After the Italian government banned cycling outdoors last week, not even for recreational purposes, all cycling has been prohibited in Spain as well.
Professional cyclists living in Girona heading out for training rides were told to return home. Cyclists in other parts of Spain were being advised they will not be allowed to ride during the state of alarm.
If the journey is not for food or medical supplies, riders could face a €3,000 penalty, according to several sources.
About 100 international men and women pros live in Spain, especially around the Girona area, in Catalunya. Several teams also have their service course in the area as well.
El Pais reports that fines begin at €100, but with the possibility of one year in prison should people disobey police and authority figures while they carry out their duties.
The current lockdown in Spain was scheduled to last for 15 days, beginning on 14th March. However, depending on the severity of the outbreak across the country, restrictions could be in place for a greater length of time.
Spanish health authorities are urging cyclists to stay at home not only because of the threat of infection, but rather the risk of putting additional stresses in case of an accident on an already over-burdened healthcare system.
“Stay at home and put the bike aside,” said Carlos Mascias, medical director of a private hospital in Madrid. “Whatever possibility to minimize the impact on the resources of medical services that is not directed toward coronavirus is primordial.
“If any cyclist suffers an incident and needs an ambulance or a bed in intensive care, we are taking it away from people who truly need it, who are now arriving en masse to hospitals,” he continued. “If something happens to you now, maybe you have a chance [to be treated], but you will be taking it away from someone else … but in 48 hours, if something happens to you, the one who is left without [ICU] might be you, those who are now riding your bikes.”
Yes go to work on a bus and pay your fare like everyone else does.
Wow. I’m riding sole. My bike clubs, primarily Elmhurst Bike Club has cancelled all supported rides. The unofficial rides have been only 1 so far after last Sunday. Hope the USA doesn’t ban me to my home since I’m without an indoor trainer and I believe spin classes are dead as well. Shxx!
I have a friend in Milan. He texted me last night that he knows nothing of this. The Italian government has not issued any ban.
This is Bull Shit. If I’m not at work I’m riding my bike. I’m alone… Fuck off. Granted I am an American so I am free and I can do whatever the Fuck I want; as long as it’s not hurting or damaging someone else property.
Co za bzdury! Zakazać też chodzenia, bo ryzyko zranienia tez duże. Zakazać jeżdżenia samochodem bo potencjalne ryzyko zranienia siebie lub kogoś jeszcze większe niż na rowerze.
Paranoja.
Banning cycling? That ist the healthiest way of transport. How about forbidding cars? There are far more accidents caused by cars than by bicycles.
Mon dieu!
So, every cyclist, so far alone in open air, will now travel by public transportation, packed crowded in a closed vehicle. So logical.
Completely bonkers logic from Spanish & Italian health officials.
Deaths/injuries from driving present an enormous drain on health resources, but they’re banning cycling, not driving…
That makes no sense. Are they banning cars as well? They have accidents and injuries even more often.