royphotog

I know that the subject of mask-wearing has been beaten to death and I am sorry to bring it up again but I have not seen anything about mask-wearing and bike riding. As I ride in the mornings on my local walking/biking trail I see a few people biking wearing a mask. I pass a few people each day, many 10 or 20 a well spaced out intervals. I do not wear a mask on the bike, my thought is that I am outside and pass by people quickly. I do not ride with anyone else except my wife and most of the people I see riding are riding by themselves. Your thoughts?

fietsbob

I'm in town .. Id like to see my 73rd birthday , I am OK with KN95 masks..

spookygeek

I don’t but I’m also usually on my own. If I was in a group I’d consider it.

BobbyG

In the winter below 32 I usually wear a belaclava with my face exposed, then around 20 I cover my mouth, and below 15 or so I cover my nose.

A couple of years ago I started riding with a neck gaiter, (or neck shadeor neck buff) as I stopped riding in collared shirts which I would turn up against the sun.

So when the pandemic hit I already had something I could pull up over my mouth and nose, and I was comfortable doing so because of the winter riding.

Plus, when I see other people on the paths or pedestrians at a light I need to stop at, or when I go into a store, I now already have a face covering I can pull up.

Can I ride with it up in the heat?

Watch me...

(btw the fabric is doubled up over my mouth and nose).

genejockey

Our mask guidelines specifically exempt activities like hiking, running and cycling, PROVIDED you maintain > 6' distance, so I since I ride alone, I don't wear a mask and I always give other riders a wide berth.

Walking the dog around the neighborhood, yeah, I wear a mask.

indyfabz

Sometimes.

mstateglfr 

No.

My state is about the least regulated in the country for mask policies so there for sure isn't any pressure to wear them when outside since it isnt even mandatory in schools.

There is 0 reason to wear a mask based on where I ride. Gravel roads, rural over roads, and singletrack just aren't hotbeds for the 'rona.

I have one on me though for if I have to go into a gas station/convenience store.

Troul 

it's a lot of effort to remember for bringing it along, & then to figure it all out.. Mask debaters may think otherwise.

Flip Flop Rider

I don't, but sometimes I hold my breath when passing someone walking or using a blower (the worst)

wolfchild

No, I don't wear a mask when riding my bike.

GAtkins

No.

BHG6

Nope. I ride alone and don’t see any benefit to wearing a mask outdoors - especially while on my own.

I even picked up one of the stupid Under Armour masks that’s supposedly made for wearing while exercising but, it’s like wearing a diaper on your face...

BoraxKid

The guidance in my region is that masks are not necessary while outside for exercise, with the assumption that you are not in close proximity to other people while running, jogging, or cycling. Based on that guidance and what I've read about SARS-CoV-2 transmission, I do not wear a mask while cycling. I do carry a mask with me, in case I need to go inside a store while I'm out.

I've heard about a few kerfuffles on the local hiking trails; people get testy where it becomes impossible to pass other parties at a safe distance while un-masked. I think those are isolated incidents though, not a trend.

bblair

Not while riding but in the parking lot when we gather and I bring one with me for when (and if) we stop at a convenience store. Everyone in my group does the same.

257 roberts

No

Melvang

I will depending on flying insects populations when riding at night.

badger1

This.

Pop N Wood

Nope and I'm running out of patience with people who think they are needed

by the way, there is a whole section on this forum dedicated to Covid. Plenty of threads on bikes and masks there.

https://www.bikeforums.net/coronavirus-covid-19/

aclinjury

I pull a mask over when approaching crowds. Don't want to be potential droplets of runners and cyclists who think they are exceptional.

SurferRosa

**** no.

veganbikes

So I do wear a mask when riding in areas with a bunch of people typically I try and avoid those areas these days and try and find places and times that don't have many cyclists. Every time I go for a ride I will usually have my bandana around my neck and if I start to see people in the distance I put it back up as soon as possible. I will also take a non bandana face mask in a baggie if I plan on going in somewhere (say shopping for groceries) but I generally don't go in places these days very often.

The idea of not wearing a mask when around others is beyond comprehension 5-6 months into this global pandemic.

royphotog

I am like the majority, I wear one when I am around others, stores, busy streets, etc but doesn't make sense when riding by myself or with the wife when we stop for a traffic lite, we stay away from others.

downtube42

No when I'm solo on the road.
Yes on the MUP.
Yes when I'm riding with someone.

rgram

I don't wear one while riding.

gear64

Agree that it would have been better in covid specific section, but why the tone? I think it's been shown there's a definite benefit, and while wearing one to protect yourself is better than nothing, it's really about protecting others. Are you just speaking in the context of biking or period? There's no doubt covid is a freaky unpredictable beast. Some folks go asymptomatic and in other cases ultra fit people end up with long term chronic health issues. While the majority of deaths are the old and frail, there's certainly notable exceptions. I'm a relative loner, and know of some first hand accounts and several second hand accounts (like relatives of co-workers). I always wear one in indoor spaces aside from my home. In my home if visitors. Outdoor it depends on the circumstances. I haven't worn one to ride yet (I'm a loner), but I have had two marginal scenarios. One very early in the pandemic someone sneezed/coughed in my direction as I was passing by. More recently some guy pulled up into my space at stop light, at a distance I would deem uncomfortable not in a pandemic to chat me up. I promptly moved over, then headed in another direction. In general I get sick from anything at a rate of less than once per year. I've gone years at a stretch not taking a sick day from work. I have family that are not as fortunate. Still, I know of a couple horror stories with fit healthy people. I'm frustrated that regardless of how serious someone believes it is or not, that they can't give a concerned person the benefit of doubt in trying to protect themselves. Can't we have some empathy and compassion? In many cases it's 20 min or less to run into the hardware store, grocery store whatever. How is that putting a great burden on anyone to mask up for that time? Who knows what things will be like in a another year or so, but it's too early to throw in towel now.