Riding a bicycle is not only a coping mechanism; it's also a way to protect ourselves during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a time of chaos, the bike brings simplicity. Many rely on bicycles to hone a sense of mental clarity—to practice serenity.
"Life now is a dizzying muddle of moving parts and complication, assessments of science and sifting through news for what’s personally relevant. The bike, by contrast, asks little. It doesn’t take up much room in our cities, nor in our minds. During crises we need to focus on vital immediate tasks. The bike is one less burden. It frees up mental space," writes Gideon Forman in an ode to the bike.
Bicycles can be considered as allies during the pandemic, Forman reflects. Bikes foster a sense of self-reliance and personal agency in addition to making the air cleaner and lower the risks of COVID-19. A Harvard University study released in April looked at the effect of a component of air pollution (fine particulate matter or PM2.5) on COVID-19 patients. The research found a “small increase in long-term exposure to PM2.5 leads to a large increase in COVID-19 death rate.”
In light of the study's findings, Forman returns to the beloved bicycle as a protective measure. To stop pollution is to protect ourselves from its negative effects.
FULL STORY: The bike as COVID-19 solution

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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