After almost two months of lockdown, the Government has approved the conditions under which sports can be practiced during the national emergency declared due to COVID-19. The good news is that it is now permitted to go out cycling, both with road bikes and with mountain bikes, but it is essential to know the current restrictions and regulations.
These rules are set out in the Ministerial Order SND/380/2020, published today, May 1, in the Official State Gazette (B.O.E.). So that you can enjoy your favorite sport without breaking any rules, we have analyzed the official regulations in detail and answer the most common questions about how to go cycling during the state of emergency. Whether you prefer to ride long distances on asphalt with a road bike, or enjoy exploring trails with a mountain bike, here you will find everything you need to know to go out safely and responsibly.
Can I go cycling at any time of day?
It depends on the town where you live. In municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, you can go cycling at any time from 6 in the morning until 11 at night. In municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants, two time slots have been established for outdoor sports: from 6am to 10am and from 8pm to 11pm. You are only allowed to go out once a day. That is, you cannot go out in the morning and again in the afternoon on the same day.
What is the maximum amount of time I can spend on bike routes and rides?
There is no time limit as long as you do your ride within the established time slots. This means that if you want to go on a 4-hour ride in the morning, you cannot start at 8am and return at 12pm.
Can I meet up with a friend to go cycling?
No. Only individual sports practice is allowed and without contact with other people. In case you come across another cyclist or runner, you must maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters.
Can I take my bike in the car to the place where I want to train?
No. Travel by private vehicles or public transport for sports purposes is not allowed. The BOE is clear on this point. You must leave home by bike. If you need to take a break during your sports activity, it should be as short as possible.
Where can I go cycling?
Sporting activities are only allowed within the boundaries of the municipality. That is, you cannot take your bike to go from one town to another or do mountain bike routes that cross several municipal boundaries. As a curiosity, the largest municipality in all of Spain is the city of Cáceres.
Can I go out with my mountain bike to do a route through the countryside?
You can ride your bike in green areas or natural spaces as long as the local authorities have authorized it and without leaving the boundaries of your municipality. This means you cannot do a route that crosses into the municipality of other towns different from yours.
Can I go out with my child to do a bike route?
The regulations apply to people between 14 and 70 years old. For children under 13, the same conditions as before remain: they can go out accompanied once a day, for a maximum of 1 hour, and without going more than 1 kilometer from their place of residence. This means that if your child is under 14, you cannot do a route more than 1 kilometer from home. And if they are 14 or older, you cannot go out together; remember that the regulations state that sport must be done individually and without contact.
Is it mandatory to wear a mask while doing sports?
No. The regulations do not require the use of a mask for sports, walking, or going out for regular shopping. In any case, these rules may be restricted or expanded in the coming days. We recommend staying alert to any changes from the authorities.