How does the coronavirus outbreak affect cycling, and how can you minimise the risk to yourself and others?
*** This is a live document and was last updated Friday 24 April 2020 ***
At times like this, the advice of experts is needed more than ever.
To help the cycling community and our membership understand the impact of coronavirus on their personal riding, Cycling UK has consulted experts such as Public Health England; Cycling UK’s Policy Director, Roger Geffen; Head of Campaigns, Duncan Dollimore; and Cycle Magazine’s medical expert and practising GP, Dr Kate Hattersley, of South Devon Cycling UK group. With advice on how to stay safe during the coronavirus outbreak changing all the time, we will be updating this article regularly.
Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address to the nation on the evening of 23 March, announcing strict new curbs on life in the UK, Cycling UK has updated its advice on cycling.
Although people are now being told to stay at home during the pandemic, exercise outside is still permitted, subject to regulations (which are legal requirements), and Government guidance (which is advisory). The regulations are different in Wales from the rest of the UK: see How long and how often can I ride for?
Additionally, the latest advice from the World Health Organization is that “whenever feasible”, you should consider cycling or walking for essential journeys, such as travelling to work or shopping, in order to maintain a safe distance from other people and keep active.
The latest advice from the World Health Organization is that “whenever feasible”, you should consider cycling or walking for essential journeys
This means it remains advisable for people to cycle for their health, fitness and well-being, as well as for essential journeys, but in line with our previous guidance, you should only do this alone or with members of your household (unless any of them have reason to self-isolate). Under no circumstance should you take part in any cycling in groups.