Sports that are given the all-clear to resume, even in limited formats, will all remain subject to the “exercise zone” restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Covid19.
There was hope that cycling, especially solo riding,
would be one of the first sports, or forms of exercise, to resume as the
Covid19 restrictions are relaxed.
The risk of catching or spreading the virus while riding
alone appear minimal, leading to hopes it would be allowed again quickly.
However, cyclists are not in for any big breakthrough moment until July 20th, according to the current Government plans for sports and exercise.
At present cycling – and all forms of exercise – are permitted
within a 2km radius of a person’s home.
That radius, for all forms of exercise, increases to 5km
after Tuesday, May 5th, and will remain at 5km until June 8th. From June 9th to
July 20th the exercise zone will be extended to 20km.
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And it is only after July 20th that the concept of an exercise
zone lapses, with no exercise zone distances in place and the requirement to
avoid unnecessary journeys also lapsing.
It means it is only after July 20th that cyclists
will be able to train on the roads again freely wherever they choose; assuming there
is no second spike in Covid19 infection numbers.
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Whether group riding and racing will be possible after
July 20th will be clarified as the Government specifies the number
of people who will be permitted to gather indoors or outdoors from July 20th.
The government is set to make a further statement on “indoor
and outdoor numbers restrictions” and related social distancing guidelines in
the coming week.
During those periods that the 5km exercise zone is in
place – from May 5th to June 8th – and during the period the 20km exercise zone
is in place – from June 9th to July 20th – cyclists training on the roads must
stay within those zones.
As early as May 18th some sports facilities, such as
tennis courts and golf clubs, will re-open. But only those living within 5km of
their club will be able to play.
Going to a tennis court or golf club further than 5km from
home would not be deemed as a necessary journey and therefore it will not be
permitted.
The Department of Health has confirmed this
interpretation and has specifically said it includes cycling.
The Government is likely to come under pressure from some
sports, initially horse racing, for exemptions to the new five-phase plan for
the easing of Covid19 restrictions.
However, unless some exemptions were granted to some
sports, and solo cycling was included, cyclists in the Republic will be obliged
to train within the “exercise zones” until they lapse after July 20th.
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