Del Ray Bicycle Co-Op Closes but Business is Booming for Bike Shop in Old Town

Coronavirus is shutting down one Alexandria workshop, but the bike business is booming across town at a local store.

Velocity Bike Co-op (2111 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray announced yesterday that, after a period of trying to make do with reduced hours, the non-profit, volunteer organization would be temporarily closed

We held out as long as we could, but have decided it is best to temporarily close our shop until it is safe to re-open.

We will be evaluating if there are services we can offer safely, so please keep an eye out for updates.

— Vélocity Bicycle Co-op (@velocitycoop) April 2, 2020

The co-op said they are completing repairs on bikes that are already in the shop but the co-op would be closed as-of yesterday.

At Big Wheel Bikes (2 Prince Street) in Old Town, however, it’s business as usual. Owner Charles Bennett Moore — who goes by Bennett — said the store has been jam-packed with customers over the last few weeks.

Bennett said people are keeping their distance in the shop and everything is being sanitized, but the store itself remains open and they’re getting hammered with business as the spring season starts to warm up.

While many parks and recreational activities have been shut down, trails remain open and outdoor activities like running and bicycling are among the few physical outdoor activities permitted.

“The only thing that’s slowed down has been rentals,” Bennett said.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott