In order to safely return to group cycling, a number of guidelines and policies have been implemented. All members should review this information prior to signing up for, and participating in, a sanctioned ride.
The Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) Progressive Return to Cycling Policy takes precedent over any information on this page.
All participants in club or team sanctioned activities should follow the Progressive Return to Cycling Guidelines along with the latest recommendations from the Ontario Government, Ontario Public Health, local public health units and medical experts prior to participating in any club/team activity including:
- Washing your hands frequently following the recommended guidelines of a minimum of 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face/eyes/mouth with your hands
- Following proper etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing, and washing/sanitizing your hands as soon as possible after
- Using only your own water bottle(s) to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing over 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available
- Avoiding contact with sick people, including avoiding close contact with people who are considered “high risk”
- Practicing safe physical distancing by maintaining at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and any other another individual outside your “social circle” prior, during, and after your sanctioned activity
Before your sanctioned activity:
- Ensure you’re aware and following the latest requirements and guidelines of medical experts and provincial and local Government authorities (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/)
- Make sure before and after your activity you are keeping a physical distance of at least 2 metres from other individuals, especially those outside your “social circle”
- During ALL cycling activities you participate in, ensure you are following a minimum 2-metre physical distance from the cyclist beside or in front of you
- Do not participate in any group activities (club/team) if you or any of the other group participants exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chills
- Sore Throat or difficulty swallowing
- Runny, stuffy or congested nose (unrelated to allergies or other known causes)
- Lost sense of taste or smell
- Muscle Aches
- Extreme tiredness
- Any other symptoms as identified by health experts and the Ontario Government https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-stop-spread#section-0
- Have been in contact with someone who is a confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days
- Consider not participating in group activities (club/team) if you:
- Are considered vulnerable or at higher risk (elderly individuals, immunocompromised persons, individuals suffering from health problems including, but not limited to: asthma, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)
- Ensure you have completed your ONTARIO CYCLING ASSOCIATION ACKNOWLEGEMENT, RELEASE, INDEMINITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK REGARDING COVID-19 (must be completed by member and parent/legal guardian if under 18) and submit copies to your club/team for confirmation
Preparation for your activity:
- Wash your hands with soap and water prior to going out for any cycling activity
- Ensure you bring hand sanitizer with you (recommended 60% alcohol content minimum)
- Clean ALL your equipment prior to heading out including wiping down your handlebars, glasses or protective lenses, and ensuring you have a clean water bottle
- Do not share equipment
- Make sure you have enough snacks/liquid with you to ensure you don’t have to stop along your ride or use a tap/water fountain
- Consider wearing an appropriate mask during lower intensity training/riding, making sure the mask covers both the mouth and nose
- Consider wearing gloves
- If you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, do this by covering your mouth and nose with your arm/sleeve, turning away from others, and make certain that no other individuals are nearby at the time
- Ensure you are aware of the basic bike maintenance necessities and equipped with the appropriate tools prior to attending your activity
- Confirm that your bike is in good working order prior to attending any activity
- Consider bringing a fully charged cell phone with you in case of emergencies
- Let your Emergency Contact know the route/time frame of your activity
- Ensure you are aware of and following your club/team’s approved Risk Management Plan for activities
While participating in your sanctioned activity:
- Keep a MINIMUM distance of 2 metres from other individuals at all time.
- It is strongly recommended that this distance actually be larger to limit the potential spread of the virus
- Avoid all physical contact including hugs, handshakes, high fives and fist bumps
- DO NOT SPIT!
- Avoid touching your face
- Do not share snacks/water bottles, or anything that could create unnecessary close contact
- Limit the risk of an emergency situation by ensuring you do not push yourself too hard or take any undue risks
After your sanctioned activity:
- Do not loiter in the parking lot; depart immediately
- Ensure you wash your hands or use appropriate hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands as soon as you return home
- Ensure you wash/sanitize all used clothing and disinfect all cycling equipment including, but not limited to: your helmet, sunglasses/protective lenses, handlebars, water bottle, etc.
- If at any point you start displaying signs of COVID-19, members should:
- Contact Telehealth Ontario and follow all instructions as provided
- Contact the club to notify them of any symptoms or pending/confirmed test results
OCA Insurance Information:
- Insurance is provided for members at all OCA Sanction Events/Competitions
- Insurance will not cover members involved in non-sanctioned competitions
- Insurance does not provide 24 hr coverage of member activities
- Members are able to participate in individual training and group rides with friends/family outside of club/team activities. However, these activities are not covered by the Insurance Program