Update: 13th December 2021

We’ve had a number of clubs reach out to us since the First Ministers' statement on Friday 10th December, but at this time we have not received any indication from sportscotland or the Active Scotland division in the Scottish Government that the rules for sport (outdoor or indoor) will be changing. Therefore we will not be changing our guidance at this time. We will obviously be monitoring the situation closely and will notify clubs and our community of any change to our guidance through all of the usual channels (email, web, social).

Whilst we are not changing our guidance, we would encourage all clubs to consider their activity in light of updates from the Scottish Government. Clubs should continue to conduct COVID-19 risk assessments, which includes adhering to the Test & Protect protocols, and consider mitigations which they can implement to manage their activity safely. This may include the postponement of rides/activity, however this is your clubs choice based on your activity and your membership.

We would however like to take this opportunity to remind everyone in our cycling community that they can support the national effort by taking the well communicated key steps to protect ourselves and others:

• get the vaccine or the vaccine booster 
• if you don’t have symptoms take regular lateral flow tests – especially before mixing with other people - order LFD tests
• think carefully about unnecessary contact with other people, especially in crowded places – it would be sensible to postpone work Christmas parties
• wear a face covering where required
• if you have symptoms - self isolate and book a PCR test
• wash your hands regularly, and cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing
• open windows when meeting indoors
• if you can, keep your distance from people not in your group
• work from home if possible
• use the apps: COVID status, Protect Scotland and Check-in Scotland

 

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As announced by the First Minister on Tuesday 3^rd August, Scotland is moving beyond Level 0 on Monday 9^th August. This means that the majority of restrictions will be removed.

Scottish Cycling has worked throughout the pandemic alongside our colleagues in sportscotland and the Active Scotland division of the Scottish Government to ensure that our community of Clubs, Event Organisers, Coaches, MTB/Ride Leaders, Commissaires and other volunteers have all of the information and guidance they need to make informed decisions about the activity that they are involved in.

While many restrictions have been eased, it will take time for activity to return to normal. Please recognise that those involved in the delivery of activity may still be nervous about undertaking their roles and there may remain restrictions on facility or venue access. Club activity, event formats etc may continue to look different for the remainder of 2021, and we at Scottish Cycling support all involved in the delivery of activity to only do what they are comfortable to do so.

As we move beyond Level 0, we have now provided below the key considerations to be taken going forward. This will be reviewed on a regular basis, following any updated guidance from sportscotland/Scottish Government.

• With the NHS Scotland Test & Protect system remaining in operation, all organisers of club, coaching and event activity should continue to record the attendance of those participating so that they can support contact tracers. Read our Test & Protect protocols here
• All involved in the delivery of, and participation in activity, should continue to self-isolate and book a test if they show symptoms of Covid-19. They should not attend activity if they show symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate. Note that the rules on contacts of positive cases has changed and is outlined here.
• Organisers of all types of activity should continue to consult with local communities, landowners, emergency services and local authorities when planning activity as local health protection teams will continue to monitor Covid-19 levels and may request additional mitigations are put in place.
• Good hand hygiene and surface cleaning continues to be encouraged.
• Continued promotion of good ventilation – particularly in areas where people are likely to come in close contact – indoor training sessions and sign-on at events, for example.
• Continue to take precautions when undertaking First Aid – using PPE as appropriate (gloves, face covering, apron).

The Events Team will be publishing a briefing note for Event Organisers outlining key considerations for Event Organisers to bear in mind for the rest of the year, and this will be live on this page in the near future. In the interim, if you have an immediate enquiries, please email the team Events@scottishcycling.org.uk

Scottish Cycling would like to extend our thanks to all involved in the planning and delivery of activity over the last 18 months – particularly our network of Covid-19 Coordinators working across Clubs and Events – who have remained abreast of ever-changing guidance, ensured that their members are well-informed and that activity is run within the guidance set out.

Staff at Scottish Cycling continue to work remotely but are here to support you as we move beyond Level 0. To ensure your enquiry reaches the most appropriate team, you can find contact details below:

Clubs: clubdevelopment@scottishcycling.org.uk

Coaching: coacheducation@scottishcycling.org.uk

Cycle sport events: events@scottishcycling.org.uk

MTB leaders and instructors: mtbleadership@scottishcycling.org.uk

Ride leader and recreation programmes: recreation@scottishcycling.org.uk

Insurance queries: incident@britishcycling.org.uk