boulderjuniorcycling.org

Coronavirus Precautions and Policies

The safety of our athletes and coaches is our number one priority, and we are committed to limiting exposure to the coronavirus. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice of expert medical sources. The information here and our programs will likely change based on new information. 

OUTDOOR CYCLING ACTIVITIES: LOW RISK AND HEALTHY

  • Outdoor recreation presents a low risk of transmission
  • Cycling provides natural distancing, due to the nature of the sport
  • Youth programs provide time and opportunity for working parents
  • Cycling is a healthy outdoor exercise recommended by government guidelines
  • Outdoor recreation creates a sense of normalcy for children
  • Outdoor recreation provides many physical and mental benefits

GROUP SIZES

Group sizes will be set according to the latest recommendations from health authorities and may range from 4 to 10 riders with 1 or 2 coaches. During the 2020 we’ve been using groups of about 5. This may change as we learn more about how to adapt to the pandemic.

GROUP MAKE UP

We will strive to minimize changes in group participants. Unless there is a legitimate need to have a rider change groups, groups shall stay consistent. Riders must ride with their assigned group and are not able to tag along with another group. Riders who are late to practice and miss their assigned group will not be permitted to ride with another group.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Athletes and coaches should make their best effort to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet between one another and other trail users. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (MASKS)

Athletes and coaches should wear masks according to the current local regulation. As of May 15, 2020 Boulder County regulations require “masks to be worn when 6 feet distancing can’t be maintained.”

SCREENING

Coaches and athletes must have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days, and the same for anyone that they live with. If a person has had a case of documented COVID-19 infection they will need a note from their doctor indicating they are cleared to participate.

3 Main Health Screening Questions:

  1. Are you feeling sick, such as a sore throat, fever, muscle aches or shortness of breath?
  2. Have you been exposed to anyone sick?
  3. Have you or a member of your household travelled to a hotspot?

If answering yes to any of the above questions, more thorough questioning will be done, and the individual may not be able to attend practice.

AVOID CONTACT

Athletes and coaches should not touch each other and should not share any objects of any kind. If touching of equipment is necessary, for example in an equipment malfunction, individuals should use hand sanitizer before and after.

GREETINGS

Shaking hands, hugging, and high-5’s are forbidden.

MINIMIZING RISK OF INJURY

Steps will be taken by coaching staff to minimize the risk of injury. Injuries may potentially require physical contact between coach and athlete and also clinic/hospital visits, and should be avoided to the best extent possible.

FIRST AID

If needed, first aid will be administered following the current Covid-19 guidelines of the Red Cross. For minor injuries, such as scrapes and small cuts, the athlete may be directed to clean/treat the wound with guidance from a coach, following social distancing protocols.

PICK UP & DROP OFF

Parents and guardians picking up and dropping off athletes will be asked to wear masks and keep at least 6 feet distancing from others. Please consider staying in your car. Avoid the temptation to get out and greet others. Staggered pick up and drop off times will be used to avoid large gatherings. Being on time is essential.

RIDING LOCATIONS

We’ll strive to use locations that are less crowded. We may use lightly travelled roads if appropriate. We may use private land, if available, to minimize crowding at public trails.

TRAILHEAD PROTOCOL

Steps will be taken to avoid crowding at busy trailheads and meeting locations. Time spent at trailheads will be minimized, and pickups and drops will be as brief as possible. When appropriate, groups may choose to not meet at trailheads, and instead meet in a different location and ride to the trails from there.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

This is an especially sensitive time for interactions between trail users. It is both a responsibility and an opportunity for youth programs to promote good trail etiquette. Various types of positive behaviors will be taught and practiced, including communication, sharing space, yielding, distancing, use of masks, appropriate rest stop locations, speed control, and other types of etiquette that are unique during the pandemic.

EQUIPMENT 

It is to be stressed that bikes must be in excellent riding condition. To minimize contact coaches will be instructed to not work on a bike, unless absolutely necessary.

NO SHARING OBJECTS – SELF SUFFICIENCY

Participants must be self sufficient and provide everything they need for the day. The coaches will not supply anything to the athletes, and sharing or borrowing shall be avoided. This includes water, snacks, clothing, sunscreen, tools, spare parts, etc. See the required gear list for details on what to bring on each outing.

INFECTION RESPONSE

If athletes or coaches test positive for Covid-19, their contacts will be traced and an appropriate response will be formulated. This may include quarantining individuals, pausing the program, or similar.

TRACKING

We will maintain a log to enable contact tracing if it becomes necessary.