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Daily exercise rules: current cycling dos and don'ts

British Cycling is advising people to ride “for calm recreation” and not to challenge themselves

On Monday, the UK government ordered people to stay at home in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus, with police given powers to enforce the rule. One exception is for exercise, including cycling – but many are confused about what exactly is permitted. So what are and aren’t you allowed to do?

How to ride responsibly in a time of pandemic - all you need to know
(updated 30 March)

If there’s a theme to today’s news stories here on road.cc, it’s of people failing (sometimes wilfully) to appreciate the government’s instructions relating to cycling.

Ironman triathlete Joe Skipper has been heavily criticised on social media for clocking a 200-mile ride outside during the lockdown, arguing that while guidelines state you can exercise once a day, “there’s no time limit on it.”

Meanwhile, cycling will be banned in Richmond Park from tomorrow due to “congestion” and there have also been warnings from Derbyshire Police about groups of cyclists riding on the Snake Pass.

Government advice on staying at home is that you should only leave the house for very limited purposes.

Among other things, the guidance lists, “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.”

Police forces have also been saying that driving to a location to exercise isn't permitted.

It’s worth pointing out that in addition to cycling for exercise, you’re permitted to ride when you need to travel for basic necessities, for medical need, or for work purposes (if you can’t work from home).

But with regards to daily exercise, without specific time or distance limits having been stated, it is to some degree open to interpretation what is considered reasonable (although it is hard to argue that a 200-mile ride constitutes ‘minimising time spent out of the home’).

The overriding sentiment seems to be that you can (and should) do enough to stay healthy and sane – but not really any more than that.

British Cycling is advising people to ride “for calm recreation” and not to challenge themselves.

“Now, more than ever, we must ride our bikes responsibly – that means only going out once a day, on our own, or with people we live with, and keeping two metres apart from anyone we meet, stopping and waiting for people to pass when necessary.

“While you should only use your bike to exercise once a day, you can also use it to shop for basic necessities, provide care or help somebody vulnerable, and travel to/from essential work.”

Explaining the importance of being cautious, the spokesperson said: “Riding a bicycle is a generally low-risk activity, but with our health and emergency services under such intense pressure it is important that we all take steps to manage risk wherever we can.

“Please 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.”

Cycling UK says: “Although people are now being told to stay at home during the pandemic, one form of exercise is allowed a day.

“This means it remains advisable for people to cycle for their health, fitness and well-being, 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 cycle or take part in any cycling activity in groups.”

In terms of duration, the charity adds: “Our advice is to go out for long enough to keep yourself in good shape physically and emotionally, but avoid doing more than this.

“Use common sense when planning your route: for example, ride a loop close to home rather than a long out-and-back route, so that in case of a mechanical you should be able to walk home unaided.

“Try to avoid areas you know are likely to be busy, to make it easier to maintain social distancing of at least two metres from other people. Ride within your limits to reduce the risk of requiring rescue or medical assistance.

“Now is not the time to tackle remote, technical trails, go for a PR on that descent or try a new jump line.”

British Cycling also makes the point that our current freedom to ride is dependent on continued common sense behaviour and adherence to Government guidelines.

“We are concerned that, should some people continue to organise and ride their bikes in groups, then the Government will feel that it has no choice but to prohibit all outdoor cycling.

“If the cycling community continues to behave responsibly then we all hope to keep the roads and trails open for use, so that we can all manage our health during the coming weeks and months.”

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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38 comments

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Nigel_2003 | 4 years ago
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I think 200 miles is self-indulgent and OTT. And likely to spoil an already dodgy situation for the rest of us. My plan is to mainly stick to the turbo with a longer outdoor ride once a week so I don't forget how cheeky  and to sort out the supporting /balancing muscles that don't get a proper work out on the turbo. I was originally thinking of using a light traffic/country lanes route I regularly train on which is basically an out and home with the turnpoint at about the hour level depending on fitness and the return being quicker. (If behind schedule, just turning short to keep it to a 2hr max which I don't think is unreasonable versus the option of e.g. 7x 1hr rides which would tend to have me breathing harder to get the desired benefit and that in a more urban area - my plan was to keep it steady in zone 1/2 around people.) 

The thought of having a mechanical other than a puncture in the cuds has got me thinking now though. The only legit person to collect me would be the missus and I frankly doubt that would end well - doesn't know the route and doesn't get on with the satnav!  Looks like I'll be searching for amore  local circuit with few  people on the pavements and preferably no speed bumps..​

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ktache replied to Nigel_2003 | 4 years ago
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Maybe a more complete tool kit?

Being prepared for more.

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Jimnm | 4 years ago
2 likes

Last ride I had was the 16 March To save all argument I've Reverted to using my elliptical trainer every other day for around 70minute sessions. It'll have to do for now. I can't be doing with all the argument over it. Be glad when the virus has gone!

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nickW1 | 4 years ago
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the Do's = do use common ense 

the Donts  = Dont be a idiot 

have a look at the strava fee for some well known pro names doing a 15min walk a day if you really nee to cycle your usual routine you have some serious issues 

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Russell Orgazoid | 4 years ago
2 likes

The likes of Joe Skipper will spoil it for the rest of us.

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Gary's bike channel | 4 years ago
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my normal exercise route is 1 hr 15 minutes covering about 20 miles. I think i'll stick to near that. If i do get stopped i shall be polite, but i will explain we arent all like the people who are just getting their bikes out the shed and pedalling round the block for exercise on halfords apollos. To get my daily exercise i need to be cycling for at least an hour, if not two to three. Some others like say guy martin, whats he going to do atm? probably still cycling to work 20 odd miles each way. Some cyclists need to go out for at least 70 miles on a good ride, especially pro's.  They need to put out a much clearer line on what we cant use as exercise, for me, pedaling around my block at ten mph once daily would get me fat in a matter of weeks, but it may save barry the 40 stone chimp from next door dying from all his takeaways. 

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fukawitribe replied to Gary's bike channel | 4 years ago
2 likes

I'm not going to dissect that, life's too short, but I will just say that you seem to have a very poor understanding of the word "need", amongst other things.

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Raymond Hicks replied to fukawitribe | 4 years ago
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I have not mentioned "Need" I have only stated what I heard the 'Prime Minister' state. He instanced, and I am sure this was said also, the obective was  'Light Daily Exercise'  the assumption being, many other more strenuous excersise could be easily carried out at home, for as long a period as one felt was necessary. The 'Prime Obective' being the need for everyone to stay at home 'Socially Isolating' as much as possible...!

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Hirsute replied to Raymond Hicks | 4 years ago
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If only fukawitribe had known you were going to post this in the last 3 hours.
If only the PM and his cabinet had managed to put their meandering thoughts into coherent legislation that was easily applied with no controversy over the application of it.

How many accounts do you have on here ?

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Raymond Hicks replied to Gary's bike channel | 4 years ago
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I seem to recall the 'Prime Minister' in his first mention about the Lock-down and Social Distancing, That Daily Exerising should no more than 1/2 hour (once) per day....!

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Raymond Hicks replied to Gary's bike channel | 4 years ago
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You are showing a very selfish attitude David Rides, you seem to be the sort of fellow that doesn't ever stick to the rules of authority, but only what you feel is right for you. If you do as you say you will do, then I hope you do get stopped by the Police and they in turn react your lame excuses aby throwing the book at you...!

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ktache replied to Raymond Hicks | 4 years ago
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Hello Raymond, as you seem to wish us all to stick to the rules here is a link to the Law, this one covers England, there are similar ones for other parts of the UK.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/made

You will be wanting to look at Restrictions of movement, Section 6, (2) b

And I don't think fukawitribe could have been replying to you, he wrote his comment 5 days ago.  And his comment was actually quite good.

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pasley69 | 4 years ago
1 like

Two points and an observation:-

1. where is the evidence for the 2 metre rule?  Did anyone watch the MYTHBUSTERS episode where they clearly demonstrated that visible particles alone travelled 9 metres from a cough/sneeze.  Is the goverment lying to us that 2m is safe? or are they just ignorant?
"MythBusters Episode 147: Flu Fiction" See also:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f4sUNWkq60

2. solo cycling is by its nature self-isolating, and I'd have thought out in the countryside is safer than being in town.

3. seems like an ideal time to resurrect the original style time-trial races.

Cheers

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ktache replied to pasley69 | 4 years ago
2 likes

Sneezes are a terrible way of spreading stuff, didn't they also test the efficacy of using the crook of the elbow vs the hand to "catch" sneezes and found it to be much more effective, of course with lower transmission of fomites, not being in the hand.

I've attempted to not touch my eyes or nose using my fingers, lab thing, 20 or so years, it's not easy breaking the habit.  The ears, I can't seem to not be touching those, trying.

It's cut down on the number of colds I seem to get, even when using public transport a bit.  Breathing stuff in, can't change that much, but trying to be aware what you are touching, and the regular washing of hands.  

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cbrndc | 4 years ago
4 likes

If cycling is allowed for work purposes and he is a professional athlete whose work involves cycling then it's ok. Too many busy-bodies who feel empowered to interfere with other peoples lives. I saw someone walk their dog twice yesterday; really!

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Rick_Rude | 4 years ago
2 likes

Been out on 2 wheels with pedal and motorpower as I've got a parent with dementia I need to attend to a lot and I must admit to winding it on a bit when the roads are clear. If I see a cyclist then the throttle gets chopped and wide line is taken even if nothing is coming the other way as I'd not like to made to jump of my skin if i was cycling. 

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Awavey | 4 years ago
5 likes

British Cycling have published an open letter, and Chris Boardman has done a video on the same lines too, this evening which if Im reading between the lines correctly is as clear a warning I think that youll get, that any repeat of the kind of group riding/gathering together activities seen last weekend, the government will step in and ban cycling as an outdoor activity on Monday

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zero_trooper replied to Awavey | 4 years ago
8 likes

That's a spot on comment.

If cycling was banned then that would be awful as I have seen loads of families out on bikes in my area, which is always good to see.

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billymansell replied to Awavey | 4 years ago
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I don't think they'll ban cycling in public immediately as the police now have the power to stop people and if they don't disperse they can fine people for, among other things, failure of social distancing and gatherings of more than two (except for members of the same household).

There's still more that the Govt and police can do before banning and it's not someting they want to do as they've always recognised it's important to health. If they do ban it it may be more to do with further restrictions required to contain the spread of the virus as the number of cases increases.

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Awavey replied to billymansell | 4 years ago
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well the Republic of Ireland have this evening announced that you can exercise only within 2km of your home as a limit, possibly the UK might choose a similar approach instead of a complete ban. but 2km limit is an effective ban on cycling (whilst not being quite the same for running) in reality isnt it ?

it was just the tone of that BC letter, and Boardmans video basically repeats it, seemed to carry alot more urgency than previous advice, when the actual advice itself hasnt changed, so I read in to that whats changed is theyve been told the government will take the action it deems necessary if it doesnt feel the advice is being followed

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Bluebug replied to Awavey | 4 years ago
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A distance of 2km or just over a mile is a ban on running as well.

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ktache replied to Bluebug | 4 years ago
1 like

Well, not quite, 2km from your home gives a circle with circumference of 12.8km within which you can exercise.  My hour mostly off road loop doesn't take me more than 4km away, so I wouldn't be able to do that, but it is a loop up to the north and then back but with a bit of imagination I could cycle for hours on roads, staying within 2 km.

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Awavey replied to Bluebug | 4 years ago
1 like

its a 2km limit on how far away from your house you are allowed, so you could run up to the 2km limit and back five times and end up with a total 10km, which is roughly the distance most of my running friends seem to go for anyway on runs,and even in normal circumstances they tend to run loops around the area they live, theyd probably have to shrink those loops but theyd be able to manage it I think

cycling under the same limit, Id be stuck basically just riding around the block, and theres a reason why Ive not ridden like that since I was little, where as an 8-10km limit would be much better for cycling imo and gives you enough space to ride, whilst still curtailing the lets do a gran fondo today lot

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Kendalred replied to Bluebug | 4 years ago
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I think you could easily get a decent run done within these parameters, if you can get a decent loop organised, especially given ktache's calculation of a 12km+ circumference given a 2km limit. But for me cycling would probably be out, as I would not be able to get out of town and into the sticks (and therefore further away from the greater concentration of the local population - which is surely counterproductive?)

This does throw up the subject of enforcement though. In effect you would need to carry ID with your address details, which is no great stretch for many, but would the police have the time, resources or inclination to stop every cyclist and runner to make sure they are within the 2km boundary? I doubt it. I suspect that if there were to be a tightening of restrictions, exercise outdoors would be banned completely (unless walking a dog).

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Supers79 replied to Awavey | 4 years ago
5 likes

If this is true, once again the minority of idiots spoil it for everyone.  
I have a medical condition that is on the NHS's very serious list, I'm not supposed to leave the house.  However, living alone I'd go crazy if I couldn't get out on my bike, cycling also helps keep the illness at bay and has improved my condition immensely since I started in 2012.  Out of cycling, jogging and walking, cycling is the least risky as I'm coming into contact with the least amount of people.  
THINK, you selfish idiots! 
 

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ianrparsons replied to Supers79 | 4 years ago
2 likes

Similar for me, I always seem to get a winter phlegmy cought that can vary in intensity and sometimes pesist until summer. Cycling over decent distances keeps it under control and helps with my diabetes control too.

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HLaB replied to Supers79 | 4 years ago
1 like

I share your pain also being on the NHS vulnerable person list and living alone.  I've endulged in virtual cycling for now but the novelty of that is wearing off fast and I'll need to get out for my sanity.  Fortunately my Nurse Practioner agrees with that.  Wishing you all the best!

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Hirsute | 4 years ago
2 likes

I'm not sure if my risk is increased decreased the same now.

Although there are fewer cars, I have seen stupid speeding, poor passing and a m/c rider going at 60 past me not even bothering to be in the other carriageway.

I'm on my own, not really near anyone, unlikely to meet anyone, so the only thing is whether I would need A&E. I'm thinking I shouldn't but if people are going to chance 50 in a 30 like that merc twonk, then I might end up in A&E.

 

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ktache replied to Hirsute | 4 years ago
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I have seen a lot more motorists making their vehicles go far too fast, less traffic to slow them down.

And then there is using the phone while driving, I know there are less queues of traffic to sit in and do it, so to stay "connected" they are "having" to do it at speed.

Other than that, it's like Sunday afternoon growing up in the 70s out there.

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Rik Mayals unde... replied to ktache | 4 years ago
1 like

I live on a main road, houses on both sides, 30mph limit. Small streets off the main road and a lot of parked cars. A motorcyclist screamed down this afternoon, I could hear him accelerating from the speed camera like he was on a death wish. He passed my house doing at least 80-90, and still accelerating. Total fuckwit, I hope when he crashes he doesn't take anyone else out with him. 

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