Closed doors and a call for resilience. (BBP and COVID-19)
Time to Close
As of Tuesday March 17th, the Boise Bicycle Project will be temporarily closed to the public to limit the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. BBP will join nonprofits and businesses throughout Idaho in temporarily closing our doors in hopes of flatting the curve, minimizing the negative impact of Coronavirus, and bouncing back stronger when the time comes. And it will come.
This closure might come as difficult news for a lot of folks in an already difficult time. We are feeling that pain too. Last Friday we closed our doors to group activities and volunteer efforts. Saying goodbye to some of our daily volunteers hurt. They brighten the shop with their smiles and laughter everyday, and we don’t know when we will see them next. It’s hard.
On Saturday we limited DIY repair services and asked members to limit shop use to only essential projects. On Sunday we limited shop access even more. Each day I was surprised how many people were continuing to use the shop. At one point on Sunday we had 3 people over the age of 65 working on bikes. As we closed the shop that Sunday evening it became very clear… if we remain open, we are putting the health and safety of our staff and shop users risk. It’s time to close.
The Impact Continues
Ok, let’s talk about the brighter side, because we’re doing our best to keep the impact going, and you can help.
Although closed to the public, we are still exploring ways offer free repair as a service for those with no other transportation options. We typically have 5-10 people who exchange work in the shop for bicycle repair (Work Trade) each day we’re open. While we likely won’t be able to bring these folks into the shop, we can still bring their bikes in, fix them as fast as possible, and get something ridable back to them within 20 minutes tops. That means we’ll be able to keep about 25-50 people with no other transportation options riding strong each week.
We also have the ability to space out our mechanics and repairs stands and keep people working on bikes 7 days a week. That means we will re open with more quality affordable bikes available for purchase and donation than we’ve ever had in BBP’s history. It also means we can keep all of our employees at their regular hours and limit the shop to no more than 6 people at a time.
We are also exploring ways for volunteers to be able to pick up bicycles, take them home with needed repair supplies, and work on them in their own garage. We hope to be able to offer this as soon as Thursday. Assistance with grant writing, graphic design, and construction projects may be an option as well. Email sam@boisebicycleproject.org if you’re interested and we’ll get back to you with details.
It’s hard to close the doors, even if temporary, but BBP (we) are an organization who has always put our community first. If we can do our part in helping to slow the spread, a measure that if implemented community-wide will save lives, then this is a decision we have to make.
Be Strong Boise!
It’s time to be strong Boise. Social distancing is a real thing, but it doesn’t have to be social isolation.
Reach out to your neighbors. Maybe stick a post-it note on their door “Hi I’m your neighbor (insert your name), I live at (insert your address) and my phone number is (insert phone number). Please call or text if I can help with anything.
Talk with your friends and family over the phone daily. I had happy hour with three friends last night over the phone. It was only kind of weird.
Order take out from local restaurants. Order something extra that can go straight to the fridge/freezer.
Go for a bike ride, walk, hike, or run with friends. Outside is good and easy to keep 6 feet of distance.
Don’t get sucked too much into social media or Youtube. Slippery slope!
More Coronavirus Info
Idaho Education News Idaho School Closure Updates
Idaho Public Television Local Coronavirus Resources
Spanish materials on coronavirus from the Idaho Statesman
Tomorrow, Tuesday March 17, 12 p.m. MT: AARP/Governor Brad Little telephone town hall (available to everyone)
Support local businesses at this time by purchasing gift cards and take-out.
Please stay safe and follow all necessary precautions during this unprecendented time.
