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Lock down, can i ri...
 

[Closed] Lock down, can i ride my bike in the countryside?

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Thats the problem though isnt it. When the PM says on thing then the Secretary of State for Health say another. Then you add in other things like "if I stop somewhere on my way home from work". Is that travelling for excersise or not? Is that allowable (obviously is it's not 20miles out of your way or whatever) no wonder there's differening opinions!


 
Posted : 03/04/2020 11:44 pm
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It’s pretty bleedin’ obvious want they want. They want you to stay local. They want you to maintain social distance when you are out. They want you limit the amount that you are out. The STAY At HOME bit is to reinforce that idea for the benefit of the hard of thinking. It’s not difficult.


 
Posted : 03/04/2020 11:59 pm
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I went out for a ride today and was dismayed to see someone out with a full touring/bike packing setup - full panniers and bar bags etc. Hardly in the spirit of sensible exercise every day.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 12:26 am
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i didnt realise there was a weight limit on sensible exercise everyday


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 12:37 am
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Have we done this lot yet?


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:22 am
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imnotverygood
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It’s pretty bleedin’ obvious want they want. They want you to stay local. They want you to maintain social distance when you are out. They want you limit the amount that you are out. The STAY At HOME bit is to reinforce that idea for the benefit of the hard of thinking. It’s not difficult.

With death rate steeper than Italy's and NHS staff dying, there should be no ambiguity in the messages


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:46 am
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there isn't, "stay at home" unless exercising, working or shopping. pretty clear to me.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:55 am
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There is no ambiguity, for this weekend "stay at home" means this.

1. When am I allowed to leave the house?

You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possibleone form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your householdany medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable persontravelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

Thats what it means untill those instructions change. I don't know anyone who doesn't understand this (apart from on here it would seem). Most people will abide by them but obviously some will choose to not do so. If you decide to go further and perhaps not go out for excercise or limit it to your immediate area that is something for each individual to decide.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 2:25 am
 mehr
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That S****horpe page is obviously a wind up but, unfortunately its probably going to get a cyclist seriously injured this weekend


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 6:37 am
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I have actually taken to riding my bike less in the countryside (gravel roads, single track etc,.) and am sticking to the road due to massive increase of people walking in all the places that used to be completely empty and can be difficult to pass them at a good distance.

Still, increased my gearing (fixed gear) and put some bullhorns on and yesterday was only a few seconds slower than my best time from years ago on a hilly "sporting" 10 mile TT loop.
Pleased with that now being 52 and not at a time of year when I am typically fastest


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 8:45 am
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I live in the countryside and went out for a 20 mile road ride yesterday.

Driving standards have dropped considerably. I was passed twice on blind narrow corners by cars, and white van drivers are going silly speeds ! Probably safer to ride in a built up area


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:00 am
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Probably safer to ride in a built up area

Not sure about that. Lots of people running and walking in the roads, usually oblivious to what's around them. Cars are noticeably going faster and well over the speed limit. Also seems that a higher percentage are on the phone.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:09 am
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Before I knew it was sunny this weekend and because my training plan allows it just this weekend, I planned an mtb ride out and back which would take 2hrs.   Now, the route to a forest and the forest itself easily allows social distancing, but I am worried about the image of a fully kitted up mtbr says to people as I ride the 2 miles out of the edge of London’s suburbia.

it’s not a strong message.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:09 am
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Well, I'm off to the local woods now, before it gets too busy. Let's hope I can keep my enthusiasm in check, when the trails are running this nicely...
Gawd knows how busy Peaslake is going to be this weekend!


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:22 am
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but I am worried about the image of a fully kitted up mtbr says to people as I ride the 2 miles out of the edge of London’s suburbia.

I'm not really sure people pay that much attention or can tell the difference but I have had similar thoughts. I've been wearing my yellow commuter jacket and fairly ordinary shorts rather than MTB pyjamas.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:36 am
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Gawd knows how busy Peaslake is going to be this weekend!

This is the problem. I ride the Peaslake area most weekends, but it involves a 60miles odd round trip in the car thats not really "essential" these days. Legally I can do it but ethically it doesn't seem right.

Hancocks message was clear yesterday staying at home isn't a request. don't be surprised if we get a full lockdown on monday. If this happens those who have pushed the rules will be to blame.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:48 am
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If the thing about Vitamin D helping to stave off respiratory tract diseases is right, then the very best thing we can do as a nation is to spend the whole of Sunday at the beach.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:50 am
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If the thing about Vitamin D helping to stave off respiratory tract diseases is right, then the very best thing we can do as a nation is to spend the whole of Sunday at the beach.

I've come across stuff that suggests that the issue isn't actually lack of Vitamin D, more that it's an indicator of exposure to sunshine / natural light and it's this rather than the Vit D alone that is good for us. It might be a bit of both. Anyway, just loading up the van with deckchairs, lilos and stuff, following your advice 🙂


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:54 am
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but I am worried about the image of a fully kitted up mtbr says to people as I ride the 2 miles out of the edge of London’s suburbia.

I think it says someones out on their daily exercise.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:55 am
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Just found out that the Welsh Assembly have made it law that you are only allowed outside once a day for exercise. It's needed as I've seen a lot of people locally going out in the morning and then the evening. Even heard one local say as they went past my place that they're going out 3 times a day: 2 walks a day for the dog and 1 for themselves. And I've felt guilty over wanting to go out after a day's work after cycling the commute, haven't so far as I'm being sensible but if people are going to take the piss then why should I behave?


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 9:57 am
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Still, increased my gearing (fixed gear) and put some bullhorns on and yesterday was only a few seconds slower than my best time from years ago on a hilly “sporting” 10 mile TT loop.
Pleased with that now being 52 and not at a time of year when I am typically fastest

Keeping it nice and steady to avoid undue stress on your immune system I hope? 😉

Have been enjoying my rides recently, physio wants me to keep it low intensity anyway while my back gets stronger so I've got the ideal excuse to just enjoy spinning along. It's not doing my average-average speed on Strava much good though, it's trending down towards 22km/h now even on the road! At least this means the estimated riding time for a lot of my gravel routes is starting to look more realistic...

Will be a good experiment in how much fitness you can achieve with 6-10hrs a week of low intensity only.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:29 am
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This is the problem. I ride the Peaslake area most weekends, but it involves a 60miles odd round trip in the car thats not really “essential” these days. Legally I can do it but ethically it doesn’t seem right.

I think a 30mile drive to ride is not "reasonable" so that's a clear no, IMO.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:34 am
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why is there no instruction for dog walkers to keep their dog on a short lead at all times ?


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:35 am
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why is there no instruction for dog walkers to keep their dog on a short lead at all times ?

Probably because dogs present a very low risk of transmitting the virus and social distancing is about reducing the major risks while accepting that it's impossible to completely eliminate every risk however small?


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:42 am
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Probably safer to ride in a built up area

Not sure about that. Lots of people running and walking in the roads, usually oblivious to what’s around them.

Yep. Did 2 laps of a roughly 10k circuit today, plus 4k's give or take to get to the loop and back. Just over a k of each is through the estate I live in, then I'm into the countryside. That's my hour for the day done (although I'm going to clean the patio in a minute which will be another hour of upper body scrubbing!!)

On the loop, I had no issues with traffic, a few cars about but the loop's on quiet roads with good sightlines and no close passes or anything like that. I saw one other rider and 3 joggers (looked like a couple plus a soloist) that were easy to avoid.

I must have seen 25 people walking and jogging in the estate a number of which were in the road or randomly crossing without looking to avoid others on the paths. I know which I'm more comfortable with.....


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:49 am
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And I’ve felt guilty over wanting to go out after a day’s work after cycling the commute, haven’t so far as I’m being sensible but if people are going to take the piss then why should I behave?

Because you are responsible for your own actions, not other peoples. Just because other people are taking the piss it doesn't make it acceptable, and it certainly isn't the right thing to do. If it were acceptable it wouldn't be taking the piss.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:55 am
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Keeping it nice and steady to avoid undue stress on your immune system I hope

2 reasons why I don't need to worry about that
1. I am not mixing with anyone at all and live in a small village so have zero interaction, zero touching anything etc,.
2. Very high chance I have had covid19 already as even higher chance wife had it 4 weeks ago who was very ill and I have been living with her 24 hours a day all through it.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:58 am
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I think a 30mile drive to ride is not “reasonable” so that’s a clear no, IMO.

yep, I totally agree. But legally i can and with that people are still doing it. Granted the car parks are not as busy these weekends in Peaslake but people will still make the trip to out there this weekend from London.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 11:59 am
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See what this weekend brings I guess in terms of people driving out to places. It might not be *that* bad - a lot of car parks, NT places etc are closed and there are no pubs or cafes open so on the face of it, there's little reason to go anywhere.

I went out early this morning on the road bike. I don't think I've ever ridden Cat & Fiddle and looked both ways from the summit and not been able to see a single vehicle. Absolutely deserted - OK it was still reasonably early and the average speed cameras along there have largely removed the nobber driving element from the road but still.

Social distancing at its best.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 12:15 pm
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I did contemplate a reasonably long (by my standards) road ride tomorrow as the forecast is good. However in view of the heightened sensitivity with respect to "going out this weekend" I'm going to leave it to mid week. Strange how in these lock down days weekends are still a thing.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 12:39 pm
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However in view of the heightened sensitivity with respect to “going out this weekend” I’m going to leave it to mid week.

My thoughts exactly, although I'll do half and hour on the rollers when our toddler is down for his nap, then take him out in the child seat later to give his mum a break, so will still get a total of 2hrs pedalling over the weekend.

Made the mistake of uploading my Friday ride to Strava, was an 1hr47minutes, deserted quiet roads, easy pace, so no guilty conscience, but then remembered my boss follows me on Strava and I'd done it from 1:30pm till 3:30pm, so not exactly 'core lunch hours'. He knows I have a kid so hopefully realises I'm working odd shifts right now...


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:00 pm
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Just seen on pink bike that the New Zealand health minister has been shamed for riding after driving two km from has house. That in itself wasn't the problem but doing a risky activity was
Feel sorry for him


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:10 pm
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^ looks like he was riding green/blue trails too, so not particularly risky really.
Probably easier to ride the 2km than leave ypur van with your name and picture on the side of it on display in the carp park though haha

For folks finding the trails busy with walkers I can recommend ordering one of these: https://singletrackworld.com/shop/timber-bell/

Perfect for shared use paths


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:24 pm
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Common sense should prevail. I dragged myself out of bed at 5.45am this morning. Bowl of Porridge then out by 6.30am. 20 mile loop back in the house by 8.30ish. Mixture of road, bridleway and cycleways. Passed one other rider while I was out. It’s actually quieter on the roads than the cycleways!


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:37 pm
 Rio
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why is there no instruction for dog walkers to keep their dog on a short lead at all times ?

Probably because dogs present a very low risk of transmitting the virus and social distancing is about reducing the major risks while accepting that it’s impossible to completely eliminate every risk however small?

You should keep dogs 2m away from people; I've yet to find any dog walker capable of that even when they are on a lead but it would be nice if they at least tried.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 1:43 pm
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Can we have that "keep your dog 2m from anyone else" rule after this is over?


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 2:04 pm
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I've had two dogs come running over to me and had a load of abuse when asking the owner's to put the dog on a lead!


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 2:52 pm
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Well, my local ride in my local woods was lovely. Slightly fewer people than usual, everyone being sensible. Roads were quiet. Am I wrong for slightly enjoying this lockdown malarkey?


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 2:57 pm
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Former British Supreme Court Justice: "This Is What A Police-State Is Like"

https://soundcloud.com/spectator1828/lord-sumption-discussing-the-police-response-to-coronavirus


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 2:59 pm
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You should keep dogs 2m away from people; I’ve yet to find any dog walker capable of that even when they are on a lead but it would be nice if they at least tried.

Agreed. And that's ignoring the hassle if they run off. Had two appeals go round the village this week, dogs run off on their walks and gone missing. So what do you expect us all to do about it?


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 3:11 pm
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So now we're finished slagging horse riders, we're moving on to dog owners are we?

Just focus on the positive things you can do.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 3:22 pm
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Just focus on the positive things you can do.

as it's for their benefit it is positive.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 3:28 pm
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I don’t understand why you need to maintain 2m when dogs can’t actually transmit the disease. You’d need to touch them for it to transfer. If you walk past a door you don’t leave a 2m gap from the handle just in case. Confused about this one.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 3:34 pm
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you (as the other person below) are not at risk from the dog assuming you don't stroke it...
but the virus can survive on the fur of the animal, and as breathing/talking/coughing or sneezing can spread the virus... every time your dog approaches within 2m of another person you run the risk that the virus being transfered onto the dog. A dog that you will take home and into your house.


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 3:46 pm
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As long as dog isn't off the lead jumping up at passers by as, happened to me today... Thanks...


 
Posted : 04/04/2020 3:53 pm
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