Today, Thursday, March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide shelter-in-place order for all citizens in the state’s latest effort to aggressively curb the ongoing threat of COVID-19. California is home to almost 40 million residents and the order is an extension of similar restrictions that were placed in the San Francisco Bay area just 2 days before.

The basics of the order are to enforce social distancing in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus. State residents to remain in place at their homes except for essential activities, essential business, and essential government functions. But what does this mean for outdoor activities like cycling, running or hiking? Is riding your bike an essential activity?

While we certainly would like to think so it’s important to carefully understand and follow Newsom’s directive for our wellness and the health of those around us. To help answer this question we looked into guidance provided by the local government of Santa Clara County when the Bay Area’s Shelter at Home order went into place on Tuesday. Fortunately, this and other local governments are explicitly recognizing bike riding as an "essential activity" and bike shops as "essential businesses" that should not be closed at this time.

Here are a few FAQs on exercise and outdoor activities provided to Santa Clara County residents when their Shelter at Home order was announced:

The Order prohibits non-essential travel on foot or bike - does that mean that I can’t go on a walk or take a bike ride?

No. The Order allows you to go outside for exercise so long as you maintain social distancing (more than 6 feet from persons who are not part of your household).  This includes activities like walks or hikes or bike rides or going to a park. 

Can I leave home to exercise?

If you will be outdoors and not in close contact with other people, yes.  Otherwise, no.  Fitness centers, exercise gyms, recreational centers, golf courses, and public pools are not allowed to operate. 

Am I allowed to go to a park or on a hike? Can I travel to a County park or open space?

Yes.  Spending time outside improves mood and well-being, and is particularly beneficial to children.  You can go for walks, go to the park, and engage in other similar activities, but you should maintain social distance (more than six feet away from persons who are not part of your household) to avoid spread of the virus.

Source: Santa Clara County Public Health

We will update this post if additional information comes in on Executive Order N-33-20, with respect to cycling. If you have specific knowledge or sources that could be helpful let us know in the comments below.