Dear Participant,
During this unprecedented time, we are all looking for ways to connect and return to recreation and
competition. The health and safety of our participants and neighbours is the foundation of our plan for
this summer’s Cycling for Seafarers. We are taking our cues from Dr. Bonnie Henry as we resume cycling
with trusted friends. At the heart of this plan is adherence to self-assessment, hand hygiene, physical distancing, group size and a solid plan to respond to any outbreak of COVID-19. Enjoy the ride.
Phase 2 (mid-May onwards) of the BC Government’s Restart Plan allows for a limited return to
recreation and sport activities, including those sanctioned by Provincial Sport Organizations. viaSport,
Cycling BC’s organizational link to government, has been clear that the primary focus in Phase 2 will be
geared towards community participation and training rather than competition. Using viaSPort's general
sport sector guidelines reviewed by the Provincial Health Office and Worksafe BC, the Cycling BC Return
to Sport plan addresses a return to play with limited group sizes, physical distancing, minor
modifications to activities as needed, reduced touch points, and a focus on skill development.
OVERVIEW BC'S RESTART PLAN
This document has been prepared by Cycling BC with input from our board, clubs, Cycling Canada, and
viaSport. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to our members for a safe return to
activities with strategies for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and helping us all get back to what we
love to do, riding bikes! During this pandemic, public health measures are constantly being re-evaluated
and thus the information contained in this plan may be updated, revised, or withdrawn in light of any
new information released by government health authorities. The Mission to Seafarers’ Cycling for
Seafarers Fundraising program fully embraces these guidelines.
Risk Mitigation:
The Mission to Seafarer’s liability insurance does not cover claims relating to communicable diseases or
pandemics and Directors and Officers insurance now includes specific pandemic exclusions. As in all
areas of life right now, participation in organized activities carries with it some personal risk. All
participants in the Cycling for Seafarers fundraiser will be required to follow the guidelines set out by
the by the Provincial Health Officer. We expect that participants will stay home if they are ill.
Cycling BC will continue to take our cues from the Provincial Health Authority and the provincial
government. The ongoing implementation of the Return to Sport Plan will be monitored and updated as
necessary when circumstances or provincial guidance change. B.C. health officials outline that the risk of
transmission is subject to two variables that we need to modify to reduce transmission risk:
Modifying from high to low can be based on a range of controls. Different actions have differing levels of
protection and whenever possible we should use the action that offers the most protection. The
following are listed from highest level of protection to lowest.
Cycling is a multi-disciplinary sport that most participants participate freely outdoors without the need
for a specialized venue. The provincial health authority has stated that outdoor activities are lower risk
as compared to indoor activities and low contact sports are also a lower risk than contact sports. All
cyclists and guardians are expected to adhere to the Provincial Health Officer’s (PHO) orders and
guidelines with respect to COVID-19.
For more information visit, http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Have a safe cycling summer!