Update on Covid-19, May 1, 2020
As it currently stands, all Saskatchewan Cycling group sanctioned activities remain in a suspended state. If your club is organizing individual rides these can have sanctioning. Sask Cycling urges everyone to take precautions on these rides and stay safe! Your health and wellbeing is important to us.
Last week, the Government of Saskatchewan detailed their plan to “Re-Open Saskatchewan” in a slow, cautious manner. They detailed their 5 Phase Plan of how this will roll out. Please see photo below detailing the Phases.
How will this affect Saskatchewan Events?
Re-opening Indoor and Outdoor Recreation is detailed in Phase 4 of this Plan. What that means is that we will not be given the go-ahead to resume normal cycling activities until Phase 1 to 3 have been completed successfully. Phase 5 will be when we will be allowed to pursue activities without any additional limits on sizes of events. As soon as we are given the go ahead that it is safe to our members to resume group-based activities by the Sask Health Authorities and all Government agencies, we will let you all know immediately. However, until then, we thank you for your cooperation and patience in the Provincial attempt to flatten the curve
Sask Parks Re-Opening Mountain Bike Trails?
We can confirm that previously closed Mountain Bike Trails will re-open in Phase 1. Whether it be on a trail or off, your Health and Safety and that of others in now YOUR responsibility. Please do your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to ‘0’ transmissions by social distancing, following public health guidelines and restricting the size of group gatherings. Public Health updates and further information can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus.
If you exhibit symptoms, PLEASE stay home.
- Social Distancing guidelines must be followed and groups larger than 10 people are not permitted;
- Respect trail closures and new rules;
- Taking a break or letting someone pass move at least 2 meters off the trail;
- When encountering another trail user everyone should yield and figure out what to do next;
- If the trailhead or parking lot is full, seek out lesser used trails;
- No eventssuch as races, trail workdays, parties are allowed;
- Posting on Social Media should not include groups of people but reflect social distancing. Lead by setting an example;
- No ‘Post Ride’ group refreshments or BBQs. There will be time for that in the future;
- Always carry with you a “decon kit”that includes: mini hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, a Ziploc to carry dirty items.
Sask Parks will be designating trails as one-way trails and will be closing some narrow up-and-back trails. Make sure to follow the new appropriate signage.
How will this affect National Events?
Cycling Canada recently announced that the 2020 Canadian Road Championships, which were scheduled to take place in Quebec from June 26 to 29 and July 2 to July 5, is postponed. Last week, the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced that the new dates for nations to organize Elite Road Championships are August 22-23, and Cycling Canada has been working with the organizers, the Quebec Cycling Federation and health authorities to determine whether these dates are feasible. As per the Canadian Masters Road Championships, discussions between Cycling Canada and the Appalachian Classic organizing committee are ongoing and a specific announcement will be made in the coming days regarding the status of this event moving forward.
They also announced that the Canadian XCO Mountain Bike Championships has been postponed until further notice. More information regarding anticipated rescheduling of this event will be made public as it becomes available, in line with public health recommendations.
For an up-to-date list of Cycling Canada cancelled or postponed events on the national calendar, please consult the event list on the Cycling Canada website.