Guide of Cycling for More Safety and Comfort During Corona Outbreak

Image: Antonio Prado (Pexels)

​​Sports or keep doing activities are always still needed during the pandemic. Cycling is one of recommended activities cause its flexible to keep social distancing in midst of corona outbreak. It will also minimize stress out because contains elements of meditation and increases the body's immunity to fight viral disease. But how exactly guides for cycling to get safely and comfortably during corona outbreak?

Cycling is still safe and recommended by some sports doctors and disease infection experts during a pandemic. As quoted from several sources; Solo riding, cycling with family members or with a trusted group in open areas could be the alternative recommended activities during pandemic period. However, you must still follow applicable health protocols such as wearing masks, washing your hands diligently and maintaining your distance.
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Here are some : 

Guide of Cycling for More Safety and Comfort During Corona Outbreak

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1. Make Sure Your Body Fit and Healthy

Don't force cycling if your condition doesn't allowed. Cycling requires sufficient stamina, concentration and maintained focus. You don’t wanna fall into a hole just because of unfit condition or you lose your balance, right ?!. Or when you have the flu, you force cycling and even infect other people later. So, it's better to prevent than to cure.

 
2. Keep Using Recommended Masks

Wear a mask recommended by WHO and local health authorities. The three-layer mask (cloth or medical) makes your cycling activity sure, safe and comfortable. Always use a mask while in public areas while cycling. Occasionally, mask can be removed if you are in an open area such as a park or hill if no one else around. The use of masks must also be in correct position for cover the nose and mouth area. The use of masks is absolute and non-negotiable.

 
3. Wear Cycling Safety Equipment

Using cycling safety equipment during pandemic will further add to your safety and comfort. Your mind becomes calm and you can enjoy cycling.

Wear a helmet, gloves and closed long sleeve t-shirt. A bicycle helmet useful to protecting your head. Gloves for bicycle handlebar handling and protect against touching other objects. As well as long-sleeved shirts to protect body skin from sun exposure.

Don't forget to bring your own hand sanitizer and drink bottle. You don't know where and when you need to wash your hands with water while cycling and need drinking water when you suddenly feel thirsty. It’s advisable not stop to the shop if you are not forced to such as washing your hands or buying a bottle of drinking water.

 
4. Solo Riding or with Family Members

It’s highly recommended to ride solo and not in groups. If you need to be in a group, make sure you are in a group that already trusts each other, such as family members, close friends and try not to exceed four people in one group.
 

5. Determine Your Bike Route in Advance

Determining location and path of the cycling you will be traversed in advance will make cycling time more efficient and reduce unwanted risks. Try to fully identify your biking location if you need to be in a natural or outdoor location. Determine whether there are internal zone lockdown or outbreak red zones on the route to be traversed. If you're cycling around the house, find a quite road or doesn't have a lot of people walking around.

 
6. Keep Cycling Distance & Avoid Crowds

If you cycling-solo, keep your distance from other cyclists at least 2 meters. We don't know who could potentially transmit virus around us from people we don't know. The transmission of the covid-19 virus occurs not only because of contact with Covid-19 sufferers, but also via droplets which is spread through coughing and sneezing and also the layers of objects who touched by the suspect or sufferer. Therefore, wearing a mask, keeping your distance and avoiding crowds when cycling is absolute. Once again, choose a quiet lane and avoid stopping at stalls or shops.
 

7. Duration & Don’t Forget Rest

Don't ride your bike for too long or push your skills. The duration of cycling around 60-90 minutes outside of resting time is enough to improve your fit body and immune system. Take a breaks between cycling at the right places such as open areas, parks, or hills while do stretching and enjoy the natural panorama surroundings.

 
8. Cleanse Your Body After Cycling

End your outdoor cycling activities with take a bath and clean yourself at home. Change and wash your clothes immediately. After that, give your body time to rest and relax for refresh your body and mind before continuing other activities.
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Suggestion :

√ Pay attention to the duration of your bicycle exercise during pandemic. The recommended exercise during pandemic is from low to moderate intensity, including in cycling. This is enough to improve your body fit and immune system and not to cause pain due to fatigue.

√ The current pandemic situation is still changing and develop. The guides above will be updated as the latest information becomes available. It is recommended to keep receiving and checking the latest information from your personal health information and local government health authorities regarding the covid-19 outbreak.

Healthy greetings, have fun & happy cycling! 🙂
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