Planning To Reopen - Mountain Biking and Cycling

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

As we head into the summer months and the weather continues to warm it will become increasingly enticing to break free from the confines of our homes and venture into the great outdoors! However, the unfortunately reality is that until a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 is available, life will not return to normal. We each have a collective responsibility to ensure that when we do choose to out we do so with the safety of ourselves and others around us. Remaining vigilant, following public health directives and using common sense to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth is the best way to mitigate against the potential spread of COVID-19.

The state of Massachusetts has provided guidelines to follow as we once again explore the outside world. 

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) has provided guidelines that apply to mountain biking and trail cycling at parks, forests, and outdoor recreational centers during Phase 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening.

Individuals partaking in mountain biking and trail cycling at parks, forest, and outdoor facilities should comply with assemblage guidance, wear face covering where social distancing is not possible, and adhere to any property-specific guidance. Any person over the age of 2, whether indoors or outdoors, to wear a face covering or mask when they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance between themselves and others, unless they have a medical condition preventing them from doing so. No groups larger than 10 are allowed to gather or cycle together.

When driving to a location with your bicycle in tow follow the lot user capacity and restrictions determined by land manager and the local municipality. 

• Lingering in parking areas is prohibited.
• Parking outside of designated assigned parking is discouraged (i.e., parking along a roadway instead of the parking lot) unless it facilitates social distancing in order to provide access to the open space where otherwise designated parking is not available and is legal to do so.
• Illegally parked cars will be ticketed and may be towed.
• Ridesharing/carpooling to outdoor recreational activities with out-of-household members is strongly discouraged.

While mountain biking or cycling cyclists should;

• practice social distancing at all times based upon recommendation of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the CDC. 
• Cyclists should ride only in groups from the same household, and groups should be no larger than 10 people
• Cyclists should not gather in groups or loiter at any time.
• When encountering other trail users, cyclists should maintain recommended social distancing by stopping and moving off the trail as to maintain proper distance. If unable to do so, cyclists should wear appropriate face covering. 
• Cyclists should be prepared with a face covering or mask where social distancing cannot be achieved. 
• Cyclists must consider the likelihood of being attended to by an emergency or essential worker due to injury or an unforeseen circumstance.  
• Gatherings such as sanctioned group rides, sanctioned trail work, or races should be prohibited until such time as social distancing protocols have been lifted by the MDPH or guidelines have been placed on approved gathering size.

We will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, EPA, FDA, OSHA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Specialized Training

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!