Cycling during COVID times
During these times we cyclists are plagued with all kinds of questions, is it safe to ride out? Should I ride with the masks? Group or solo ride?...Etcetera. We try and answer some of these FAQs.
1. Is it safe to ride outside?
Yes, the safest way to do so is to go out alone. When people congregate together and someone sneezes or coughs, droplets get onto objects that people touch, and then people touch their faces. The best plan for riding right now is to go out, ride solo, enjoy the outdoors in open areas, and try timing your rides for when you know your route will be less crowded. Always adhere to the Government regulations. Be sure you know what’s going on in your area and if there are any restrictions or mandatory self-quarantines. And, if you’re sick or at-risk of spreading the virus, you shouldn’t go out or exercise.
2. Should I wear a mask out on rides?
The purpose of the mask is not to protect you, but to protect other people from you. But wearing a mask also affects how the exercise affects us, according to exercise scientists generally, yes, it's safe for most people to exercise while wearing a face mask. You will want to monitor how you're feeling while exercising and watch out for specific symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, numbness or tingling, and shortness of breath. However, people who have underlying cardiovascular or respiratory conditions should take caution when exercising with a face mask on. The severity of their condition will dictate whether or not it's appropriate for them to exercise with a face mask on. It's always a good idea to ask your doctor about exercising with a face mask before attempting to do it.
3. Should you avoid riding in groups?
Before meeting up with others for a ride, assess key risk factors such as the level of community spread in your area, if you’ve been exposed to coronavirus and could be at risk for asymptomatically spreading it, and what your training partners have been doing to stay safe. Riding with a training partner or small group of two to three that you trust is likely safe, depending on the area you live in and the precautions you all take. The bottom line, if you have any symptoms, including a fever and a cough, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should not be going for a ride, as you risk spreading it to others.
4. Can coronavirus be spread through sweat?
According to the CDC, the transmission of the coronavirus happens between people who are in close contact with one another (about six feet) and through respiratory droplets, produced through a cough or sneeze—not sweat.
5. Is my immune system weaker post-ride?
It depends on the intensity. Short bouts of moderate-intensity exercise are good for your immune system, but mental or physical stress—caused by exerting yourself on a long ride, in a race, or after a very hard workout—could slightly increase your chances of becoming ill.
In general, be mindful of your interactions with others and take basic steps to protect yourself, like washing your hands, limiting direct contact with others, and not touching your face, you can reduce your risk of many different infections.
If you feel we missed out any points feel free to leave it in the comments :)
Ride safe & ride more! 🚴🏻 🚴🏻♀️ 👍🏻
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