Covid-19 By Bike

Leaving my desert paradise for the season I arrived back in Bloomfield, Prince Edward County, Ontario late Tuesday evening after an uneventful 2168mile/3489kms drive. Crossing the US/Canada border, I was advised that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was under a 14 day self-isolation order for Canadians returning from abroad.

Cooped up in my van for three long days, I was desperate to turn the pedals for an hour or so. I re-read the notice I was handed at the border, considered it seriously for a few minutes, pumped up my tires and rolled out Wednesday morning for a leisurely 90minute spin.

It was lovely, just what I needed. The weather was typical for the time of year; cool, damp, grey, cloudy, lifeless. The roads were all but empty, nobody even out walking the dog. I encountered no-one.

During a video-call with my family in Ottawa that evening, my sister-in-law asked if the notice made any mention of being outdoors/exercising while under the self-isolation order. All it says is “self-isolate(stay home and keep your distance from others).”

The next morning I gave Ryanna’s question more thought. I also considered the conversation I’d had with a local cyclist about the wisdom of club group rides, even cycling in pairs. Another friend shared an online notice from the Ontario Cycling Association. They are advising clubs that “all in-person club rides/activities should be cancelled.”

I want to ride my bike. I need to. However, I also want to do the right thing, I need to. We all do.

In search of an answer, I messaged several friends for their input. This is what I asked:

“Hi. I am sending this message to you, and several others, because I believe you to be an intelligent, analytical, rational, reasonable and socially aware person. I am looking for a consensus of opinions regarding my going for bike rides while under the 14day self-isolation order for Canadians returning from abroad.

Today is day 2. I am currently living at the Bloomfield Bicycle Co, the bike shop in Prince Edward County where I work. The shop is empty, the owners not returning until April 15th. That means I have a place where I can safely isolate myself. I am sleeping in my van. Bloomfield is a ghost-town, more-so than the one I left in West Texas. Many homes here are empty since they are either vacation rentals or summer homes. With the exception of the post office, all the businesses in this tiny town are tourist driven, which means they too are closed. Very few families live in Bloomfield, kids certainly aren’t out playing on the street. In fact, the streets are virtually empty. It is a shell of a town.

The County is a rural, agricultural island with a small local population. Tourism is a huge driver. Not only has the tourist season not yet begun, but everything has been shuttered because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The County roads are nearly empty.

My question to you is, considering all of the above, is it okay for me to go for a solo road bike ride?

I believe it is. I am not riding MTB trails or the multi-use “Millennium Trail” where I might bump into other trail users. I am on the road, by myself, moving quickly, interacting with no-one. I am a bubble.

Cycling is also a great way to stay healthy, thus improving the chances that my immune system can fight off any possible infection. The only way I can see myself coming close to people when riding were if I have an accident and require 911 help.

I also understand that optics are important. I don’t want to give the impression that someone who should be under self-isolation is riding all over The County, potentially spreading infection.

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If I were in the city I wouldn’t even entertain this idea, nor if I were a runner or a golfer. But I feel this situation is different. I rode yesterday and it was wonderful. Last night my sister-in-law asked me if it was okay for me to ride. That got me to thinking..hence this message. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks, and love to all.“

I received several replies. From a health/infection perspective, everyone agreed that the risk was minimal to non-existent. However, there are more things to consider. Dr Dave’s replies in particular were cause for pause:

“You are asking if it’s okay for you to break a quarantine if you have decided that your actions pose minimal or no risk to others. Would you be comfortable with everyone under quarantine being allowed to break it as long as they decided it was safe to do so?” Further, “I also think it would be okay for you to ride in terms of the specific risk of transmitting disease. My concern would be that from a societal perspective, once the line of strict isolation is crossed a slippery slope follows.”

This Covid19 shit is real. My friend’s mother died of it a few days ago and now, because of the various restrictions on travel and contact, is having to plan a virtual funeral. All of us are going to lose people we love and care about. All of us.

I still feel that, health-wise, it would be okay for me to ride my bike. But optics matter. Setting a good example, being a leader in difficult times, matters. Showing my young nephews that I take this seriously is important. Solidarity with friends who are locked-up in a city apartment, matters.

My bikes have been put away and I am doing other things to stay sane during my 14 day isolation order.

I am encouraging all my friends to stay at home, to limit social interaction. Keep riding the bike but for damn sure don’t be going out for group rides!

We need to be serious about this pandemic. We don’t have a choice. But we can chose to be responsible, supportive and caring people. Oh yeah, don’t take yourself so damn seriously!

Love, health and happiness to all.