“No excuse for riding together in groups” says Cycling UK

By Sam Jones
Monday, 23 March 2020
Following reports of people cycling in groups over the weekend, Cycling UK is urging everyone to follow the Government’s advice on ’social distancing’ and not to cycle in groups of any size, unless the other cyclists are from the same household.
  • Charity reissues advice on a cessation of group riding after reports of mass riding over the weekend
  • Ride local and don’t drive to your destination, urges charity
  • Ignoring ‘social distancing’ advice runs risk of total lockdown and an end to outdoor activities like cycling

On Tuesday 17 March, the national cycling charity contacted its 69,000 members and wider supporters, calling for an end to group rides and promoting individuals keen to continue their cycling to ride solo.

Time outdoors spent doing gentle exercise is more important than ever as the nation is encouraged to spend time practicing ‘social distancing’, including avoiding unnecessary social contact. Activities like cycling are currently recommended by health professional due to the benefits it has for our physical health and mental wellbeing.

Cycling UK is however concerned the reckless behaviour demonstrated by some over the weekend ignored Government guidelines, which are intended to curtail the spread of coronavirus Covid-19. This is putting the UK one step closer to a total lockdown, forcing everyone to stay indoors and lose the benefits of being outdoors.

Cycling UK’s advice for how to cycle responsibly at this current time is simple:

  • Stay local – do not drive to your cycling start point, but head out from your own front door
  • Do not ride with others unless they live in the same household
  • Do not go out at all if you are demonstrating symptoms of the coronavirus, or if anyone in your household is doing so.
  • Practice social distancing guidance issued by public health agencies across the UK including Public Health England, and remain at least two metres away from others at all times
  • Wash your hands and cycling gloves upon returning home

Matt Mallinder, Cycling UK director said:

“While the Government’s advice on enjoying the outdoors and being active might have seemed contradictory, the one area they were absolutely clear on was the importance of social distancing.

“There was no excuse for those people riding together in groups. This is why Cycling UK has been absolutely clear in our advice: there should be no more group riding.

“We have a collective responsibility to do the right thing, even if it disrupts the way we live our lives for the next few months or however long it takes. So please don’t ride in a group for the time-being.

“The danger is, if we don’t heed the warnings, the Government might have to go further and introduce a total lockdown, forcing us all to stay indoors - and then we may not be able to go out cycling at all.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

  1. Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org
  2. For further information on Cycling UK’s position on group riding see: https://www.cyclinguk.org/blog/why-we-had-no-choice-advise-against-group-rides-0
  3. For advice on solo riding see: https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/how-be-more-confident-riding-solo
  4. Cycling UK advice is according to Public Health England guidance at time of issue (23 March).

Press contact information

For more information contact the national Cycling UK Press Office on 01483 238 315, 07786 320 713 or email [email protected]

Coronavirus Local groups and cycling clubs

Further reading