DIY Covid-19 masks for cycling
Riding with your family you are quarantined with, or alone, is a great way to keep the mind and body healthy in a time of Stay-At-Home orders and quarantines.
Former Bike Fed staff, Shea Schachameyer, has created this great guide on DIY masks to use when you have to travel outside your home either to essential workplaces or for healthy recreation with those you are quarantined with. If you do go out please follow all CDC recommended guidelines for social distancing. Masks are recommended to be worn when you expect to be near others. If you are the only one riding and large amounts of space separate you it is not being deemed necessary. You may unexpectedly come across a group of people though or have to pass other riders so let’s all be prepared to cover up! What immediately came to my mind when reading about how masks are becoming an increasingly needed health accessory was how would breathing while being active be affected. When you’re riding, as many of you who ride in the winter know, goggles and glasses can fog up. The cold wind can be harsh on any exposed parts of your face and covering up your nose and mouth can impede good breathing and oxygen intake. Hopefully this information is helpful. Send us a pic of you sporting one you made while out on a ride. We all have some 100% cotton race or event shirts that would be great to re-use for this project.
Follow the link to view the google slide show with instructions on how to make a masks with filters, and even no-sew version.
This article analyses what materials, easily found in most homes, are best for breathability and effectiveness at reducing virus exposure.
4/2/2020: There is new information that may suggest the coronavirus spreads by just talking or even breathing. Studies have also shown that asymptomatic people can spread the virus. Bike Fed are not scientists, but perhaps at this time wearing a mask, even if it limits the possible exposure a small amount may be helpful in flattening the curve and helping our fellow neighbors stay safe.
4/7/2020: CDC now recommending that when you do leave the house and will be near others to wear a mask;
President Trump said Friday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that people wear cloth or fabric face coverings, which can be made at home, when entering public spaces such as grocery stores and public transit stations. It is mainly to prevent those people who have the virus — and might not know it — from spreading the infection to others. The guidelines do not give many details about coverings beyond: “cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.”
If you find our work important we ask that you join or renew your membership today. Staff will continue to fight for access to safe biking amid the pandemic and your membership supports staff and helps us bridge this difficult time when key fundraising events and programs are cancelled.
