag people/friends who may be of help. Thank you all - please be safe! |
Monkey's Sauce begins produce hydroalcoholic gel to supply hospitals
Monkey's Sauce has decided to use its large stock of glycerin and alcohol to produce alcoholic gel for hospitals. Monkey's Sauce said: "Monkey's Sauce and Hexis Group (our parent company, manufacturer of self-adhesive vinyl films) produce hydroalcoholic gel to supply hospitals. Glycerin is a major component of our sealant and we use alcohol to clean all machines & to produce some products like Hexis Shagclean. As we have a lot of stock that's why we decided to produce hydroalcoholic gel. Thank you to all the staff currently working at the factory while respecting the safety rules"
BMZ Group stops production of batteries for ebikes to make batteries for ventilators
The BMZ Group, who produce Li-ion batteries that are used in e-Bikes, has decided to convert their production lines to make Li-ion batteries for medical equipment with a focus on ventilators, which are in short supply across the world. They have found that companies producing ventilators desperately need batteries with the company seeing a 50% increase in inquiries.
BMZ Founder and CEO Sven Bauer told Cycling Industry News: “For us, health protection is paramount. That is why we didn’t hesitate for a moment when we received a distressed call from manufacturers of urgently needed ventilators. We are in the fortunate situation of having access to an extensive inventory, allowing us to increase the number of batteries we produce for use in medical technology.”
RGT Cycling indoor training app has been made free to users
With some parts of the world on full lockdown and others asking to limit any potentially dangerous activities more riders have been looking towards indoor training apps to get in some miles. While Zwift has offered up some added events, RGT Cycling has decided to make their platforms completely free to users. The programs, which normally cost £12.99 (per month), will now be available to everyone at no charge for the time being as they want to encourage people to stay indoors and not put themselves in a situation where they might add to the strain of healthcare services.
Alex Serban, the founder and CEO of RGT, told Cycling News: “As the impact of COVID-19 is felt around the world, this mission has become more important than ever and after watching inspiring communities come together to support each other, our need to do everything we can to help became obvious.
“At a time when focusing on profit would be easy, this removal of restrictions will provide free access for all and, we hope, offer some support to the cycling community.”
Cycling shops report a rise in sales as more people look to cycling as a mode of transport
Cycling Industry News reported earlier this week that with the spread of COVID-19 and the worries over using public transport they have found that bike shops have been seeing a rise in sales.
Energise e-Bikes has found that they are selling to people who they would not normally serve with a spike in sales at weekends. They told Cycling Industry News: “We did have a spike on the weekend sales-wise, particularly in the 30 to 40-year-old commuter demographic, which we don’t see that often.
Tring Motion’s David Barnett, hasn't found quite the same kind of sales as Energise but they have seen more people coming to have repairs on their bikes: “Mine has been mainly repairs, activity has increased despite my website being offline for a few days. I have had an uptick on lower priced units, for sure.”
Bicycle Retailer has also reported that New York has seen a rise in sales with New York city bridge counters seeing increased traffic and Citi Bike share system finding a usage increase of over 50%.
In the same report, it mentions that Bicycle Habitat which has three locations in the city has found increases of over 75% in their shops since the outbreak of COVID-19. Charlie McCorkell, owner of Bicycle Habitat told Bicycle Retailer: “We’ve been pretty busy; we’re an important part of the whole system right now and we’re doing our best to keep it going.
“We’re seeing sales in two categories: the transportation category and the other is what I call ‘normalizing your children’s experience in a time of crisis.’ We’re selling a lot of kids bikes. I think parents are trying to give kids a good experience as opposed to everything sucks out there.”
Trash Free Trails announce selfless isolation initiative with the DIY spring trail clean
Trash Free Trails were set to kick off their Spring Trail Clean tour next month, which would have seen them head to 10 locations across the UK to clean up the trails from plastic waste left behind by trail users. But with the spread of the virus and government restrictions, the plans could not go ahead but that does not mean that trails can't be cleaned. To keep their idea going, they have announced 'Selfless Isolation', which involves anyone interested to head out to their local trails and pick up any rubbish that you can find. Even if we can't have as much fun on our bikes at the moment we can at least make sure that the places we ride stay clean and healthy for when we can return to the trails.
| At Trash Free Trails, we strongly believe that now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to provide people with ways to stay connected with each other and with nature. Over the coming weeks, it will also be vital that we all find ways to feel purposeful over this worrisome period — to feel like we have achieved something significant. As we have seen so many times, the simple action of removing a handful of plastic pollution from the places we love can be an incredibly powerful and symbolic act. So we're not going to cancel or postpone the Spring Trail Clean Tour. Nope, we're just going to change things up a little. We’ve decided to overhaul our recently announced Spring Trail Clean Tour, and call for some 'selfLESS isolation'! |
| Here's the plan: - We were really hoping that up to 1000 people would join us in giant, glorious groups of trail loving trash hunters, but that's going to have to wait a while. - But just as we were settling in for a little sulk we realised that we don't have to be together to work TOGETHER to #protectwhatwelove. - Idea We're going to hijack the #selflisolation & #socialdistancing hashtags of doom for GOOD by asking thousands of you to do your own #selfLESSisolation #DIYTrailClean whenever you are able to escape into our wild and beautiful places. - Now this is the key. Every individual positive action makes a difference. But, when we share and connect these incredible individual actions, something truly awesome happens. So, please shout it from the hilltops! Use social media to connect our dots and create a giant, noisy network of action! As outdoor sportspeople we know you'll all have been thinking the same as us; "will we still be able to ride, run and roam our trails and wild places?". Whilst things are changing faster than Danny Hart's Champerey run the current guidance from the UK government, Mountain Rescue England and Wales, the British Mountaineering Council, British Cycling and the National Trust is that we CAN still head out into our hills, forests, trails and rivers as long as we are playing well within our CAPABILITIES. We'll be keeping a super close eye on this and will be updating our community constantly to make sure we all remain responsible with our actions. We also ask that anyone joining us from afar strictly follows the guidance and law being applied where they live! Are you in? Ace! Click the link below to view more detailed plans and assets for our re-launch. If you’d like to join in, here are our #s and handles to get you started: #1000positiveacts #stayconnected #selflessisolation #springtrailclean #DIYTrailClean #trasfreetrails |
It is important to remember your own country's guidelines when outside your home. If your government is suggesting 'social distancing' then please follow the rules and remain at least 2 meters away from other people (try not to visit your trails in large groups) and do not travel unless it is necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Must Read This Week
131 Comments
du•ress doo͝-rĕs′, dyoo͝-►
n.
Compulsion by threat or violence; coercion.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbFBhY0bgJo
Sorry, I guess I'm one of those people that sees the reality of the situation we as a country have put ourselves in over the past forty years, where the CEO of Specialized has to work his top secret Asian connections to get a hold of a product that is basically filter paper with two rubber bands stapled to it.
What are intended as feel good stories only highlight the problems in a country that has decimated it's manufacturing base in favor of financialization and globalization, and the economic shit hasn't even really hit the fan yet. Bring on the downvotes.
If our shop owner would commit to taking serious steps to prevent employee exposure then maybe my attitude would be different, but since he's just going along business as usual, I can't be so cavalier. My friend who works there has indicated the same, but he is still going in against his better judgement. I told him to stay in the shop, wear gloves and wipe all the bikes with Clorox wipes before starting.
Stay healthy everyone!
One went to one of our NP's yesterday crying, oddly, she was the one we were going to get rid of anyway, just made it that much faster to have her violate signed company policy.
See, in business, no one ever claimed it is a democracy, simply, it is a dictatorship and those in charge get to make all decisions. I am certain that it is the same way at your employer (unless potentially you are union)
Look at you with your active imagination. We're all so proud.
My comment about skid mark was that you are like one a POS, know nothing non caring bastard.
I could go on but you will get yours sooner or later but its coming.
Best news I’ve heard in months.
These cloth masks are as effective as the many Asian masks that we see in recent history, useless. They simply are about as clean as a handkerchief, not at all. If anything, they collect more filth than not having one at all. Plus, how many folks have an autoclave at home to clean them.
We need to get some PSA's out there that when you take off your rubber gloves they are supposed to fall into the trash can, not your pocket. I really like it when I see folks in the store wipe their nose with their rubber gloves.....wow, just wow.
I'm a Nursing Clinical Specialist.
Also with this trend of X company helping doing Y product for healthcare. For the most part it probably works, but alcohol industry or petrochemicals shifting their production to disinfectants or gloves, they do it in an inefficient way, for more money and more importantly, they take resources that companies that tend to do stuff like that effectively and cheaply suddenly have nothing to work with. That's the case in Poland.
Big f*ck you to distilling industry, stick to making poison for people, ruining their health and family life, make more of that domestic violence stats increasing stuff. We don't need you to cause more mess, we need you to kick the bucket.
The ONLY time would in situations such as earthquakes and 9/11 type events. Even hurricanes have better planning than that.
Most of the traffic at the ED's the past number of days is hypochondriacs with a sniffle wasting everyones time demanding a test. Fact is, if we check them for precancerous skin cells at the same time we could also 'save some lives'. Maybe they should also do PAP's, Mamograms and Prostate checks as well....imagine the lives we could save.
There is some discussion of this on Reddit's /r/nursing sub: www.reddit.com/r/nursing/comments/flhjjb/nurse_pro_tip_put_your_ivs_on_extension_lines_run
I don't suppose you are aware that the masks are designed to be SINGLE-USE for a reason, right? Same with gloves. SINGLE USE. When you take off either, they are to go directly into the trash can. That is the proper way.
I did see that yesterday the USS Comfort was leaving the NYC area...seems they did not have the patient load to justify it being there. If I were to watch CNN or MSNBC one would think that people were falling off the gang plank trying to get in.
On another note, I also gave about half of a porterhouse steak to my dog yesterday. I was full....
Assuming everything in the media is false is as ignorant as assuming everything they say is true.
And of course there’s conflicting news reports. Bias, we all suffer from it... wisdom is recognizing it.
Case in point, you’re perspective seems based on facts and observations from your experience and sources you trust. On the flip side, my wife hasn’t received a new N95 in two weeks. They’ve been ordered to reuse until new shipments are physically received. We’ve been having trouble sourcing masks, thanks to your President, in case you haven’t heard. Enjoy your surplus, every time you throw one away think of someone without a choice but to reuse theirs.
Wait, here’s a thought... since the virus is overblown and N95s aren’t actually effective, to you, why do even wear one?
Who, do you suggest do the fitting? I mean, we throw so many away day to day. Heck, that may be a new full-time staff member.
I reiterate my point from another thread: you’re either low level in healthcare and just another egoistic mouthpiece or are senior and embarrassingly unprofessional.
You want a balanced debate where we consider the merits of all points of view, I’m game. You wanna keep spouting off the same talking points and throwing personal insults, have fun shouting at yourself. I’m out, good luck.
Having worked for quite a while "up north", we saw TONS of cases of Canadians coming to the US for timely care, TONS. Well, up to and including some of your politicians. In Canada, they will let you suffer, period, it is a fact. Now, in the US we are acting just like Canada, forcing PT's to wait for common procedures for weeks and weeks for simply no good reason.
We had two more COVID idiots show up today, both from the same city (an old folks community) both claiming they tested positive and wanted another test...both belligerent idiots. Se la vie. I do hope they both suffocate in a SNIF.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZw8aJLfepM
I know... it’s hard to believe that stupidity is bipartisan.
“I’m not a big fan of Trump, but he doesn’t steal my ability to critically think.”
Feb. 2 President Trump: "We pretty much shut it down coming in from China."
Feb. 10 President Trump "You know in April it supposedly dies with the hotter weather."!
Feb. 10 President Trump: “Now, the virus that we’re talking about having to do — you know, a lot of people think that goes away in April with the heat — as the heat comes in. Typically, that will go away in April. We’re in great shape though. We have 12 cases — 11 cases, and many of them are in good shape now.” — Trump at the White House. (See our item “Will the New Coronavirus ‘Go Away’ in April?“)
On Feb. 13 HHS Secretary Azar announced a plan to help track the virus in the general population but his plan was rejected and the cdc failed to make tests available.
Feb. 14 President Trump: “There’s a theory that, in April, when it gets warm — historically, that has been able to kill the virus. So we don’t know yet; we’re not sure yet. But that’s around the corner.” — Trump in speaking to National Border Patrol Council members.
On Feb. 21 the White House Coronavirus task force gathers and discussed taking textbook mitigation efforts and concluded it would be necessary to take severe steps to slow the spread of the virus at some point, despite the economic costs.
Feb. 23 President Trump: “We have it very much under control in this country.” — Trump in speaking to reporters.
On Feb 24 Dr. Robert Kadlec, the top disaster response official at HHS presented a mitigation plan to President Trump and warned the President that serious steps needed to be taken. But nothing was done for several weeks, the White House instead focused on messaging and crucial weeks passed while the viris spread largely unimpeded before President Trump reluctantly accepted their views.
Feb. 24 President Trump: “The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!” — Trump in a tweet.
The stock market has lost 20% of its value since President Trump's Feb. 24 recommendation to invest in it, the largest drop since the great depression. The president was obviously in deep denial about what was ahead.
Feb. 25 President Trump: "People are getting better. They're all getting better."
Feb. 26 President Trump: “So we’re at the low level. As they get better, we take them off the list, so that we’re going to be pretty soon at only five people. And we could be at just one or two people over the next short period of time. So we’ve had very good luck.” — Trump at a White House briefing.
Feb. 26: “And again, when you have 15 people, and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero, that’s a pretty good job we’ve done.” — Trump at a press conference.
Feb. 26: “I think every aspect of our society should be prepared. I don’t think it’s going to come to that, especially with the fact that we’re going down, not up. We’re going very substantially down, not up.” — Trump at a press conference, when asked if “U.S. schools should be preparing for a coronavirus spreading.”
Feb. 27: “It’s going to disappear. One day — it’s like a miracle — it will disappear.” — Trump at a White House meeting with African American leaders.
Feb 28: "The coronavirus...you know that right? Coronavirus... and this is their new hoax, were 15 people in this massive country. And because of the fact that we won early, we won early, we could have had alot more than that. We're doing great. Our country is doing so great." -- Trump at his own Campaign rally.
Feb 28: "...and you'll be fine."
Feb. 29: “And I’ve gotten to know these professionals. They’re incredible. And everything is under control. I mean, they’re very, very cool. They’ve done it, and they’ve done it well. Everything is really under control.” — Trump in a speech at the CPAC conference outside Washington, D.C.
March 2 President Trump: "Now they're gonna have vaccines, I think relatively soon. "
March 3 President Trump: "Not only the vaccines but the therapies. Therapies is sort of another word for cure."
March 4 Trump:We're talking about very small numbers in the United States.
March 4: “[W]e have a very small number of people in this country [infected]. We have a big country. The biggest impact we had was when we took the 40-plus people [from a cruise ship]. … We brought them back. We immediately quarantined them. But you add that to the numbers. But if you don’t add that to the numbers, we’re talking about very small numbers in the United States.” — Trump at a White House meeting with airline CEOs.
March 4: “Well, I think the 3.4% is really a false number.” — Trump in an interview on Fox News, referring to the percentage of diagnosed COVID-19 patients worldwide who had died, as reported by the World Health Organization. (See our item “Trump and the Coronavirus Death Rate.”)
March 6 Trump: "Our numbers are lower than just about anybody's."
March 7: “No, I’m not concerned at all. No, we’ve done a great job with it.” — Trump, when asked by reporters if he was concerned about the arrival of the coronavirus in the Washington, D.C., area.
March 9: “So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!” — Trump in a tweet. 295,000 of President Trump's followers "liked" that tweet by the President. No doubt that many of them ignored social distancing recommendations based upon President Trump downplaying it.
March 10 Trump: "It's really working out, and alot of great things are gonna happen."
March 10: “And we’re prepared, and we’re doing a great job with it. And it will go away. Just stay calm. It will go away.” — Trump after meeting with Republican senators.
March 11 Trump: "and we're responding with great speed and professionalism."
March 12 Trump: "Its gonna go away."
March 13 Trump: "No, I don't take responsibility at all."
March 15 Trump: "It'll all be so great. We're gonna be so good."
March 16 Trump: "This came up. It all came up so suddenly."
March 17 Trump: "This is a pandemic. I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic.
www.google.com/amp/s/www.politico.com/amp/news/2020/03/16/trump-inauguration-warning-scenario-pandemic-132797
"But roughly two-thirds of the Trump representatives in that room are no longer serving in the administration. That extraordinary turnover in the months and years that followed is likely one reason his administration has struggled to handle the very real pandemic it faces now, former Obama administration officials said."
Trump's chaotic presidency, full of corruption, lies, and constant scandal, has created instability at the highest levels of our government which left it unresponsive to a health crisis.
Trump says repeatedly says he inherited a broken system, but if he is the health expert he claims to be then why didn't he fix in during his first three years? Why didn't he listen to the NSC recommendations earlier in the year after pandemic simulations had found serious flaws in Americas ability to respond?
This is a President who has consistently criticized, defunded, and spread distrust for American governmental agencies, science, and any media who criticizes him. This is clearly a President who prioritizes personal wealth and the economy over health and the environment, to a degree which we have never before seen in American politics. His lack of leadership on the issue is most evident in his own words, and has been the most defining factor in the failure to contain the pandemic.
America is actually going backwards on testing, not making progress. Less Americans were tested this last week than last week. Trump wants to reopen the economy but the state's aren't even close to having the necessary resources to do it responsibly.
Where is the necessary national testing program?
There was no testing program initially because the President failed to do his job. Now there is no testing program because the President has decided that it's not his job. He's decided it's not his job because if it is his job and the American people know its his job then they are fairly going to blame him for the loss of life and the economic devastation that has come with it. This leaves the President in a position where all he can do is look for other people to blame and create chaotic distractions. It also leaves the President in a position where he has abdicated his primary responsibility of protecting the American public.
America now has 20% of the world's deaths even though it only has 4% of the world's population. Now that the death count has risen dramatically President Trump's strategy is to attempt to lay blame elsewhere and create divisive chaos to distract from his failures. Blame the media even though he previously accused them of exaggerating the threat from coronavirus. Blame the Democrats even though they were not in power and many of them were taking their cues from the President since he had access to all the intelligence.
Accuse American states of exaggerating their death counts. Threaten to create a constitutional crisis by adjoining Congress. Then Trump takes the drastic step of cutting funding for the World Health Organozation during the worst pandemic of our lives for doing the exact same thing he did at least 15 times.
www.google.com/amp/s/www.politico.com/amp/news/2020/04/15/trump-china-coronavirus-188736
The inane hypocrisy of his actions show Trump is willing to destroy everything else to save himself, but destroying his own cherished economic achievements with his botched coronavirus response is obviously not going to help him get re-elected and the death toll and economic devastation now makes 9/11 seem not nearly as significant in comparison.
Trumps failure to respond to the Coronavirus was so blatant that even when he tries to use propaganda in news conferences his own evidence exposes his inaction during the crucial month of February.
theintercept.com/2020/04/14/trump-pr-stunt-falls-flat-white-house-video-exposes-failure-prepare-pandemic
President Trump is now claiming that he is a war-time President with absolute authority. But it is now very clear that America lost the war against the coronavirus pandemic because of his lack of leadership that stared in February and continues to this day.