The Freewheelers Bicycle Shop has served the Rochester community for 50 years.

“My motto has always been: cycling for transportation, recreation, inspiration and consolation," President and Owner Roger Levy said.

The store is run only by Levy, who has owned it for the last 35 years.​

“You’re out there focusing on one thing, and your troubles often just go away,” Levy said.

But this year is a year like no other — with lots of uncertainty. Bikes and parts from China are harder to come by, and consumer habits remain unpredictable.

“Will people be able to come out? Will they be staying at home because they’re more and more concerned about catching this?” Levy said.

With that said, as the weather continues to warm up, Levy says there isn’t a better time to get into bike riding — an easy exercise while social distancing.

“People are discovering bicycling anew in many cases. They haven’t ridden in a long time, and they’re bringing in bikes that have been sitting in the garage for a decade or more,” Levy said.

But he warns cyclists will need to do it alone, and stay even further away from others than six feet.

“When you’re cycling and running you need to do 12 to 20 feet because you have the sweat flying off of you,” Levy said.

And safety doesn’t just end with proper social distancing either.

“Ride out from the curb, make your presence known, and you’re actually safer than if you hug the side,” Levy said.

But still, Levy says cycling is a worthwhile venture.

“It’s kind of like a meditation. I would have people consider the psychological benefits even before the physical ones,” Levy said.