IMBA – the International Mountain Biking Association, an advocacy group which is very influential in the USA and other parts of the world, but less prominent in the UK, has issued the following message to its members on mountain biking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To our friends and partners in mountain biking,
Getting out on the trails is tremendously valuable. Trails bring us together, but to keep each other safe, we must keep our distance. How can our community navigate this challenge?
First and foremost, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for best practices, as well as guidelines from your state and local governments. Then, as appropriate, cautiously take advantage of trails and outdoor spaces unless you are feeling ill. We will all benefit from fresh air.
Should mountain bikers host group rides or trail work days?
Cancel, postpone or reschedule upcoming events including races, trail work, and group rides until there are new government directives. For now, let’s ride in very small groups, keep our distance, and enjoy our trails close to home to minimize the risks associated with car travel.
How can trail users pass responsibly with social distance?
Stay alert, slow down, and communicate with each other from a distance about how to proceed. With gyms and rec centers closing, there may be new users on the trails. It’s a great time for community education on responsible riding and for being patient, exemplary stewards.
We will provide updated guidance on these topics as appropriate. IMBA Local partners can expect more information in your weekly resource newsletters.
IMBA is primarily a remote organization. Our team is not traveling and are self-isolating in our homes, including our four-person crew in the Colorado office. To date, the field operations of IMBA Trail Solutions have not been significantly affected. But we are strictly adhering to CDC guidelines, are monitoring this working environment constantly, and are ready to make adjustments for safety and public health at any time. IMBA’s work to create, enhance and protect great places to ride can mostly continue for now. We sympathize with everyone already feeling a significant impact in this crisis. We are preparing for the impacts we expect as best we can, and your continued support will help.
Many thanks for your diligence and discipline in this challenging time. Thank you for your support for mountain biking, trails, and IMBA. Stay healthy and stay in communication with one another. We’re all in this together.
The point about keeping your distance is a good one – it’s not just about getting coughed on. Keeping further apart reduces the chance of crashing into another rider, or other trail user, and not crashing helps keep us out of the healthcare system. With criticism of cycling – and bans on it in some areas – the more we’re seen as a community to ‘behave’ well, the less fuel we give to anyone who might seek to stop people riding. Of course, this applies at all times – not just in a global pandemic.
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So weak that we had to do the work for them. Stay tuned.
I like this. Far less risky than going to the supermarket.