Motorbike
Motorbike

Commuting on Your Motorcycle During Isolation

Since lockdown was announced on March 23rd, travel has considerably changed here in the UK, with only essential journeys permitted.

Here, we take a look at how you can stay safe while commuting on your motorcycle during isolation.

 

What Is Classed as Essential Travel on Your Motorcycle?

The government has announced that only travel with a reasonable excuse, which has been deemed acceptable, is legally permitted.

In order to provide clarity, they have provided a list of what is considered a ‘reasonable excuse’ which people can refer to online, here.

Simply, however, reasonable reasons for travel include, travelling to and from work (if you aren’t able to work from home), infrequent shopping for food and medication, and providing care for the vulnerable.

This does not differ between modes of transport, whether that be a motorcycle, car, or lorry for example. However, the same point applies across all modes of transport — only travel if the journey is essential.

What Precautions Should I Take If I Need to Fill up With Fuel?

If you are still travelling regularly during lockdown and you find that you need to fill up with fuel, we recommend using self-service options which limit face-to-face interaction and preserve social distancing.

Use disposable gloves if possible, pay using card, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Follow all government and forecourt instructions when doing so.

How to Clean My Motorcycle During Isolation?

Normally, cleaning our motorcycles would simply be about making sure it is sparkling ahead of our next run out. However, at present, we also have to consider the antibacterial factor, too. Handlebars, indicators, brake levers, and accelerators are all regularly touched during your journeys. Therefore, these are surfaces which infection can build up on.

Government suggestions note that when cleaning your vehicle during isolation, you should use personal protective equipment, including disposable gloves, a mask, and an apron. In addition, remember to disinfect your helmet, gloves, boots, any other part of your gear that you are using.

Even if you aren’t currently using your motorcycle, this is a good excuse to give your bike a good scrub.

Can I Use My Motorcycle as My One Bit of Exercise During Isolation?

Despite the fact that riding your motorcycle does burn a number of calories, the government has ruled that this is not included as a type of exercise and therefore is not permitted.

That said, if you are using your motorcycle to carry out your essential pieces of travel, such as picking up medication, or travelling to work when it is not possible to work from home, you are allowed.

Am I Able to Buy A Motorbike Online During Lockdown?

Most deliveries have now been placed on hold, except for those which are providing motorcycles to people who need them to carry out essential journeys. Therefore, if you are looking to purchase a bike so that you can carry out leisure activities post-lockdown, it is unlikely that you will be able to get one delivered.

That said, if you are carrying out essential journeys, contact the dealership of the bike you want, and they may be able to arrange a contactless transaction for you, in which they deliver the bike to your doorstep.

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