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Cyclist (CC licensed by Andrew via Flickr)Warning that cycling could be banned if people don’t ride responsibly this weekend
British Cycling has warned that the ‘privilege’ of riding a bike could be removed if people fail to observe instructions on social distancing this weekend.
In an open letter published on Friday night, British Cycling CEO Julie Harrington said it was “heartening” that the Government had so far protected people’s right to ride a bike, but warned that this must not be taken for granted.
Government advice on staying at home currently lists as an exception, “one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.”
It goes on to say that, “even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.”
Despite this, some have undertaken group rides or arranged to meet friends midway through a ride. Others have used their daily ride to cover great distances, arguing that the guidelines don’t specify a time limit.
Daily exercise rules: current cycling dos and don'ts
Harrington said: "People on bikes were not the only culprits in last weekend's mass dash to the outdoors but, despite strong guidance from ourselves and others, too many chose to ignore the Prime Minister's instructions on social distancing, continuing to ride in groups and meet in cafes for a mid-ride chat.
"This isn't just irresponsible, it is putting people's lives at risk. A repeat of that this weekend risks further Government measures to take away the privilege of riding a bike for all of us and now more than ever, it is not one we can afford to lose."
Greater Manchester’s cycling commissioner, Chris Boardman, urged people to, “make sure bikes continue to be a part of the solution to this crisis, and are seen to be part of the solution.”
After highlighting key workers’ use of bikes for essential journeys, he said: “For the rest of us, [bikes] are a way to go and get supplies, take essential exercise and, crucially, give us a mental break each day, helping us ensure prolonged isolation is actually sustainable.
“But for bikes to remain a force for good and help us get through this, this is how it’s got to work: only ride alone or with people that you live with and stay at least two metres away from anybody that you meet. Do not, under any circumstances, ride in a group.
“As per government instructions, only go out once [to exercise] each day. And finally, be sensible. Only ride on routes that you know well and that are well within your ability.”
He advised people to, “obey these rules as if your life, and the lives of others, depend on it – because they do.”
A Public Service Announcement from @Chris_Boardman 📢
“If you use a bike for any reason, make sure bikes continue to be a part of the solution to this crisis, and are seen to be part of the solution.”#RideResponsibly 🚲 pic.twitter.com/15Efy7EVse
— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) March 27, 2020
Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.
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53 comments
So how many groups of riders have you seen this weekend? How many did you see meeting for a mid ride chat one of the closed cafes?
I didn't see any.
Me neither. Just a chance to revel in the light & restrained traffic. And sun. As many appeared to be doing, mindful of restrictions (and I normally see loads of groups in my area).
It's a scene I will remember for a long time, lots of smiling folk who've obviously got their bike out from the back of the shed, and no one wheel sucking me
Police in my area are now stopping cyclists to find out how far from home they are. Strava idiots still posting 100+ mile rides. Just stay local. Remember, there's nothing you should be training for.
No cycling here in Ireland since last Friday evening unless you are classed as an essential worker and you cycle to work. Otherwise your limited to a 2km radius of your home.
How do you do your shopping then? Are you expected to walk?
I can't believe the stupidity of Julie Harrington, or her PR team, for using the word 'PRIVILEGE'. It has nothing but negative connotations these days and just gives others another stick to beat cyclists with.
We are no more 'privileged' than walkers or runners. I'm not privileged to ride my bike, it's currently my right to do so if I choose. If bellends want to ruin it then I won't have my 'privilege' removed, it'll be my right that will be removed.
Poor choice of words, but I would expect nothing more from an organisation that really struggles to understand what its real purpose is.
Perhaps you could enlighten as to what British Cycling's real purpose is?
It's the governing body for cycle sport in the UK. It's the equivalent of UK Athletics or the RYA.
It has absolutely no jurisdiction over non-sport cycling and should, frankly, stop trying to make things worse for those of us who just ride our bikes for fun or utility.
Are they going to ban driving because some people won't respect the speed limit?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/03/28/who-must-push-for-lo...
And just how many groups of cyclists have there been observed not self-isolating since last weekend? I am try not to be paranoid but is someone using this as an opportunity to harass cyclists?
A lot of my club members are using Zwift, including group rides, or going out solo. I've not seen any groups out on the road, though my rides in rural Shropshire are even quieter than usual.
No they won't.
1. There are mechanisms in place to deal with speeding offences - the mobile speed vans are still out there.
2. Speeding has nothing to do with Covid-19 infections.
However, we do need to self police and make sure that group rides don't happen and are seen not to happen before the usual cyclist hating suspects ban us because they've always wanted to.
Except we are told that we should not put extra strain on the health service and there is a connection between excessive speed and accidents.
I'm *this close* to banning my kids playing on the trampoline in our garden, because I really really don't want to have to take them to A&E...
And neither does cycling, but it has everything to do with NHS admissions which is now touted as the reason why cycling is irresponsible. Like we're all falling off our bikes and using up ICU beds without the help of shit motorists.
Strava police
Arrest this man
He talks about aero parts
He rode to Devil's bridge
He's like a plaster's radio
Over the last week, there thankfully seems to have been a noticeable quietening down of people out, less traffic on roads, fewer walkers/cyclists and greater awareness of social distancing by those who are out.
Today, [Saturday] was quietest by a long way that I've ever seen the Gower [a tourist hotspot] where I am at moment. I think most folk are starting to realise this is not a dress rehearsal that they can bunk off or ignore.
Id agree it was really quiet on the roads [today] Saturday,not alot of cars or cyclists, even at local hotspots where you'd normally expect people to visit if not just to turf out their dogs for a walk, there were more than normal the number of people walking about, but all looked clearly walking within their locality, actually it was really nice to ride on roads like that.
but then on the ride back home down a country lane Ive done loads of times and never seen a soul, there was a car blocking the road with a guy standing next to it holding a 500mm prime lens attached to a camera because he'd decided he was going bird watching today...
Some of you need to read the acticle again and listen.
Rightly or wrongly, if people don't look in the mirror and adjust their approach the privilege will be taken from you.
BC don't get to make govt decisions, it's just an opinion they offer.
People need to stop seeing the world from their one dimensional simple minded perspective. Allowing people once a day air and exercise isn't just about people getting their exercise fix but, more importantly, it's about giving some respite to those millions who are vulnerable and whose lives could become immeasurably worse by containment; those families and individuals living with learning disability, autism, mental health problems, physical illness and disability and victims of domestic violence including children and the elderly.
If these people don't get relief from what may already be insufferable lives then we'll see increases in mental health problems, self harming, suicide, violence and murder. If proof were needed, a rise in domestic violence is already being reported in countries where they are in tight lockdown.
So BC can give its opinion but the govt has to consider the wellbeing of the whole of society, in particular the most vulnerable, which is why the govt implemented stricter policing rather than tighter restrictions.
That's not to say the govt won't implement a tighter lockdown but it will be in relation to the rising number of cases and deaths just as other countries have done.
Agree; there's some bizarre comments on this thread akin to people justifying why it's OK to drive an hour to an outdoor beauty spot. It's quite simple, have a ride, not too far from home, either on your own or with people from your family and, I would suggest, avoid bike paths and parks where there's probably more people around. If cycling is stopped it'll be the minority (the police refer as the 'ignorant and defiant') that screw it up for the majority; then they can all sit on line in forums and scream on about 'prejudice' etc. I bet there's a lot of non-cyclists wishing they had a bike now, so the best thing cyclists can do for the sports reputation is behave and not try and test the patience of a govt that's already stated that it's prepared to introduce more draconian measures if necessary. Is that justified? It's a world wide pandemic; I think they have a mandate.
Up here in Lancashire ysterday some gormless twats decided to drive to the local beauty spot around Winter hill on the west pennine moors-scene of the huge moorland fires last year- and set up a bbq. As of last night there were 60 firefighters, who were due to help the NHS and police, fighting this latest moorland fire. The people responsible should be hunted down, made to stay on the moors fighting the fire until it is put out, then fined. Tens of thousands of pounds. The only way to stop selfish fuckwittery is to make the punishment so hard the fuckwits will think twice.
There needs to be a better response than the ban hammer.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52076856
People should prepare to fight coronavirus like they would prepare for surgery by staying fit and healthy, say medics.
The govt's position has always been to encourage outdoor exercise for physical health and mental wellbeing for such reasons.
Ironically, the people who don't appear to have heard that, nor of the development of police powers to tackle its abuse, are those accusing others of not listening to the govt.
That's not to say the govt might not tighten the rules on outdoor activity later but it's more likely to be the result of rising numbers of cases and deaths.
Indeed!
Saw this earlier on BBC: Coronavirus: Stay fit to fight the virus, say medics
Edit: realised that hirsute already posted that link
I'm glad it is a picture of red squirrels.
This is why we can't have nice things
Because banning is easy and removes ambiguity
Cyclists already have poor reputation and some of us just don't get why.
Just witnessed from my window a cyclist stop and have a piss by the side of the road. DIRTY, DIRTY, DIRTY CYCLIST.
Me? I am hanging up the wheels for now. Will they ever come down again?
If it had been someone who'd got out of their car to urinate at the side of the road, no-one would be saying 'DIRTY, DIRTY, DIRTY MOTORIST - giving motorists a poor reputation.'
This behaviour isn't why cyclists have a poor reputation. That reputation already exists because of ingrained prejudice. People who hold that prejudice just jump on examples like this, apply their confirmation bias, and use it to retroactively 'justify' their prejudice.
Exactly.
+1 mdavidford,
There's no excuse for pissing in the street, no matter what form of transport you use. If you're on a ride and need to go, find somewhere discreet.
It really is that simple.
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