Short answer: NO

 

With social distancing and safety on the forefront of everyone’s mind, it can be easy to think getting behind the wheel and driving yourself is the only way to get around. But like everything else these days, it’s not as simple as it first seems.

Active transportation like walking, biking, skating, and even rollerblading are socially distant, sustainable, and can even be quite speedy.

Take the e-bike for example. The electric-assisted, motorized adaptation of the traditional two-wheeler can give you the extra oomph to conquer hills, breeze through an unshaded corridor, and get you to your destination quickly. With all their transportation, environmental, and health benefits, it’s no surprise that e-bike sales have been skyrocketing lately. Would an e-bike work for you?

bicycle joy fun on bikes GIF by Electric Cyclery

Did we mention health benefits?

Yeah, while driving alone only exercises the muscles in and around your right foot, active transportation exercises your body and your mind. Taking a more active approach to getting around provides a number of health benefits, and it has been proven to reduce the chance of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other adverse health outcomes that could put you at greater risk if you were to contract COVID-19.

What if I need to take the bus or G (Orange) line? 

Need to take transit for an essential trip? Local agencies like Metro have been working around the clock – heavily cleaning buses, stations, stops, and surfaces throughout the day – to keep riders and their employees healthy and safe. Even though Metro has our back, all of us must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Remember that if you’re making an essential trip on transit:

  • Face coverings are required to ride
  • Wash/Sanitize your hands before and after riding
  • Keep 6 feet apart from other passengers and avoid touching surfaces whenever possible

There’s never been a better time to try a new way to travel.

Research shows that the best time to form new habits is when there’s a disruption in your life. And 2020 has certainly upended all our daily routines. With the pandemic has come an opportunity: changing habits, less traffic on the roads, and slow streets being put in place all over LA. This all means right now could be the perfect chance to hop on a bike or go for a walk.

Now we know the summer heat can be sweltering at best and hellish at worst, but there are lifehacks for getting around without breaking a sweat and without having to drive with your car’s AC up to full blast (which only adds to the environmental issues caused by driving).

  • If the neighborhood grocery store is within walking distance, think about purchasing an affordable, personal grocery basket with wheels to get your groceries home
  • You can always bring a refillable bottle of ice water with you when you head out for a walk, ride, or roll. It’s good for drinking as well as wetting a spare cloth to cool you down in the sun.
  • Grab a basket for your bike so you can bring your groceries, essentials, or a change of clothes with you on a ride. Or consider investing an e-bike, which saves you effort and energy while providing a refreshing rush of wind, and can be a long-term substitute for driving.

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There are plenty of walking paths and bike lanes at Warner Center’s fingertips (check out this article with all the great places to bike in the Valley), less cars to contend with on the roads, and a plethora of health benefits to getting out from behind the wheel. 

Why not try taking your next essential trip in a way that’s more sustainable for yourself and for our planet?

Instead of driving alone, you could be getting great exercise, saving the environment, and enjoying the scenery of Warner Center with the wind in your hair.

Need help with where to start? Let us know at info@warnerconnects.org!