'The ultimate social distancing machine': Bike companies thrive amid COVID-19 outbreak

The owners of Smart Cycles in Norwalk say the bicycle is the original social distancing machine.

News 12 Staff

Mar 28, 2020, 5:07 PM

Updated 1,479 days ago

Share:

Business at a Norwalk bike shop is booming thanks to what they call the original social distancing machine.
On a Saturday, Susan Stanek was helping at her brother's bike shop, Smart Cycles because business is hectic.
"The gyms have closed so there's a huge influx of people needing to get their exercise on somewhere other than the gym," Stanek says, noting that people are adapting due to COVID-19 regulations.
“You can't go to the bar. Activities are limited, so you can't even go to the playgrounds in some towns because they're closed down,” Alex Stanek says.
He says cycling is one of the only options left to enjoy nature safely.
"I've never seen so many people out on bikes in the last two weeks," Alex Stanek says. "We all know that getting cooped up in the house and being stressed out is going to be bad for your physical health."
“Go do a two-hour ride. It clears your head, clears your lungs, and you sleep well that night," Alex Stanek says. "Let's just keep moving through hell on a bicycle and there'll be a point where you know you ride into this colorful new time where a bright day will be a bright day again.”
Smart Cycles is also encouraging everyone to follow the Centers for Disease Control's guidelines on social distancing and is asking everyone to stay out of parks and areas closed to the public.
 


More from News 12
2:41
Fourth generation owners lean on tradition to lead Currie’s Tires to 95 years

Fourth generation owners lean on tradition to lead Currie’s Tires to 95 years

2:08
Warm and sunny start to the week in Connecticut; showers return Wednesday

Warm and sunny start to the week in Connecticut; showers return Wednesday

1:49
Work Zone Safety Awareness Week: CT DOT shares roadway tips and safety measures

Work Zone Safety Awareness Week: CT DOT shares roadway tips and safety measures

2:05
Gov. Lamont pushes for more solar panels on schools

Gov. Lamont pushes for more solar panels on schools

1:51
Last minute tips to file your tax returns as deadline looms

Last minute tips to file your tax returns as deadline looms

0:58
Jackie Robinson Day: Former Dodger Bobby Valentine reflects on athlete and activist

Jackie Robinson Day: Former Dodger Bobby Valentine reflects on athlete and activist

0:22
Connecticut police departments increase patrols around religious sites following aerial attack on Israel

Connecticut police departments increase patrols around religious sites following aerial attack on Israel

0:30
John Solomon, former Easton police chief and veteran, dies at 82

John Solomon, former Easton police chief and veteran, dies at 82

0:15
Fairfield PD: Man faces attempted murder charge, stabbed partner during domestic dispute

Fairfield PD: Man faces attempted murder charge, stabbed partner during domestic dispute

0:31
New data shows 7% of Fairfield County residents under 65 don't have health insurance

New data shows 7% of Fairfield County residents under 65 don't have health insurance

1:47
Food labels can sometimes be misleading. Kane In Your Corner explains what to look out for.

Food labels can sometimes be misleading. Kane In Your Corner explains what to look out for.

4:39
Guide: Ways to help you identify and deal with work burnout

Guide: Ways to help you identify and deal with work burnout

1:31
Danbury Fair Mall welcomes Target, Round1, J. Crew and Inspiration Co.

Danbury Fair Mall welcomes Target, Round1, J. Crew and Inspiration Co.

0:58
Trumbull doctor pushes specialized care for night shift workers

Trumbull doctor pushes specialized care for night shift workers

2:02
East End: Antique Brass Cash Register in Cutchogue

East End: Antique Brass Cash Register in Cutchogue

2:52
Luxury Living on the East End: Ram Island

Luxury Living on the East End: Ram Island

1:03
Bridgeport youth baseball program celebrates grand opening of its new East End facility

Bridgeport youth baseball program celebrates grand opening of its new East End facility

0:28
Israel is quiet on next steps against Iran — and on which partners helped shoot down missiles

Israel is quiet on next steps against Iran — and on which partners helped shoot down missiles

0:25
 State police: Pedestrian from Torrington fatally struck by car on I-84 in Hartford

State police: Pedestrian from Torrington fatally struck by car on I-84 in Hartford

2:04
CDC: Most women do not get a mammogram because of financial difficulties

CDC: Most women do not get a mammogram because of financial difficulties