French police using Strava to catch and fine cyclists training outdoors | Sticky Bottle

*Thousands of people have been fined for breaking France's Covid19 restrictions and now the police are taking to Strava to issue fines to cyclists who post their rides on the activities app*

French police are using Strava to catch cyclists training outdoors despite the ban on cycling as part of the country's Covid19 restrictions.

There is no ban on cyclists training on the open roads in Ireland and in Britain, where pubs are now closing to help halt the spread of the virus, the government has noted the benefit of exercising, specifically cycling, in helping people to cope with other restrictions.

However, as Covid19 rips through Italy, Spain and France, the measures being put in place to control the virus are much more stringent.

Cycling is banned outdoors in Spain and France and while it is also prohibited in Italy, professional cyclists are still permitted to train outdoors on the basis cycling is their livelihood.

Evidence is now emerging on social media that the French police are receiving tips from members of the public pointing them to rides cyclists have posted on Strava.

And in some cases, including the Strava account in the Tweet below, the French police have left messages on users' accounts notifying them they have been fined €135 for contravening the ban on cycling.

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The French cycling federation has clarified the rules, stating cycling is banned save for some circumstances.

These include rides within 2km of a person's home or if people are cycling to the shops, work that cannot be deferred or to attend to a vital family matter, among other exceptions.

"The practice of sports cycling, which is commonly accepted, does not fall under the conditions provided for in the decree and therefore constitutes an offense," the federation said in a statement.

"Any practice of cycling sport, even individual, must therefore be temporarily prohibited."

France's Ministry of Sport, in a bid to clarify any confusion around the ban on exercise, including cycling, said: "1km, 2km max... There is no question of getting away from your home. The rule is containment for everyone.

"Remember, you should only go out for emergencies like shopping or for your health. A little jogging is possible for your well being, but not a 10km."