COVID-19 restrictions have eased in NSW but with hotspots popping up, Bicycle NSW has a few tips for group riders (whether they are riding with a ‘Bicycle User Group’ or just a social, casual group).
Current Public Health Order
Currently in NSW the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020 is in effect.
This means the following requirements are needed for community sporting activity involving a gathering of more than 20 participants:
- The gathering must not exceed a total of 500 participants.
- The organiser must:
- develop and comply with a COVID-19 Safety Plan that addresses the matters required by the COVID-19 safety checklist
- Keep a copy of the COVID-19 Safety Plan and make it available for inspection by an authorised officer as requested.
We encourage all riders to regularly check the NSW Health website to ensure they are following the most recent guidelines, and stay up to date on special rules or closures related to infection ‘hot-spots’.
COVID-19 Symptoms
It is essential that if you have symptoms to get tested at a COVID-19 clinic. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell. Self-isolate until you get your results.
We encourage you to take extra care around vulnerable people including those who are older, have a compromised immune system or chronic medical condition.
BUGs Creating Additional Guidelines
In order to feel comfortable and safe riding, we support riding groups in creating their own guidelines which are stricter than the current NSW ones. This can include avoiding riding through NSW hotspots, limiting group numbers, or no post ride coffee catch ups. As it is usually not possible to clean during a ride, it is not safe to share, for instance, tools, other equipment or even bikes. Please make these rules clear to avoid disappointment.
It is also recommended the Ride Leader (or the ‘captain’ of the ride) has the names and contact details of each rider for contact tracing purposes should this be required later on.
Bicycle Online COVID-19 Module
If you ride with, or organise, group rides with people outside your household, we have created a 15 minute training resource to help you stay COVID-safe here. This is essential for Bicycle NSW ride leaders, but open to anyone.
“We know the last few months have been a challenging time however the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over. By continuing to follow the government guidelines, bike riders can all play a part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 while still enjoying a ride,” commented Kim Lavender, Bicycle NSW Communications Manager.
