Riding your way around the UK COVID-19 lockdown
With new Coronavirus lockdown restrictions upon us, each of the nations in the UK comes with its own set of rules. We’ve done a deep dive to figure out what they mean for people who ride bikes.
The health benefits of cycling and the outdoors are well documented, but they include stress relief, boosting your general fitness and improvements in your overall mental wellbeing. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve witnessed record numbers of people taking to the streets of their bikes in light of the reduction in motor vehicle traffic.
Our essential guide to the UK’s varying restrictions provides clarity on where and when you can ride your bike throughout the nation’s third lockdown which began recently and is projected to end for most UK nations in mid-February.
Can I ride my bike in lockdown?
Cycling throughout each lockdown period has been overwhelmingly encouraged by officials, scientists and medical experts not only for exercise and fitness but for commuting into work for those whose employment means they can’t work from home. This advice remains true across all nations unless you begin showing symptoms, in which case you’re required to self-isolate and book a test.
Where can I ride my bike during lockdown?
With each of the UK’s nations currently operating under different rules, let’s take a look at each of the countries.
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England
-
Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
Should I cycle to work?
If you can’t work from home, the government has encouraged you to cycle or walk particularly as this avoids potentially crowded public transport. Cycling to work is a great way on integrating your daily exercise with meaningful travel.
By riding to work, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, ease congestion (you’re one less car!) and save money. If you take a
lock and a
bag with you, you can also nip to the shops to grab some essentials on your way home.
Are bike shops allowed to open?
Bike shops are classed as an essential service keeping people on the move in a sustainable way. Check with your local bike shop for opening hours, waiting times and general cycling and maintenance advice. At Canyon, we’re still shipping bikes to new and regular cyclists all year round.
I need a new bike, which one should I buy?
- Road Bikes
- Road bikes are great for daily use as well as longer rides on the weekend. They have drop handlebars for a racier look and feel as well as a lightweight carbon or aluminium frame which makes them excellent for building your fitness.
- Gravel Bikes
- Gravel bikes are as happy on tarmac as they are on rougher trails. If your commute or regular rides tend to venture into the unknown, a gravel bike will be just the ticket.
- Mountain Bikes
- Exploring way off the beaten track can be an exciting experience. While lockdown might not be the best time for testing you downhill skills, a mountain bike can open up your local bridleways and tow paths thanks to their wider tyres and suspension.
- E-Bikes
- If you’re new to cycling, an electric bike can help you crest the hills and give you a little boost when you need it most. They come in all shapes and sizes and can help you transition from four wheels to two during the pandemic and beyond.
- City Bikes
- For everything from bashing around the city streets to picking up your daily essentials, a city bike is a versatile tool for getting around. You’ll get your daily exercise and be able to park up at the shop to grab ingredients for dinner. What more could you want?
What about indoor training?
Turbo training is an important tool for all bike riders. You can exercise from the comfort of your own home, at any time of the day and ride with a bunch of friends – virtually – if you like. You’ll need a bike suitable for mounting on an indoor trainer, the turbo trainer itself and a subscription to Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest or other virtual training app to get the most out of your training.
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