How Safe are Running and Cycling Amid COVID-19 Measures? And My Thoughts on the Pandemic.

As the tensions around the spread of COVID-19 increase, people are taking greater precautions by staying at home. Gyms and parks closed, which makes it hard for people to exercise. At times like this, people must stay physically active. Daily exercise can help improve one's mental and physical health, as well as keep their immune system strong. Due to these reasons, many are choosing to jog or cycle outside to keep active, but this too has been starting to raise some concerns.

A recent study by Dutch and Belgian engineers suggests that people should keep a minimum of 10m distance between a runner or cyclists. This is because the droplets from coughing or sneezing travel faster in the wind tunnels when someone is travelling at a faster speed than usual. When asked if the droplets in the study can cause infection, Dr. John Presvelos, a physician with the sports medicine clinic Athlete's Care said, "I personally don't think so." (cbc.ca) Although nothing has been scientifically proven, many doctors say that it is best to consider a larger distance of at least 10m with the people around you when exercising outside. Emmanuel Stamatakis, a professor of physical activity, lifestyle and population health at the University of Sydney, brought attention to the fact that many people in large cities are unable to keep a 10m distance when exercising around their neighbourhoods. Stamatakis says that the idea of spreading the virus by exercising outside should not be advised to the public. It could cause some people to stop exercising and it might "generate conflict and friction between people who think others are not heeding the advice to stay safe." (cbc.ca) It is best to stay as safe as possible by trying to keep a safe distance from other people, but at this time, it is too soon to make any lifestyle-changing decisions based on the information available to us.


This pandemic has not been easy for anyone. This situation still does not feel real to me; I feel like I am stuck in some sci-fi movie. When this all started I never thought it could have such a drastic effect on my life. Although I am thankful for my health and the safety of my family, as I know thousands of people all around the world have suffered greatly from this virus. I am also grateful to healthcare workers worldwide, who have been on the front lines of this pandemic. they are risking their lives every day to help us survive. It is at times like this when we truly witness how privileged we are. They say you don't know what you have until you no longer have it, and this pandemic has truly given me the time to appreciate the things I have. I know that after this is all over, I will never take anything I have for granted because now I know that it could all be gone in a breath.

Information was taken from:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/what-on-earth-newsletter-cycling-covid-19-physical-distancing-1.5534086