Spektrum: We can't say it often enough: since spring 2020, the bicycle has made a decisive contribution to overcoming the corona pandemic in Germany. While the bike workshops are still open, the local bike shops had to close when the lockdown began in November. The cycling and bicycle industry associations are now contacting the Chancellor directly.
Bicycle associations with an appeal to the Chancellor
With the ADFC, the Association of German Bicycles, the Bicycle Industry Association, the Bicycle Purchasing Cooperative, the Federal Bicycle Future Association, Bico, the Federal Bicycle Guild Association and the Service and Bicycle Association, eight large bicycle associations have an open one Letter addressed to Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In the letter to you and the prime ministers of the federal states, you emphasize the importance of the bicycle for overcoming the pandemic so far and are therefore calling for the bicycle shops to be opened soon under strict conditions.
Full text of the open letter
Bicycle trade is a guarantee for crisis-proof local mobility
Dear Chancellor,
Dear Prime Ministers,
Dear Prime Ministers,
the associations of the bicycle industry and the cycling associations expressly support the initiatives of the federal and state governments to slow down the spread of SARS-COV-2. We are aware that the measures and strategies have to be adapted and optimized again and again.
As an industry, we have been taking responsibility wherever we can since the beginning of the crisis, be it through generous home office solutions or complex adjustments to production and service processes to prevent transmission.
The course of the crisis so far has made one thing very clear: cycling is an indispensable part of infection-proof mobility. Bicycle traffic has increased sharply throughout the crisis, while mobility has decreased overall. For more and more people, the bicycle has become the guarantor of mobility in everyday life.
The bicycle plays this key role in a crisis-proof transport system for good reasons:
- It ensures local mobility with the best possible protection against infection.
- It enables leisure activities in the fresh air and helps against "cabin fever" without getting too close.
- It strengthens the cardiovascular system and lungs and is good for the immune system.
It is gratifying that bicycle workshops have been able to remain open in recent weeks. But there is more at stake: Many people want to buy a bicycle right now because they either don't have one or the old one is no longer usable.
We therefore propose to allow the sale of bicycles, e-bikes and accessories in local bicycle shops under strictly controlled conditions and in compliance with the RKI's hygiene regulations. In addition, deliveries of goods to bicycle dealers must continue to be possible, as this is the only way to ensure the supply of spare parts.
We have summarized in a paper on measures how sales in bicycle shops can be implemented for both customers and employees with a minimal risk of infection. It is attached to this letter. The measures described have already proven themselves across the board in spring 2020.
We ask you to consider our suggestions and to take them into account in the upcoming decisions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely
As a signer
Ulrich Syberg, General German Bicycle Club eV
Jörg Müsse, BICO Zweirad Marketing GmbH
Franz-Josef Feldkamper, Federal Guild Association for Two-Wheeler Crafts
Wasilis von Rauch, Bundesverband Zukunft Fahrrad eV
Thomas Kunz, Association of German Two-Wheel Traders
Uwe Wöll, Verbund Service and Fahrrad eV
Ernst breast, two-wheeler industry association registered association
Georg Honkomp, two-wheeler purchasing cooperative eG
Demands and suggestions of the bicycle associations
- The bike shops themselves remain closed to the public.
- Access is only possible in limited numbers after request by staff.
- Consultations only take place after prior appointment.
- The number of people in the sales room depends on the sales area.
- Only customers with a specific need should be advised.
- For advice, customers must agree to the storage of their contact details.
- Anyone showing symptoms is not allowed to enter the bike shop.
- All previously valid distance and hygiene rules apply.
- There are separately designated consultation areas to avoid contact.
- Bicycle grips are covered with protective films that are changed after each use.
- Payments are only possible by bank transfer or EC card.
- EC devices are disinfected after each payment transaction.
Our question to you: What do you think of the open letter from the bicycle associations and the proposed measures? Should bike shops and maybe other businesses be allowed to reopen under these conditions?