Rule of Six

 

Following the introduction of the government’s “Rule of Six” law it is now illegal for more than 6 people from different households to meet. There is the real prospect of police involvement and of fines for contraventions.

We are already riding in groups of six, but off the bike, at elevenses, lunch and even tea, we probably give the impression of being a larger group. Complaints from the public to the police are possible, as well as reputational damage to our club.

The latest CUK advice is clear “multiple groups of six are permissible, as long as these groups do not come into contact with one another”.

The committee believes the new regulations require much more self-discipline from members to stay on the right side of the law, and to be seen to be doing so. Therefore:

·         At elevenses, lunch and tea only congregate with your own riding group. Do not go to other groups for even brief conversations.

·         Make sure that your group is visibly separate (by several metres) from other groups.

·         Be aware of how we appear to a non-cycling observer.

·         Do not arrive for elevenses too early; aim for 30 minutes before departure which should be sufficient for refreshments and any other preparations.

·         Similar separation should be practiced at lunch and tea; in fact, publicans may already insist on this as a condition of booking. If we ignore this, we will not be permitted to return.

·         Departure times should remain staggered by 20mins minimum to reduce the chance of meeting at lunch.

·         Where possible leaders should consider separate meeting places for A’s and B’s.

Responsibility for this rests with each one of us, but ride leaders are requested to remind their riders if required.

All other instructions on group riding remain the same, see here.