Biking safely in the time of COVID-19

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, and people are locked down at homes to remain safe, many people especially athletes are finding an avenue so that they still can remain active and exercise. A noticeable occurrence all over the country, bikers had been out and about which made some wonder whether doing such activity is safe not only to the bikers but the community at large.

Is it possible for the bikers to do the thing they love but remain safe? Oman Observer reached out to Naji al Ghailani, deputy team leader of Sur cycling club, who assured that biking is safe as long as a person is adhering to social distancing while doing the activity.

“It is safe most especially when you bike alone. The risk is only high when people ride in groups and if someone sneezes or coughs while doing it in a group. The droplets of a sneeze can get onto objects that people touch, and then people touch their faces,” Naji shared.

“The best plan for riding right now is to go out and ride solo and enjoy the outdoors, in noncrowded areas. When you know that the routes are less crowded, it might be good to go out at that time,” he suggested.

“Our team, for instance, always adheres to the laws that are in the interest of society. Physical distancing is an essential part of keeping the pandemic at bay. We encourage bikers to maintain their health and to avoid group cycling as usual,” Naji said.

For Naji’s team, he is most proud that group members are all experienced and are aware of safety procedures. While their group adheres to safety precautions of the relevant ministries they, however, worry for other riders who do not comply. “We find it disturbing when we see some new riders in the field who are not committed to the safety rules imposed by the country. Since the lockdown started, the number of bikers are increasing. It got worse in Ramadhan as people are trying to go out of houses and also trying to lose weight after having their Iftar,” he said.

“If the safety guidelines are followed in the right way, every biker could enjoy the ride and stay safe at the same time,” he said.

The Royal Oman Police has urged people to follow the safety regulation to ensure a better outcome of the quarantine. According to the Traffic Law, bicycles are allowed to be used on the right side of the road, and on roads that speed is limited to 60 km per hour.

The safety helmet and the reflective phosphorous sweater must be worn. The bike should be equipped with front and backlights that allow road users to easily detect. The bike must be equipped with brakes so that the driver can stop for any emergency.

ROP is also recommending solo biking during these extraordinary circumstances. “What these regulations Should mean to athletes, and everyone, is that the situation we are in is very serious. And that we all need to consider the consequences of our actions in the community around us,” Naji said.

For Dr. Lamya al Waeli, general practitioner, doing outdoor sports like biking, it is important for people to wear masks. “Face coverings do two possible things: they contain the spread from the ill and prevent inhalation of the virus for the healthy,” she said.

“The degree to which they achieve these things is debated. They are only effective if used properly. Most people are not trained to use masks properly. Even taking a mask on and off incorrectly can be risky and increase your hand-to-mouth exposure,” the doctor added.