Yahoo News Motorists told to 'keep 2 metres away from cyclists where possible' in coronavirus transport guidelines
Motorists have been told to keep a minimum distance of 2 metres from cyclists “where possible” on roads, under England’s new coronavirus lockdown guidance.
Commuters took to roads and public transport networks this week after Boris Johnson advised those who need to return to working away from home to do so, in a public address on Sunday night.
Passengers are being asked to drive, cycle or walk to their destinations instead of using public transport in the the amended coronavirus lockdown rules - but numbers have already started to rise.
But on the official gov.uk website, the Department of Transport (DoT) has published “safer travel” guidelines, urging travellers on Britain’s roads to stick to social distancing.
The advice reads: “Allow other road users to maintain social distance, where possible.
“For example, give cyclists space at traffic lights. Public Health England recommends keeping a 2 metre distance from others, where possible.”
Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice
Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world
Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area
6 charts and maps that explain how coronavirus is spreading
The new advice also reminds car users to limit time spent “at garages, petrol stations and motorway services” and to “wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands when arriving and leaving”.
It continued: “Be aware of the surfaces you or others touch. If people from different households use a vehicle (for example through a car share scheme), you should clean it between journeys using gloves and standard cleaning products. Make sure you clean door handles, steering wheel and other areas that people may touch.”
“Where people from different households need to use a vehicle at the same time, good ventilation (keeping the car windows open) and facing away from each other may help to reduce the risk of transmission.
“Where possible, consider seating arrangements to optimise distance between people in the vehicle.”
The site, which recommends people to “avoid public transport where possible”, also advises cyclists to maintain social distancing when on the road.
“Where possible, try to maintain social distancing when you cycle, for example when waiting at crossings and traffic lights,” it advises.
Guidance also remind cyclists that “where using bikes (private, docked or dockless), wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands before and after cycling.”
