Following curfews in Italy, France and Spain, strict rules have also been in place in some German cities such as Freiburg and Mitterteich in the district of Tirschenreuth since the end of the week. Lockdown restrictions have also been implemented throughout Bavaria. Other federal states such as Saarland and North Rhine-Westphalia are likely to follow Bavaria's example. The exit restrictions are monitored by the police and public order offices. Whoever is in Bavaria who violate the regulations must expect fines of up to 25,000 euros. However, cyclists need not fear this. Mountain biking and road cycling are still permitted as long as you ride alone or with people from the same flat-sharing community! More on the regulations for cyclists in Bavaria
Austria
In the Neighbouring country Austria the situation is similar, albeit somewhat stricter. Mountain biking off tarmac roads, especially in the mountains, is prohibited. Individual rides lasting several hours, group rides and intensive training should also be avoided. In the Province of Tyrol there is a strict curfew. Cycling is only permitted there if it is for basic supplies. Sporty mountain biking and racing bikes are prohibited. Anyone who does not adhere to the rules in Tyrol must expect fines of up to 3600 euros More about the regulations for cyclists in Austria
France
While outdoor sports - including cycling - were permitted in France at the start of the lockdown, the tide has now turned there. In a Press release issued by the French Cycling Federation FFC made it clear on 19 March that classic cycling training and rides lasting several hours are prohibited. You are only allowed to get on your bike near your home and only for a "relatively limited time". Long bike tours or excessive racing bike laps are a criminal offence. The French sports minister tweeted: "One or two kilometres maximum. Getting away from home is not an offence. That applies to everyone! You should only leave the house for emergencies." Professional cyclists had already been banned from practising their profession on 17 March. Meanwhile, MTB pros like Maxime Marotte are keeping fit at home with roller training.
Anyone who does not adhere to these rules will be fined. Fine of 135 euros count. The French police are even supposed to enforce the ban via the Strava app, as this case shows:
Italy
In Italy, curfews were tightened again on 21 March. According to a decree by Health Minister Roberto Speranza, all sport in public is to be avoided. However, sporting cycling had already been severely restricted beforehand. Only professional cyclists are still allowed to train outdoors on mountain bikes or racing bikes with written authorisation.
Spain
Strict curfews have been in force in Spain for a week now. The Spanish Ministry of Sport has explicitly pointed out that these restrictions also include sportive cycling. Cyclists who did not comply with the ban were already stopped and fined last Sunday. The fines for "unnecessary outdoor activities" are said to be between 500-3000 euros. In contrast to Italian professional cyclists, their Spanish colleagues are unsure whether they can continue to pursue their profession because they have not received written authorisation from the Spanish Cycling Federation to carry them.
At the other end of the world, in Sri Lanka, the mayor of Dambulla was arrested for not complying with the Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the local government and for having a Everyman race organised.
