The following apply throughout Germany from Monday, 2 November 2020 tightened corona rules again. This has the Federal Government announced today in a government statement. Unlike the the first lockdown in spring, the exit restrictions are but not quite as strict. In addition, the measures were decided jointly by the federal government and the heads of the federal states and apply uniformly throughout Germany. This was different during the first lockdown in spring, when different rules applied in many federal states, for example regarding sports or cycling outdoors. We explain what cyclists - and mountain bikers in particular - need to bear in mind during the second coronavirus lockdown in November:
Individual sport
Firstly, the good news: cycling as an individual sport remains permitted! However, only alone, in pairs or with people from your own household. This means that you can still ride your mountain bike around the house in the forest or use public pump tracks - even with your best mate. Only club rides in a group or junior training are not.
Bike shops
Wholesale and retail stores remain open under strict hygiene conditions. The rule of thumb is: one customer per 10 square metres of sales area. However, most bike shops and larger, nationwide bike shops should be prepared for this by now. However, you can still expect longer than usual waiting times for service at this time of year. The supply of spare parts in particular is causing problems for many dealers.
Bike parks/trail centres
Although extensive trail centres are certainly not infection hotspots, they will also have to close on 2 November. This is because the catalogue of measures states: "Closed are ... leisure parks and providers of leisure activities (indoor and outdoor)." This also includes bike parks. Some of these would have reopened in November if the weather was good. But this is likely to be the end of the 2020 bike park season for good.
Private travel
You should refrain from travelling privately, visiting relatives and going on day trips outside the region. This also includes weekend trips to the nearest low mountain range or to a friend's bike buddy. Hotels and guesthouses are only allowed to accommodate overnight guests with a professional background, no more tourists.
events
Events such as test festivals or hobby races are prohibited. Professional sporting events are only allowed to take place without spectators - like the German Championship last weekend. But the 2020 racing season is as good as over anyway.
The measures are to apply until the end of November. An interim assessment will be made in mid-November and it is possible that certain measures will be relaxed or even tightened. Compliance with the stricter coronavirus rules is to be monitored more closely across the board.
