Cycling Ireland have recently updated their COVID-19 guidance, including the Roadmap for Reopening Cycling Activity (link here). All club members are encouraged to read the Roadmap and to complete the associated Sport Ireland Covid19 eLearning Course (this takes approximately 15 minutes). Members should also review the Self-Assessment Personal Screening Questionnaire.
The NI Executive’s COVID-19 guidance identifies cycling is as a lower risk activity and exercise is encouraged for both physical and mental good health. However, it is difficult to fully comply with the public health advice on social distancing, in group cycling situations. Accordingly, Cycling Ireland emphasize that “all cyclists need to assume personal responsibility for their own health and safety when deciding to ride with others”.
Cycling Ireland have made a series of recommendations for reintroducing group cycling in a Club Training Protocol. This is available on their website and it includes the use of an on-line booking system for rides, requiring each rider to submit their CI membership details. Given these recommendations and the potential implications for insurance cover, the Committee is not in a position to reinstate the sanctioned clubs runs.
Nonetheless, we know that our members are keen to return to group riding and to meet up at the familiar coffee stops. In doing so, we would ask that groups on the road are kept small (maximum of 12 riders) and that social distancing / hygiene measures are respected in the businesses visited.
We hope to see many of you out on the roads over the summer months, wearing the splendid new club kit and supporting the many cafés that have made us welcome over the years.
NDCC Committee (8 July 2020)
PLEASE NOTE
Do not take part in group cycling if you answer YES to any of the following questions:
1. Are you currently diagnosed with, or believe you may have COVID-19?
2. Have you had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
3. Have you been in contact with a COVID-19 confirmed or suspect case in the past 14 days?