BC Health Recommendations: Walking, Cycling & Physical Distance During COVID-19
Related to the current pandemic, articles and research proposals currently circulating in the public have included recommendations related to physical spacing while cycling and walking without citing peer-reviewed evidence to support their claims.
With various municipalities in BC reallocating road space for cycling and walking — and especially as spring weather and a holiday weekend challenge us to stay indoors — we must recognize that any significant increases in cycling and walking traffic volumes may bring together people with a very wide range of fitness levels and objectives, speeds, and bicycle control abilities.
As a result, our ability to safely maintain sufficient physical distancing may also be challenged.
The BC Ministry of Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, and injury prevention practitioners with the Fraser Health Authority, are advising the public to follow some general principles when making decisions regarding cycling and walking during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Limit exposure by taking fewer and shorter trips
Our primary personal and collective defence against COVID-19 is staying at home. This and behaviours such as washing our hands are the biggest things we can do to flatten the curve.
Separate through space - where it is safe to do so, ride or walk alone
If you need to ride with another person for safety (e.g. riding or walking in remote areas), stay as far away as possible from others. Separate through space: ride or walk in open spaces where there are fewer people or where people are spread out; maximize following, passing, and leading distances.
Separate through time - ride or walk when others are not out
Exposure time is an important consideration - be a lot less concerned about the various riders or walkers with whom you may have fleeting contact, and focus more on staying out of the ‘slipstream’ or ‘wake’ of others for any period of time. Use common sense and limit your exposure to the greatest possible extent; engage in outdoor activity during days and times that are least busy in your community.
Practice safe cycling - reduce the risk of an ambulance trip or hospital visit
Ride on quiet, lower-speed roads, or on cycle tracks or bike lanes if available. Ensure your helmet fits properly. Use front and rear lights, and use a bell to indicate “I’m here”. Ride in a safe manner, avoiding high speeds, slowing down depending on context, etc.
This weekend, and throughout the coming months, it is critical for all British Columbians to eliminate any risk of transportation-related trauma in order to protect our health care system capacity when available resources are already stretched.