24 March, 2020
Boris - you can still cycle once a day
PM urges people to stay at home but allows a walk, run or cycle for health reasons
The PM made it clear in his address last night that people should remain in their homes after scenes in places like Richmond Park showed that advice on social distancing was being ignored, in order to try and curb the spread of coronavirus and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. People can only leave home to exercise once a day, said Johnson, can travel to and from work where absolutely necessary to shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs.
That one form of exercise a day should be activities ‘such as a run, walk, or cycle’ and should be done alone or only with people you live with, although there was little forthcoming in the way of guidance in terms of how far or for how long people could be allowed to cycle.
But there was some support for the cycling industry as government signalled in a document (twice, in fact) that bicycle shops did not have to close, along with supermarkets, petrol stations, corner shops, newsagents and post offices. Cafes and restaurants, however, would have to close their doors.
The news follows guidance from British Cycling to advise all cycling clubs to suspend organised rides until at least June 30 in line with social distancing measures, urging them to behave responsibly, and chiefly to minimise the burden on emergency and public services. ‘However, riding a bike is a great way to aid your physical and mental health’, it said, ‘provided that guidance on social distancing is followed. British Cycling would urge all cyclists to only ride on routes you know well, that are close to home and that are well within your ability level - this is a time for calm recreation, not for challenging yourself.
Wembley Park’s Matt Slade agreed with the general sentiment. ‘As someone who is not unfamiliar with the insides of an A&E dept from cycling related activities, I'm even more sure that the best guidance comes from British Cycling; be responsible, ride solo, protect ourselves and others. The NHS must be under great strain; I certainly wouldn't want to add to that. Would you?’
Architect Chris Dyson added: ‘Cycling is one of man’s greatest expressions of liberty - the sun in your face, the wind in your back and is just around the corner now Spring is here. Still, we must observe that 2 metre rule...and some of us struggle to keep up anyway! ...We’ll bounce back all the sooner, if we all observe these simple rules.’
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