The latest rules on cycling in Wales as regulations change for thousands of people

In light of the Welsh Government's new lockdown restrictions, the rules on golf have now also been eased

Cyclists in Wales will be able to ride with someone from outside their own household from Monday after the Welsh Government today announced the easing of its lockdown restrictions.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced a cautious easing of lockdown measures during his lunchtime briefing, with exercise restrictions also on the agenda.

People in Wales will be allowed to meet with others from outside their own household, while observing social distancing, exercising strict hygiene practices and not gathering in groups, when the new measures come into action from the start of next week.

And that goes for cycling, too.

The rules until now have stipulated that cyclists in Wales could ride only with members from within their own household, with travelling before exercising not permitted.

Now, however, the Welsh Government has said cyclists can ride with people from one other household and has once again told the public to use common sense with regards to the distance they cycle, based on ability and experience.

"We recognise there are certain forms of exercise which, though you start locally, may temporarily take you further afield," a Welsh Government statement read.

"For example, a strong cyclist may get their exercise through bike rides of 40 miles or more. Exercise as a form of 'active' travel in this way (a long cycle ride, run or walk) is now allowed, as long as the exercise starts and finishes from home.

"That said, it is important not to risk spreading the virus by breaking that exercise and stopping or congregating with others outside your local area. Crowded places should be avoided, and social distancing should be maintained.

"The rules on gathering with others also mean that while you can now exercise with people from one other household, group activities are still not allowed."

There has never been a true restriction on the distance one can cycle, with the guidelines suggesting cyclists choose only routes they know well.

That appears to still be the case, although staying local on one's bike is still encouraged.

In a statement, Welsh Cycling said: "In regards to the recent announcement from the First Minister of Wales regarding the strategy of bringing Wales out of lockdown; Welsh Cycling understands that the five miles distance on meeting people from another household does not change the current regulations or guidelines on exercising.

"The messaging that we have been promoting and sharing with our clubs remains the same that is to stay local, ride responsibly and know your ability.

"When there is any more information around what today’s announcement means for exercising we will update our members and followers accordingly.

"But we do recognise that the announcement today showed some signals that Government is preparing the country for further easing and our message is that we are starting to ask people to prepare to choose cycling.

"On Monday we will be launching a campaign called across our website and social media channels called Choose Cycling, so stay tuned for further information."

Welsh Cycling also advise cyclists to be self-sufficient by carrying equipment they may need - such as inner tubes, chain tools and working tyre pumps - to minimise the need for external assistance.

Interest in the sport in Wales appears to have gone through the roof since the lockdown restrictions came into being a few months ago.

With exercise activities limited, many have taken to the roads, lanes and countryside on two wheels and, as such, the industry as a whole has enjoyed a welcome boost.

"In terms of uptake, it's been rampant," said Stuart Davies of Ride Bikes Wales. "Pretty much from about week three of lockdown, people started getting their bikes back out in a big way.

"People, because they haven't been able to have holidays, have just wanted to buy a toy, so they've bought bikes for something to do, having seen other people in their towns and villages.

"Some people are saying they've not ridden a bike since they were a kid, probably since they learned to drive."

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Many industries and businesses have been hit hard financially over the last few months, with a number of shops having to be temporarily shut owing to the Welsh population being largely confined to their homes.

But Mr Davies' Talbot Green bike shop has been open for click and collect and he explains just how much the uptake in cycling in this country has affected sales.

"Mountain bike sales are up nearly 300 percent across the board," he added. "A lot of the bikes people are buying are not high end, more like entry-level bikes, which is great.

"Electric bikes have gone massive, too, a couple of hundred percent increase.

"Then some of the other categories are a bit stagnant, racing bikes, road bikes, we sell those generally between £1,500 and £8,000 and no one is really going for those high-ticket purchases because sports events have been cancelled, triathlons etc.

"But it's just people and families are getting back out again which is great, a lot of people are telling me they are just sick of walking!

"looking at our sales figures, we are up about 12 percent on last year. We were going on an upward curve anyway, but we are now selling low-end bikes to far more people

"It's good to see so many people out though and let's hope it continues."