COVID-19: “Find an open bike shop” website launched by ACT and BA to help keep key workers on the road: retailers urged to update details ASAP
A new online map and postcode search facility at www.openbikeshops.uk has been set up to highlight bicycle shops which remain open during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It will enable key workers and others who need their bikes fixed for essential journeys, or for exercise, to quickly locate retailers and repairers who are open for business.
Some retailers will have decided to open by appointment only, or workshop-only, or perhaps on a deliveries-only basis. The exact extent of opening will be clearly indicated, so that customers are fully informed.
This service is completely free of charge for both users and all retailers, irrespective of ACT or BA membership.
Retailers are encouraged to confirm their opening status ASAP at:
This process is very quick and easy: most shops will find their contact details etc. are auto-completed when they enter their postcode. Then all they need to do is answer one multiple-choice question to confirm their opening arrangements. Opening status can be easily revised later if circumstances change.
Consumers can simply enter their postcode to see the contact details of confirmed open bike shops in their area.
The service has been set up in collaboration between the two UK cycle industry trade associations, the Bicycle Association and the Association of Cycle Traders. The Association of Cycle Traders is operating the service based around its existing dealer database and map, with the Bicycle Association adding opening data from major brands and its own Trade Network of retailers. Both organisations will work to raise awareness of the service in the industry and to the general public.
Jonathan Harrison, ACT Director, said:
“It is of utmost importance to collaborate during a pandemic such as COVID-19 and therefore the ACT has been liaising regularly with the Bicycle Association to form a unified stance to keep cycling going.
Shops need to remain open as a vital service for essential workers and so that bikes are kept on the road, and safely maintained, to provide necessary transport & health/exercise options.
It is crucial however, that any bike shops remaining open are following Government guidelines and are operating responsibly in the interests of customers and their staff.”
Steve Garidis, Executive Director of the Bicycle Association, said:
“Cycling is proving its vital strategic role in ensuring that those who must travel to work can do so without having to use public transport. The cycle industry has a key role in supporting this, in particular the bike shops which have remained open to provide essential products and services. This is our small part as an industry in the national effort to tackle Covid-19.
That’s why the Bicycle Association and the Association of Cycle Traders, as the two cycle industry trade bodies, have worked together to produce this resource, which very simply shows where these shops are and how their services can be accessed safely and efficiently.”