Coronavirus and bicycles - 7 most important questions and answers

The most important thing to start with, THERE ARE NO OBSTACLES TO RIDING A BIKE! We know you've heard this a thousand times, but let's repeat it again: you must wash your hands after returning home. It's also advisable to wash your cycling gloves. Remember to avoid touching your face if your hands aren't clean. Besides maintaining a safe distance from others, it's best to bring tissues to use while cycling and throw them in the trash as soon as possible after returning home. We've created a list of specific questions related to cycling in the context of the pandemic. Please remember that while we've made every effort to ensure our advice is accurate, we are neither doctors nor government representatives. We've based our advice on guidelines from Polish authorities, as well as medical recommendations in Germany and the UK.

1. Is it possible to ride a bicycle freely during the coronavirus epidemic?

Yes, there is no ban on cycling for commuting to work, carrying out essential shopping, etc. Currently, it's best not to leave home without a valid reason. However, there are currently no formal restrictions in this regard. In other words, you can run, you can go to the park, you can ride your favorite bike. Importantly, it's unknown how long the next wave of the COVID-19 pandemic will last. And exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. This all applies to adults. From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, children and adolescents up to 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (except for trips to and from school). Again, there are no restrictions preventing younger children from cycling.

2. Can I go on a longer bike trip?

The current recommendations allow for free movement, including for tourism and sports purposes. However, the closure of catering outlets makes planning such trips more difficult. Hotels and guesthouses, at least in theory, are also accepting guests traveling solely for business purposes.

3. Do I need to wear a mask when riding a bike?

When outdoors, you should cover your face and mouth. This also applies when cycling. It doesn't have to be a mask. A scarf, shawl, or neck warmer can also be used. However, you DO NOT HAVE TO cover your face in forests, parks, botanical gardens, or on the beach. People with a medical certificate or document confirming:

• pervasive developmental disorders,
• mental disorders,
• moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability,
• difficulty in uncovering or covering the mouth or nose independently.

Athletes are exempt from the obligation to wear a mask during training.

4. I am a cyclist who lives in a household where another family member is quarantined, can I safely ride my bike during the coronavirus outbreak?

Unfortunately, no. There's a risk that you could be infected, even though you may not be currently showing any symptoms. It's safer for others, and for you as well, to stay home until the quarantine period ends.

5. I am a cyclist who is currently unwell with a cough or fever. Is it safe for me to continue cycling?

No. Don't go out because you pose a threat to others. If you suspect you're feeling unwell due to coronavirus infection, follow the instructions on this website: https://www.gov.pl/web/koronawirus/zyskewasz-u-siebie-koronawirusa Besides, strenuous exercise is unwise, even if you feel unwell and the cause is simply the flu.

6. Are bicycle shops and services open during the coronavirus epidemic?

Yes. Most bike repair shops and stores (except shopping malls) are operating as normal. Of course, it's better to shop online . For the safety of our staff, we recommend contacting us to schedule a service, but only when it's absolutely necessary. In the current situation, it would be wiser to replace the inner tube yourself. We've written a separate blog post about how the service will operate in the current situation.

7. I am a cyclist with a chronic health condition such as heart disease, diabetes or COPD, can I safely continue cycling during the coronavirus outbreak?

If you are in a vulnerable group, we strongly recommend staying home. This will help limit your overall social contact and reduce the risk of infection. Unfortunately, we also recommend the same to all seniors (over 70). It would be wise to stay home and use an exercise bike or trainer. We know this can be frustrating, especially when it's so beautiful outside.