With summer just around the corner and with the statewide quarantine getting less and less strict every day, it’s about time to start exercising and getting outdoors more! The best thing about biking is that it is amazing exercise but it is also a great way to practice proper social distancing while still being able to enjoy the great outdoors. Let’s explore some of the do’s and don’ts of riding your bike in this era of COVID 19 awareness. 

While On The Greenbelt

Yes, the Greenbelt is still open, but you must take proper precautions! First, you’ll want to carry with you a fresh travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer and some clean paper towels or a handkerchief. You may also want to have a proper face mask while riding your bike to help prevent the spread of any potential virus or germs to your fellow travelers. Make sure to wash your hands before and after eating any snacks, touching your face, or even drinking from your water bottle. If you can’t wash your hands, then make sure to use the hand sanitizer instead.

While biking on The Greenbelt, you’ll want to still practice social distancing. Stay at least six feet between riders. Six feet is about the length of one adult sized bike. You’ll also want to limit your speed and be careful around corners. The Parks Department expects to see a large influx of people using The Greenbelt this year so you will want to watch for other walkers, joggers, and riders.

Bring extra water and a clean top or shirt if you can. The extra water will help you stay hydrated which is super important to your overall immune system health but it can also be used to wash your hands and/or face in a pinch. You’ll want to carry a small bar of soap or a travel sized container of liquid hand soap as well if you have room in your day pack. You never know when you may want to wash your hands and while there are water stations along The Greenbelt, you may have to travel a bit to get there. The extra shirt or top is for if you get sneezed on or coughed on by someone who appears ill. You’ll want to change clothes as soon as possible if you suspect that a sick person’s bodily fluids may be on your clothing. This will help limit your virus exposure.

Where Else Can You Bike?

There are so many great and wonderful bike trails all around Idaho, especially around the Boise area. If you feel The Greenbelt is getting too crowded or you just want to take your social distancing to the next level, we can share some great alternative bike paths for you to explore this year. Here are a few:

Snake River Trail: https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/rail-to-trail/snake-river-canyon-rim-trails/

Bogus Basin Trail System: https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/mountain-biking/bogus-basin-mountain-recreation-area-2/

Best Road Biking Trails Near Boise: https://www.alltrails.com/us/idaho/boise/road-biking

Best Mountain Biking Trails Around Boise: https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8008076/boise-eagle-meridian