After considering numerous factors and continuing our open shop conversations while thoroughly assessing pertinent risks to both staff and public health, we’ll be lifting our strict shop mask requirements as of Tuesday, April 19th 2022.

We didn’t come to this decision lightly — we’ve probably given this issue more time, energy and research than anything else during the pandemic, and it wasn’t an easy choice to make after more than two years of careful masking.

 

But we’re also practical and honest with ourselves about the ever-changing realities of 2022 and the efforts and needs of our people, which includes our exceptional staff AND our wonderful customers. 

 

For so many of us, continued masking up has grown increasingly difficult to justify with the constant shift of public health recommendations, even as the very legitimate health risks of being infected with COVID-19 still weigh heavy. Our friends, customers and the general public have, at large, been phenomenally supportive of our stringent and continued mask requirements; we’re beyond grateful and incredibly proud of our small community for rising to the occasion and doing the most to protect each other — that care and dedication are the glue that makes Albuquerque such a strong, resilient and amazing place.

 

The past few years haven’t been easy on anyone… and that just feels like a gross understatement. Words can’t adequately summarize any of it, quite frankly, and not a single person here or anyone we know has gone untouched by COVID-19 — it’s affected everyone here and this small business itself in various and permanent ways. It’s impacted how we all think, act, behave and interact with each other and customers, both positively as well as negatively. How we see each other and treat each other as human beings is paramount to how each of our lives roll forward on a daily basis. Taking care of people has always and will always be at the center of our two-wheeled universe, and it’s one of our most important values and highest priorities.

 

All of this has presented new choices for us, contributing to many fresh approaches to our mask wearing, customer service and shop operations, particularly as warmer weather approaches and infection rates decline.

 

As of Tuesday, April 19th, we will no longer require customers to wear masks while in the shop. However, all shop staff will continue to mask up following the recommendations of the CDC and NMDOH for indoor mask use; we still heavily encourage customers to wear them and will be rewarding our patrons who choose to mask indoors with a 5% discount across the board as a thank you for remaining responsible and vigilant. We’ll also be increasing shop airflow by keeping both our front and rear doors open during business hours as well as adding new filtration to our HVAC system to drastically reduce the risk of spread in the event of exposure. New drop-off and pick-up options for bike service are also just around the corner as we renovate our building and back parking area to create a more community-oriented and outdoor-friendly bike experience. 

 

As always, these policies may change as risk does — if we see a ‘spring spike’ as virologists and health experts currently fear, we’ll reinstate our previous mask requirement. If conditions continue to improve, we’ll also adapt and shift policy. But we promise that we'll try to do the most responsible thing for personal and public safety as we continue to commit to open, honest and transparent communication with all of you. 

 

Thank you for your patience, your support, your kindness, your love and your continued patronage as we navigate these things. We look forward to seeing all of you and your lovely bikes as we leap into a great summer.

 

Sincerely and gratefully,

 

The Bike Coop Family