It feels like a year ago, but the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia created an essential worker survey in (…checks notes) early April, asking what else our organization could do to satisfy some needs of those using bicycles to get to and from their jobs (or as part of their jobs) during the pandemic.
After analyzing the survey results, the first thing we did was create a new Facebook Live show, giving our followers, members, and supporters tips on maintaining their bicycles. That broadcast takes place every Tuesday at noon and, this week, Bicycle Coalition staff member Kieran Campbell will be giving you tips for adjusting your bike’s brakes.
But we found there were other needs, too. For instance, no one — especially those traveling via bicycle all day long — can have too many masks these days. That’s why we’re spending a portion of our week giving out Bicycle Coalition bandannas to essential workers who need them.
So, we will be at the entrance to Rittenhouse Square (18th and Walnut) on Wednesday, giving out free bandannas to those who need them.
Why Rittenhouse? After reaching out to several bicycle couriers (many of whom are pulling much longer shifts than usual to get Philadelphians the food they need), we decided this would be the best spot to meet those workers. But all essential workers are invited to meet us for a free bandanna.
If you need a face covering, meet us there at noon, where we will safely distribute the bandannas.
There will be other ways to get bandannas, too. We are working with community organizations around the city to distribute the face coverings to their communities. And, maybe you’ve heard about Neighborhood Bike Works’ “Bikes for Neighbors” program. NBW is connecting essential workers who need bicycles right now with, well, bicycles. Bicycle Coalition face coverings will be provided with bicycles beginning Tuesday.
We are working on more programming and will be announcing it over the coming weeks. Stay tuned! And in the meantime, come meet us Wednesday at noon in Rittenhouse Square for a free bandanna.