Bridgend lockdown changes to club runs

[Dave W]

Following today's announcement that Bridgend along with RCT Newport Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent will go into local lockdown we will postpone club runs until things change and you can cycle everywhere.
30 people can meet outdoors but you all have to be from Bridgend and only cycle in Bridgend, limits things a bit and I don't fancy policing this sorry or having agro off non cyclists.

See here for more info
https://gov.wales/bridgend-lockdown-frequently-asked-questions

https://gov.wales/written-statement-local-coronavirus-restrictions-update

Any activity operating outside the Welsh Government guidance will not be insured by British Cycling

The rules mean you cannot visit or leave the six counties affected without a "reasonable excuse".


That includes:

For work, if you cannot work from home
For education
For buying essentials like food or medicine
To provide or receive emergency assistance
To meet a legal obligation, and to access or receive public services
To avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm
To visit family or close friends on compassionate grounds

I will update as changes happen through the next few weeks. Stay safe out there!!

[Andy H]

I think this is for the best!
Hopefully it will be a shorter lowdown than last time.

[Bob.F]

Sad but exactly right.  THose that can't follow simple rules have done for us all, so best not to enflame a situation.

[RichardB]

Does anyone have an issue with me posting a chasers ride for Sunday staying within Bridgend. The 5 core members of our group all live within the Bridgend  boundary.

[stevelandeg]

I've just seen Mark Drakeford's briefing which advised no unneccesary travel.
Best to avoid club runs to avoid getting in hot water.

[Dave W]

Does anyone have an issue with me posting a chasers ride for Sunday staying within Bridgend. The 5 core members of our group all live within the Bridgend  boundary.

Rich we can't stop you riding but I think it would be best if the club isn't involved as it could cause confusion and gives the wrong message. I won't be posting any rides or meeting in groups.

[RichardB]

Ok, no probs

[stevelandeg]

I’ve had a look at this after noticing two simultaneous football training sessions taking place last night and another one this evening:-
https://gov.wales/bridgend-lockdown-frequently-asked-questions

with this being the important bit:-
"What about cycling?

Cycling is allowed but you must cycle within the boundary of the local authority. Cycling in groups larger than 30 people is not allowed, regardless of whether social distancing practices are followed. Cycling to work, or for work, is allowed, if you can’t work from home."

So, in my view, if well-marshalled club runs of no more than 30 participants are run within the county boundary they are permissible. If there’re more than an unlikely 30, split into two distinct groups.

What do you think?

[Dave W]

See your point but as I stated in my first post we can still cycle in a group of 30.
For me I'm not comfortable organising a group ride and winding other motorists up, cycling around Bridgend and policing where people are coming from.
 While lockdown is applicable it's safer to stop club runs that could damage the reputation of the club.

To save confusion I suggest we look to resume when we havn't got lockdown restrictions

[Steven]

I agree with Dave. Emotions are high and we don't want to damage the image of the club. I've stopped wearing my OVW colours in The Vale to avoid any confusion. However, we can still ride in small groups. This is best arranged away from the forum in my opinion.

[Bob.F]

Now that we're out of lock down, will club rides start again?  Apparently up to 30 people can meet for organised events.  Can't find anything about group exercise apart from "social distance".

[Dave W]

Update now that we are out of lockdown
What are everyone's thoughts on club runs?

Here are the rules
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/Welsh_Cycling_-_Return_to_Activity_Guidance_6th_Nov_002.pdf

Outdoor activities can have no more than 30 people attending (or fewer if the risk
assessment or type of activity requires it). For group rides on the highway, we recommend
much smaller groups. For led rides, the maximum is 8 riders.
• The regulations now allow for simultaneous groups of 30 at an outdoor facility, provided
they are clearly separate and with a responsible person overseeing the activities. This would
apply in a traffic free setting; we do not recommend multiple groups of 30 on the open
road.

I've been in contact with Welsh cycling and they are strongly suggesting no more than 8 in a group ride.

My gut feeling is to wait a bit longer before resuming the club runs.

[Steven]

Agreed!