COVID and "Bike Privilege"

[I like Skol]

This is a really interesting observation! (especially as you're in the next town from me now)

I for one am glad to also be enjoying it.

(Just a shame that the thread has diverted to repeating all the same points made in the last 48h on the other 3 main COVID threads. But that's forums for you!)

Thread diversion maybe, but mostly valid points. As cyclists we, or people on cycles, do not have any elevated rights or privileges above or beyond those of the non-cycling population, whether perceived or inferred. Our journeys must be justified and necessary in just the same way as any other person who is out and about, regardless of means of transport!

 

[matticus]

As cyclists we, or people on cycles, do not have any elevated rights or privileges above or beyond those of the non-cycling population, whether perceived or inferred.

But:
(web) dictionary definition: privilege a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.

Bikes are available to (just about) all. So no-one has any special rights!

 

[figbat]

I'm doing it by the book. i'm not making my own interpretation of what is right or wrong

The problem is, which “book” are you doing it by? The legislation makes no mention of number or duration of exercise events. Government advice states once a day, but this is neither law nor “rules”. Social consensus seems to be adopting the government advice and sometimes adding in things like a one hour “rule”. So it seems that personal interpretation is being applied in many cases - interpreting advice as rules, interpreting once a day as one hour a day and so on.

I’m averaging <1 per day due to work and other commitments. I haven’t yet done more than one exercise in a single day. However if I do a ride (I’m typically going 1-ish hour) in the morning and then my wife and kids decide to go for a walk in the evening (context: very rural, nobody about) I wouldn’t hesitate to go with them if I felt the need.

 

[PaulSB]

Surely people are making this a touch too complicated. The government have advised we should take one form of exercise each day.

It's clear everyone is expected to act responsibly. For walkers, for example, of which I am one, this means not pulling on boots, rucksack etc. and heading off across the moors. For cyclists, especially those who, like me, ride longer distances this means cutting back. I feel 30/35 miles, two hours or so is a reasonable response. People who generally ride for 1-2 hours can carry on as normal.

There are no rules, regulations etc. as far as I can understand, just a firm request people act sensibly and responsibly.

As for being approached by the police? Surely it's common decency to respond politely in the same manner as we expect to speak to and be spoken to by others.

It's very easy to wind up a situation with the police by responding in other ways. Is it worth it? Not to my mind.

There are no privileges or superior position or such nonsense as originally inferred. We ride bikes. That's all.

 

[icowden]

Ti be fair, I think the OP was just suggesting that because you are on a bike, unless you are being an idiot and trying to get into Richmond Park, the general assumption is that you are out for exercise. Similarly if you have a dog on a lead, no one is going to challenge why you are out.

Even pedeestrians are out in running outfits now!

That said, it's good to be sensible but also get fresh air / exercise the children etc. Risk of infection outdoors is much lower than the risk indoors or in high volume locations such as shops.

 

[Soltydog]

First I spotted him riding round a park on an ancient 26" MTB.

Blimey, how old was his MTB for you to be calling it ancient? I thought most of your bikes were pre 26" wheel era

 

[cyberknight]

Surely people are making this a touch too complicated. The government have advised we should take one form of exercise each day.

It's clear everyone is expected to act responsibly. For walkers, for example, of which I am one, this means not pulling on boots, rucksack etc. and heading off across the moors. For cyclists, especially those who, like me, ride longer distances this means cutting back. I feel 30/35 miles, two hours or so is a reasonable response. People who generally ride for 1-2 hours can carry on as normal.

There are no rules, regulations etc. as far as I can understand, just a firm request people act sensibly and responsibly.

As for being approached by the police? Surely it's common decency to respond politely in the same manner as we expect to speak to and be spoken to by others.

It's very easy to wind up a situation with the police by responding in other ways. Is it worth it? Not to my mind.

There are no privileges or superior position or such nonsense as originally inferred. We ride bikes. That's all.

im the same , couple of hours and 35 + is a nice sweet spot , akin to a ride to a cake stop for me but no cake so no ride back hahah !
Today was my 1st ride in over a week after a bout of lurgy so a steady 26 miles felt like hell as my calveswere in instant ache mode as soon as i left the house and very sniffly still

 

[wafter]

Ti be fair, I think the OP was just suggesting that because you are on a bike, unless you are being an idiot and trying to get into Richmond Park, the general assumption is that you are out for exercise. Similarly if you have a dog on a lead, no one is going to challenge why you are out.

Even pedeestrians are out in running outfits now!

That said, it's good to be sensible but also get fresh air / exercise the children etc. Risk of infection outdoors is much lower than the risk indoors or in high volume locations such as shops.

Absolutely this. Since some seem to have an issue with the use of the word privilege, how about I summarise my viewpoint differently; as cyclists operating within the current restrictions imposed upon the country, for once we appear to have been given the least-sh*tty end of the stick relative to everyone else

 

[Mrs M]

I went for a wee 60 minute toddle last night after a very stressful day at work.
Mostly stuck to the quiet roads as there were lots of folks out on the shared paths, jogging, dog walking,etc.
Was aware throughout my ride of a helicopter circling above.
Felt a bit “spied on”
Then pretended I was in the TDF on a MTB
Contemplating a wee commute to work some day soon.
No facilities but should be ok with the 2 metre apart rule and some baby wipes

 

[Randomnerd]

20 mile utility ride to fetch groceries. Loads of feds about, mostly eating Krispy Kremes in vans. 😉 And plenty of chumps on bikes flouting physical distancing laws. Nobody kowtowed to me because I was on a bike. Usual dog walkers on the track with those extender leads and earbuds in. Very few cars around. I’m hating all of it, but sticking to the letter of the law. Hope everyone is keeping safe.

 

[BurningLegs]

32nd on the road and went for my suck bucket on the finish line but thankfully didn’t need!

 

[vickster]

32nd on the road and went for my suck bucket on the finish line but thankfully didn’t need!

??

 

[BurningLegs]

??

Sorry wrong thread. Was supposed to be in a Zwift thread.
Racing has clearly impaired my (already limited) mental ability!

 

[matticus]

Absolutely this. Since some seem to have an issue with the use of the word privilege, how about I summarise my viewpoint differently;

I'm very happy with it now that you've spulled it rite!

 

[DaveReading]

I'm very happy with it now that you've spulled it rite!

There was I thinking the thread was about a precariously-situated toilet.