Cycling South Africa has submitted a proposal in response to the request from national government to assist in shaping lockdown regulations relating to cycling and related industries.
The submission, which was drawn up in consultation with several stakeholders, frames the conditions and practical solutions to address the role of bicycles in transport and exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The request was to only respond to level four restrictions by midday today, but we decided to take a more holistic view on all the lockdown restrictions,” Cycling SA president Ciska Austin said yesterday.
She said cycling’s ecosystem included commuting, exercise, mass participation, retail and SMMEs.
“A number of persons in the industry also contacted the federation calling on our support to make requests to government to start up the industry and economy again.
“We consolidated recommendations into one proposal, taking into consideration all the areas we believe have been affected and how we will be able to manage it.
“Understandably, there may be sectors who do not agree with our findings, but we believe this to be a holistic view in keeping within the government’s Covid-19 framework.”
Cycling SA hoped to discuss these recommendations with government to refine the details, she said.
“We need to reiterate that in terms of exercise and recreational rides, these are only recommendations. Our understanding is that updated guidelines and sub-provisions will be made available before or on Thursday.”
She said although cycling as transport was already allowed in level five, they needed to take a responsible and balanced approach as the country transitioned through the different levels.
It is best if everybody is made aware of what they may or may not do.
Recommendations relating to level four are:
Wholesale and retail trade
• Adapting cycling retail and maintenance shops to be compliant with government’s Covid-19 regulations.
• Allowing of online orders and courier-based deliveries.
• Implementing of additional measures to curb contamination and contracting.
Bicycle courier services
• Positioning and encouraging bicycle courier services as an essential service and allowing them to make deliveries, especially taking into consideration that government may restrict the elderly who could benefit from utilising deliveries should government restrict their movements.
Non-motorised transport
Cycling as transport is already allowed under level five – recommendation is that government:
• Encourage the use of bicycles as a medium of transport, instead of making use of public transport as a safer and healthier alternative.
• Use of masks compulsory as this is a guideline indicated by government.
• Not allowing groups larger than two, with strict social distancing applied except for those assisting the young or vulnerable.
Exercise
• Allowing solo exercise within a radius of 20km from home.
• Social distancing and the use of masks required as this is a guideline indicated by government.
• No groups larger than two (and residing on the same premises) are allowed, with strict social distancing applied except for those assisting the young or vulnerable.
Austin thanked affiliates and individuals who, under the tight deadline, worked swiftly to share their recommendations.
