I took a ride today along PacAve from 176th Street to 96th Street where the bike lane ends, then turned around and headed back. I just wanted to see what effect the coronavirus is having on local businesses. It was very eerie seeing so many establishments that are usually bustling with activity closed. All public gathering places (restaurants, bars, gyms, etc.) were closed. There were even two closed veterinary clinics. Restaurants had signs posted that said “open for take-out only”. But I did see a few restaurants that were open, maybe in defiance of the governor’s order. The one bowling alley along my route was closed, both the lanes and restaurant. Coffee shacks were mostly drive-through only. Bank were open for drive-through banking only. Some non-food-service businesses were closed due to infection concerns. It was all very surreal. One disheartening thing I noticed is that all the smoke and weed shops were open as usual, along with the one liquor store I saw. Even in times of crisis, I guess people have to get their daily fix. But on the plus side, the traffic was much lighter than usual. If only the light traffic was due to something other than something that is endangering us all. Stay safe out there everyone!