COVID-19 Riding from the 19th October 2020

With the COVID-19  isolation rules are easing, the WBUG committee have still suspended official rides. Confirming that Whittlesea is part of Melbourne and the Restrictions apply.

Key points

Stage 4 restrictions are relaxed from Monday the 19th October 2020 for metropolitan Melbourne.

• From 11:59pm on Sunday 18 October changes to restrictions allow you to exercise outdoors with NO restriction on time exercising or the number of times yo can exercise in a day.

• Stay within 25km from home for shopping and exercise. Use the map on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website to see how far 25 km is from your home.

• Restrictions for Regional Victoria, including Mitchell Shire, please check the Summary of changes to restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

• Everyone must wear a mask when they leave home, unless an exception applies

The following Victorian Government exercise rules have been established for the safety of all for residents of Metropolitain Melbourne

Exercise and Cycling

• You can leave home for exercise but there are limits:

• You must not travel more than 25km from where you live to exercise. 

• You can exercise in a group of up to ten people from a maximum of two households outdoors in a public place (personal training is limited to two people plus the trainer). This replaces the limit of five people from a maximum of two households. Please use common sense and continue to limit the number of people you see in person right now. It is safer to connect with friends and family using phone calls, social media and video calls. If you are exercising with someone else, you should keep 1.5 metres distance between you. Don’t hug, kiss or shake hands.

•  If you are a parent or guardian who is caring for a young child or someone who cannot be left unattended then they may accompany you.

• Some outdoor activities can take place in outdoor sport and recreation facilities. Outdoor sport and recreation facilities can open if:
  • They are predominantly used for outdoor sport or physical recreation
  • There is no equipment for hire or sharing
  • Indoor facilities such as change rooms are not permitted for use, however toilet facilities are permitted to open.
  • A limit of 10 people from 2 household per group or more than 10 if the entire group is from the same household and you must be able to keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
  • Restrictions to no more than 10 people in the facility at once except where a distance of at least 100m between groups can be maintained (e.g. golf courses).
  • Examples include some outdoor tennis courts, golf courses, or bowling greens.

WBUG Recommends

Use our exercise time to get out and stay healthy, raise a hand or give a nod to your fellow cyclists, and be mindful everyones time on the cycle tracks is now precious.  If you have an exercise bike or a bike trainer at home keep up the schedule and perhaps join a virtual exercise class or follow an online workout.  VicHealth has an excellent website that outlines how exercise can help during the coronavirus.. 

Remember to pack some hand sanitiser containing at least 60 per cent alcohol and stay at least 1.5 metres away from to other people. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you return indoors.

We look forward to seeing you on an official WBUG once restrictions are relaxed, until then a big wave if we pass on the bike track.

ref: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/stage-4-restrictions-covid-19

ref: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/exercise-covid-19

ref: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/summary-of-the-changes-to-restrictions-for-metropolitan-melbourne-and-regional-victoria

How far is 25km?

The ABC Online has an interactive map that shows a 25 kilometre circle around your home.

Type your address into the search bar and a circle will appear showing your five kilometre radius.

Changes to footpath cycling laws

Last Updated on October 16, 2019

Vicroads has introduced new bicycle laws that will make it easier for kids to cycle safely.

What's new?

• Under 13 years can now ride on footpaths.
• 13 years and older can accompany a person who is under 13 to ride on a footpath.
• 18 years and above? You can now ride with a child in a child seat or pedalling on a hitch bike on the footpath.

For more info visit: http://bit.ly/35A6T24