Riding in the time of coronavirus!

TDT | Manama

Cycling is a healthy habit. It’s also safe and could lay the foundation for a more resilient economy for post-COVID-19 world. But all these become fruitful, only if done in a safe manner preventing the spread of the virus, said the General Traffic Department in a report published by Al Ayam.

Riding in groups, without adhering to social distancing protocols, will only result in harming the otherwise healthy habit. The last thing our country needs today is an influx of injured, COVID-19 positive cyclists.

Cycling is safe as long as the same precautions for reducing the risk of virus infection is adhered to, says experts. So it is better to listen to what the authorities say about this. “We urge all cyclists to not to roam or more around in groups, especially not to go out except when it’s necessary.”

Riding alone is the key here, or maybe in the company of people in the same household. The message is part of an awareness-raising campaign designed by the Ministry of Interior to enhance public commitment to precautionary measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The authority urges cyclists here to keep sufficient distance between fellow riders and adhere to traffic regulations, and laws. It’s advised to always keep at least 2 meters apart from anyone outside your household, at all times.

While it’s always safe to stay indoors at these times, one may go out when it’s necessary but wearing all kind of protective gears, the law demands. Riders are advised to wear at all times necessary safety gears, helmets, gloves, leg guards, reflective jackets as well as lighting both at the front and rear end of their bikes.

In case of more people riding together, each rider should take care to ride sequentially one behind the other leaving sufficient distance between each other.

Hand signals are mandatory while changing lanes as well as adherence to traffic signs and signals. The authority also warned that using headphones while riding will impair the ability to respond to traffic emergencies.