Kissena group ride COVID guidelines
The board has adopted the following guidelines for members who wish to engage in limited group rides that mitigate COVID risks.
The club recognizes that some members are choosing to ride with others during the pandemic. The following guidelines are intended to provide guidance for limited group riding while protecting member health and reducing the risk of contagion.
It is difficult to gauge the risk of group rides as is it impossible to know whether the person you are drafting behind is asymptomatic and shedding the virus. The current evidence is unclear as to the likelihood of contracting the virus if one were to do so. However, the impact of contagion on members and their families is potentially devastating given that a small percentage of those infected develop serious and chronic health issues. Therefore, the club strongly urges members to follow these guidelines if they choose to ride in a group.
While these guidelines should help reduce the risk of contagion, riding in a group poses an uncertain risk and individuals are encouraged to err on the side of caution. Our mutual health and safety is the primary concern.
Kissena members can arrange group rides of UP TO FOUR (4) members while following guidelines to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Conditions:
Note that the following guidelines apply to ANY ride in which two or more Kissena members ride together.
These guidelines are contingent on the average infection rates in the NYC area remaining relatively low as has been the case in Aug-Sept. If the infection rate rises significantly, members should avoid group rides.
Group rides are not to be any larger than four riders. This is to limit the spread of the virus should a rider be contagious
Use increased precautions or avoid parks or roads that may be crowded with pedestrians or other cyclists. This reduces risk and reflects more positively on the club.
Members MUST:
Self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and be clear of these for 14 days.
e.g. Fever, chill, fatigue, cough, upper respiratory infections symptoms, body aches, loss of smell or taste.
Follow all NYS and CDC Coronavirus directives including not joining a group ride for 14 days:
If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive
If having traveled to high risk areas
If more than four riders show up for a ride, split up into groups of four or less
The importance of conversations
Engage in conversation with those who show up for a group ride about relative comfort with risk of contagion
Respect that members may have different levels of comfort with masks, distance, etc.
Group should default to comfort level of most risk averse member on the ride
Ride solo if a group ride that follows guidelines is not attainable or if you believe risk is too high
Check that other group ride participants are adhering to these guidelines
Politely inform others who wish to join group ride about club policy
Decline participation to those who don’t follow guidelines
On Wearing Masks and Social Distancing
Riders should avoid being in each other’s slipstream. This can be accomplished by riding two abreast, wearing a mask, and riding 20 feet (4 bike lengths) behind others. The club recognizes that groups also have to factor in terrain, road safety, workout intensity, and group speed. You are encouraged to reduce risk as much as possible, but groups have to work out how to apply the guidelines amongst themselves.
Guidelines
Self-conduct a temperature check before participating
Wear a cloth mask to prevent droplet spread.
This is not intended to filter the air, just contain droplets.
Distance: ride side by side or more than 20 feet behind.
The farther away the better, but with a mask and low risk riding partners, distances of 20 feet (4 bike lengths) are likely safe.
Reduce droplets: if you have to sneeze, cough, blow your nose, etc. drop back and ensure that no one is in your slip stream.
No contact: no passing of water bottles, food, etc.
Clean your hands before eating, touching your face, etc.
Hand sanitizer is very effective and easily transported.
Come prepared to be self-sufficient with food and drink, as well as tools and clothing so as not to have to share.
Limit stops to resupply. When stopping respect social distancing, wear a face covering and wash your hands.
Recommendations adapted from USA Cycling's COVID-19 resources