On this point, Alan and I got seriously jeered at twice on a crossride last weekend - even though we were very well separated. These angry people were not even swayed when I told them that Alan was my husband. Sadly, either was Alan
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Moderator: mfarnham
Of course, Hugh.bikehart wrote: ↑Tue Mar 31, 2020 8:12 pm This would be the source of the paranoia:
https://covid19.healthdata.org/projection
Hey Johnny, I think it doesn't matter what the guidelines may be, these days some people will always resent seeing a couple of fellows clearly enjoying themselves (and deigning to ride their self-propelled contraptions on roads clearly intended for motor vehicles.
This last point may actually be the most compelling reason to avoid brazenly riding together with others, even if done safely and practising good hygiene (no drafting, increasing distance with speed etc.) I think it's also why dark & early is still best.Can I still leave my house to ride my bike?
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While the Government of Canada has not prohibited outdoor cycling, your local health authority may have stricter policies that you should observe. If it is permitted where you live and you do decide to go out, it is critical that you practice physical distancing and good hygiene. At all times keep a physical distance of 2 metres from others and avoid crowded areas. Be self-sufficient on your rides and ride your bike responsibly. With such intense pressure on our healthcare system, it is each of our responsibility to manage risk wherever we can. Stick to routes you know well that are close to home and avoid crossing provincial borders. Only go out for a ride once a day or as is strictly necessary. Additionally, please respect any national and provincial park trail closures.
Do not organize group rides, only ride with people you already live with.
If cyclists do not practice proper social distancing, the government may feel it has no choice but to intervene and prevent all outdoor riding which has happened in some other countries.
Ben,benmoore wrote: ↑Thu Apr 09, 2020 6:56 am I agree with Claire here, and can even admit to hesitating on offering those well-earned “kudos” on Strava when it’s clear that riders are obviously still heading out in pairs or groups. I can’t help seeing it as a pretty flagrant flouting of civic duty in this context.
Sure, you can tell yourself that you’re staying 6’ or even 10’ apart, or that single track helps disperse droplets because of all those corners, but the reality is, you have no idea how much is really needed on a bike. New studies are coming out all the time, and I’ve recently seen recommendations of at least 20-30’ distance apart when travelling at 20kms/hr or more. At that point, what’s the point?
Yes people are yelling at you and getting righteous and paranoid: it’s because they’re deeply, deeply afraid right now. It would be selfish to ignore that, or think yourself above it, or hold it too much against them.
For what it’s worth, I miss you folks in the mornings, but even if I see you out there I won’t be following your line. We have a duty here as members of the community, and as much as I’m annoyed at having privileges revoked or being told what to do in any context, I’d hate to think I let my own self-righteousness win out at a time like this.
Stay safe out there, and preferably alone. Every ride you take right now is an opportunity to set an example.
I’ll see you all on the other side of this![]()
Fair enough! If you’re able to pull that off, it’s probably no issue. I just found on the first few “socially distant” rides early on that there was always a moment or two where coming in close couldn’t be avoided, or was simply overlooked. Maybe I just lack the proper discipline
We are not "sheltered in place" or "locked down", Rolf. As far as I know, the two-meter and < 50 rules apply (indoors as well) but in the Fyfe household it's only the wife, the daughter, the dawg, and moi. So Rolf, stopping throwing pebbles at my bedroom window, I'm not letting you in for now.