The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the ways in which we exercise and travel. Whereas there was never before a real need to overthink your next cycling outing, the emergence of the coronavirus has forced avid cyclists to prepare extensively prior to taking to the road. Although lockdown regulations have been eased in most parts of the USA, the highly-contagious virus continues to pose an immense threat. For this reason, very strict health and safety precautions need to be adhered to by all cyclists for the foreseeable future.
Stay on top of your personal hygiene
Although the coronavirus is not spread through perspiration, items touched by an infected person could post a risk according to scientists at Johns Hopkins University. Upon your return home from your ride, be sure to wash your cycling apparel, bicycles, and other cycling accessories thoroughly. Also, remember to wash your hair when you have a shower and disinfect the soles of your shoes before entering your home. While these precautions may seem somewhat over the top it is always better to be over-cautious than reckless. The National Institute of Health (NIH) does, after all, also warn that the Covid-19 virus can live for more than 3 days on certain materials including fabric, plastic, and metal.
Keep your premises clean
It is not only your personal hygiene that should be a priority when cycling amidst the pandemic. If you make use of short-term bike rentals, it is imperative to ensure that you only make use of a trusted rental agency. Disinfection is crucial in slowing down the spread of the virus and it is well within your rights to enquire whether a business has all the necessary precautionary measures in place. Apart from regular disinfection, general cleaning should continue on a daily basis to improve the overall cleanliness of the premises. Even if you are happy with the effort being made to keep the premises virus-free, be sure to carry disinfectant wipes with you to wipe down bike parts including the handlebars, seat, brakes, and other areas of the bike you may come into contact with. Remember to wash your hands right after your ride and follow the standard protocol upon returning home.
Be kind to your immune system
If you want to keep safe and healthy while cycling it is important to ensure that your immune system is as robust as possible. While the physical exercise associated with cycling is undoubtedly good for you, it is important to note that your immune system may not be functioning at its best after a hard ride. During this time, when your body’s defenses are not operating at their best, you may be increasingly at risk to contract an illness. While it is necessary to remain physically active, it is not worth risking your health by over-exerting yourself and falling ill. Instead, opt for shorter, less-intense rides and make sure you fuel your body with plenty of immune-boosting nutrients.
Although it has been months since the first Covid-19 case was reported in the USA, there is no indication of how long the pandemic will continue. For now, the best any avid cyclist can do is adhere to all the necessary safety precautions while continuing to engage in their sport of choice.
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