Updated December 7, 2020
To Cycling BC members & affiliated clubs,
The BC Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has issued further updates to the most recent province-wide restrictions announced on November 19, 2020. Dr. Bonnie Henry’s new Provincial Health Order applying to all of British Columbia proclaims that all adult team sports taking place indoors and outdoors shall be suspended. “Adult team sport” means an organized and structured activity involving a number of participants.
Cycling BC had previously recommended that any clubs still organizing group rides put their activities on hold. However, in accordance with this latest update, we are declaring that sanctioned club group rides for adult members be immediately suspended until further notice.
Youth (under 19) indoor and outdoor team sports
All organized indoor and outdoor training for people under 19 years of age must follow Cycling BC’s Return to Sport Guidelines with respect to maintaining physical distance for participants (Note that the new order requires physical distancing of three metres). Youth activities are to be limited to groups of 10 (8 athletes, 2 coaches) per training group and should focus on skills development and strength training.
Spectators and Travel
The PHO order also puts restrictions on spectators and travel as it relates to sports games, competitions, and practices. No spectators are allowed at any sport activities under the order. The only people allowed to attend sport activities are those that provide care to a participant or player. For example, providing first aid. Travel to, from and between communities for athletic activities like games, competitions, training and practice is prohibited under this order.
Until the written PHO Order and public health guidance are lifted, Cycling BC and viaSport recommend that you err on the side of caution and stay close to home for now.
Exemptions for High Performance Athletes
High performance athletes already training in B.C. and identified by Cycling BC and Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific are excluded from the sport-related restrictions.
When activities resume, please continue being extra vigilant in adhering to your club’s Return to Sport safety plans. The Return to Sport Guidelines are in place for organized cycling activities and do not supersede any existing Provincial Health Orders; they are developed in accordance with them. We will provide any further updates on an as-needed basis as we learn more about the situation in relation to our sport.
Cycling BC asks that you, as ambassadors for our sport, represent cycling in the best possible light by being kind, calm, and safe. As a sport, as British Columbians, and as a global community, let’s make every effort to flatten the curve once more.
We will continue to liaise with viaSport and provide updates to members accordingly. We appreciate your ongoing patience and support.
Read the latest information on viaSport’s website and access Cycling BC’s Return to Sport Guidelines here.