This article will be kept updated with any changes from the UK government
As of 8 March 2021, England begins its release from coronavirus lockdown, but there’s still a long way to go until things are back to normal…
What are the national lockdown rules in England?
For up-to-date advice explaining England’s current rules, click here. Based on the government’s Spring 2021 Covid-19 response, recreation or exercise with your own household, or with one other person will be allowed outdoors.
However, the Stay at Home restriction will continue.
From 29 March, up to six people or two households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens, but still socially distanced, but the government states that we should all ‘minimise travel’ and that there are to be no holidays.
Further lifting of restrictions is expected no sooner than 12 April, and we expect more clarity on the above on 8 March when the current rules are fully updated
Can I ride my motorcycle for leisure during the new Coronavirus lockdown?
If you’re volunteering to help others or for charitable purposes, you can use your motorcycle as you would any other form of transport. It’s a socially-distanced way to travel, and also remains a very good method of transport for those who still need to get to work.
Before 8 March, the rules were very clear: “It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting). This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.”
The rules also stated that “You must not leave your home unless you have a reasonable excuse (for example, for work or education purposes). If you need to travel you should stay local – meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live – and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall.”
However this clarity did take some time to appear, so once the new rules have addressed the issue of whether the opening up of recreation also includes travelling further afield, we’ll update this article.
Can I still get an MoT during lockdown?
The England government’s latest paper says that “Businesses providing repair services may stay open, where they primarily offer repair services…” and that “petrol stations, automatic (but not manual) car washes, vehicle repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses” can also continue to operate.
Can I take a driving or riding test or lesson during lockdown?
Currently all driving and riding tests have been suspended. Affected candidates or the school that booked the test will be emailed to reschedule.
All driving and riding lessons – including CBTs – will also not be allowed to take place until the restrictions have been lifted. This includes ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) part 2 and 3 tests, and standard checks.
“In its roadmap the Government set out that driving tests and theory tests in England will restart (as part of step 2) no earlier than 12 April 2021,” a representative of the DVSA told us.
“DVSA is working closely with the government and will provide more information as soon as we are able to do so on motorcycle, vocational and other tests, lessons and training.The DVSA told us that “DVSA is working closely with the government and will provide more information as soon as we are able to do so on other tests, lessons and training.”
Will there be an extension to CBTs if they expire during lockdown?
Despite the fact that many key workers will be commuting on scooters with a CBT, there was no extension on the validity of CBT certificates. Affected riders are being forced to use public transport, and should contact their local riding school to discuss a future appointment as spaces will get taken quickly.
What are the penalties for breaking the Coronavirus rules?
Fixed penalty notices of £200 can be issued for first offences, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.
What are the new Covid-19 rules in Scotland?
From midnight on 4 Jan, Scots will be ordered to stay at home, with meetings of up to just one person outside. The rules are broadly similar to those applied to England, though there’s no limit to the number of times you can exercise outside, and while construction and manufacturing remain open in both countries, most other services and stores will be closed. A road map is being announced shortly, but for Scotland’s full rules, click here.
What are the new Covid-19 rules in Wales
Wales has been under ‘stay at home’ restrictions since 20 December, and while schools were expected to return, this has now been cancelled. For more on the Wales Coronavirus lockdown as information is released, click here.
Tips for riding a motorcycle in the UK during Coronavirus
- Do NOT ride if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus
- You must wear a face mask (or keep your full-face helmet on) when entering the service station to pay for fuel. Steamed-up glasses is not a valid disability that exempts you from wearing a facemask
- The virus can linger on surfaces, so use the forecourt’s disposable gloves (often now a simple bag) over your bike gloves when handling the pump
- Pay with contactless; most shops and garages now accept up to £45 for contactless payments, which is typically more than enough to pay for a tank of fuel
- If you need to spend more, consider setting up Google Pay or Apple Pay on your phone – once unlocked, you can usually spend more this way than with a contactless card
- Carry a facemask and hand-sanitiser at all times, in case you visit a shop or café
- Keep two metres from others when off the bike
What can we all do to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus?
While confusion seems to creep in for many, the rules are simple common sense in order to limit the potential for deaths due to Coronavirus:
- Wear a face covering in shops, on public transport (why would you be on there when you have a bike or scooter?!) and anywhere else you’ll be near others (besides home and school)
- Wash / sanitise your hands
- Keep your distance from others
Have YOU been affected by the Coronavirus restrictions? Let us know by emailing enquiries@bikesocial.co.uk
