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After discussing my experience of the lockdown in Spain, I was relieved to see that the UK government will allow (for now at least) people to exercise outside during the coronavirus lockdown.
Indeed, Boris Johnson listed cycling as one of the three main exercise options (alongside jogging or walking) that people can do during this time.
So, while the likes of Italy and Spain have banned cycling, you are allowed to ride bicycle in the UK during the COVID-19 crisis. For now at least.
But there are some important rules…
Cycling Rules During Coronavirus Lockdown
Below I’ve taken a look at some of the main questions being asked about cycling during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK, so that you know the dos and don’ts of cycling currently.
Can I ride my bicycle during lockdown?
You can ride your bicycle during lockdown for one of the following purposes:
- As your only form of outdoor exercise for the day
- To commute to work or to get essentials (e.g. food)
Can you ride in a group?
While people are allowed to cycle with people that they live with, it is otherwise not allowed to ride in a group. You should not ride a bicycle within 2 metres of anyone you don’t live with.
All competitive, registered or public recreational ride events have been suspended until (at least) 30th April. Likewise, all education cycling courses and programmes have also been postponed.
If you to help combat the spread of COVID-19 (and continue to enjoy the option of being able to cycle outside) please do not ride with other people.
How often can you cycle during lockdown?
The UK government announced you can do one form of exercise (e.g. cycling) once per day.
However, you are allowed to cycle more often if it part of an essential commute (i.e. to work or to get supplies).
How long and how far can you ride during lockdown?
While the government has not implemented a strict time or distance limit while cycling, people should aim to minimise the time they spend outside.
Where can you ride a bike during lockdown?
In theory, you can still cycle pretty much anywhere that you normally can.
Some exceptions are being made on a case-by-case basis though, due to large numbers of people conglomerating in these areas.
READ: Best Cycling Face Masks in 2020
Where is cycling banned during coronavirus?
Many parks have been closed during the lockdown due to high visitor numbers including:
- All parks in Hammersmith and Fulham
- All parks in Bristol
- National Parks (including Snowdon)
Please check your local authorities for the latest guidance on open parks.
Are bike sharing schemes still open and available?
Bike sharing schemes have seen a spike in use recently, as people look to avoid public transport. Currently, most (if not all) bike sharing schemes (including London’s Santander Cycles AKA ‘Boris Bikes’) are open for use.
However, you should exercise extreme caution prior to picking up a bike and should definitely disinfect the handlebars before you start riding. Likewise, people take car to disinfect the handlebars after riding too.
- WATERPROOF RIPSTOP – hardwearing, lightweight, woven nylon-threaded material that resists tearing and ripping, engineered for tough protection against the cold and wet
- SLOT FOR LOCK – the cover comes with a unique lock-through side panel for securing your bile and cover
- SEAM SEALED – seams are taped to protect against leaks
Are bike shops open?
Mostly, yes. Bike shops are one of the few small businesses to have enjoyed something of a boom in recent weeks. One of the largest bike shops, though, Evans Cycles, has said it will be closing it’s own stores for the foreseeable future.
Of course, it should go without saying that you should exercise extreme caution regards to hygiene and social distancing when visiting any bike shop and you should only go for essential trips.
How far is social distancing?
People are recommended to stay 2 metres apart from people they don’t live with at all times, including when cycling.
Above all, please exercise extreme caution during the current COVID-19 crisis. We need to act responsibly in order to help stop the spread of this virus.
Remember to thoroughly wash your hands before and after riding – especially if you are using a shared bicycle – and always maintain at least a two-metre distance from people you don’t live with.
What’s more, it’s vital to minimise your outdoor activity as much as possible. In Spain, we’re not allowed outside to exercise and it’s frustrating. Please act responsibly so that the UK government isn’t also forced into banning people from going outside.
Stay safe and healthy.
READ: How COVID-19 Has Caused ‘Pop-Up’ Bike Lanes to Appear Overnight
