The new lockdown, similar to the one we went through last March, will mean non-essential businesses closing alongside schools until at least February 19, maybe longer, with PM Boris Johnson saying this may be extended further. But can we ride our classics?
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While we may consider ourselves ‘socially distanced’ on two wheels (especially without a pillion) and we are fully covered with PPE, even if we really want to ride to ‘get away from it all’, it seems that riding our classic may go against the current COVID-19 guidelines and could see us risking a fine.
The Government’s website states that you must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may only leave the home to:
- Shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person.
- Go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home.
- Exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
- Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble, where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.
- Seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
- Attend education or childcare – for those eligible.
- Animal welfare reasons.
- Worship events.
So can we go for a bike ride? And if we can – what reasons can we have? It seems that the only time you could use your motorcycle within the rules would be for one of the above reasons.
The Government does not deem motorcycling to be exercise, but you could use your motorcycle to travel to an open-air place for a walk, as long as it is within your local area.
Of course, you can commute to work on your classic, if you cannot work from home. With quieter roads, you may get some enjoyment out of it, but ensure you wear all the correct gear and avoid taking risks.
To burden the NHS further would be counter-productive, although many of us know that during the first lockdown some bikers would be called out for riding because it was deemed excessively risky.
For more information, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
