Coronavirus: Link Bikes in Dayton impacted by pandemic

DAYTON — Link Bikes in Dayton were not available for the past several months while Bike Miami Valley worked to switch to an app-based program.

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During that time, Link Bikes focused on what other bike-share programs in other parts of the country were doing to keep riders safe during the coronavirus pandemic and have implemented several new measures, said Executive Director of Bike Miami Valley Laura Estandia.

“We have guys with RTA that are out every day who go out and check the bikes, so part of that inspection is some sanitation,” Estandia said.

To keep safe, Bike Miami Valley recommends people bring their own wipes, wash their hands for 20 seconds when finished using a bike, avoid touching their face while on a ride, and avoid using the bike if you’re sick.

Link Bikes have seen a drop of about 30 to 40 percent in users.

“We’ve certainly felt the pandemic in that we don’t have as many commuters because people are working from home,” said Estandia. “We don’t have as many people taking lunch breaks, but we do see a lot of ridership on the weekends.”

Estandia said the current weather conditions also help in stopping the spread of COVID-19 on bikes.

“They’re out in the public, in the sunshine. We know the virus doesn’t live as long on those surfaces,” Estandia said.

Cox Media Group