The COVID-19 IBD Reopening Resources and Guidance
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The ACT's new guide for IBDs getting back up and running safely after business closure.
Following the announcements made by the UK government on 23rd March 2020, bicycle shops were deemed an exception to the forced business closures. Since then much has changed in the way that IBDs have been operating.
The cycling industry has been reported to have a ‘boom', with cycle finance applications hitting a new all-time high of £60m in April and market feedback suggesting that cash is also flowing through cycle shop tills since the lockdown.
Some bicycle shops chose to remain open throughout the lockdown to serve key workers and the public's transport needs. However, some bicycle shop owners also made the difficult decision to shut up shop in the interests of safety for themselves, their employees and their customers. Since closure, it may now be difficult to know how to safely reopen in a way that satisfies all safety requirements.
The ACT has created guidance for bicycle shops that are now reopening after previously closing. The aim of the document is to enable IBDs to operate efficiently while implementing social distancing and other safety measures with various advice and resources.
The ACT welcomes the decision to reopen as we believe that bicycle shops, as well as cycling in general, can play a key role in tackling this pandemic, in ways such as:
- Providing a lower-risk option for key workers to get to and from work
- Supporting key workers using bicycles for deliveries
- Providing a safer form of exercise (as long as social distancing measures are kept), which benefits both physical and mental health
As well as a guide for getting back up and running safely, the document also includes useful resources, advice on sourcing materials for shielding/social distancing and a re-opening an empty building checklist.
Download the The COVID-19 IBD Reopening Resources and Guidance now.