NEMBA Statement on the COVID-19 Pandemic (updated: 4/9/2020)

NEMBA recommends that all chapters and individuals follow the active public health practices that are set by your local and state public health organizations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re all in this together until the end of the COVID-19 emergency.

All NEMBA rides and events are suspended until state and local public health guidelines indicate resumption of activities are safe.

NEMBA Chapters can and should take advantage of virtual meeting technologies to promote connections in the mountain bike community and maintain basic chapter communications and planning.

We encourage all mountain bikers to heed state and local public health guidelines if you choose to get out and ride.

• Be safe.
• Dial it back – you may need to slow down and stop often for others.
• Be patient with other trail users.
• Don’t take risks.
• Ride at off-hours.
• Avoid crowded trail locations.
• Avoid crowded parking lots. Park elsewhere and ride to the trail head.
• Ride from your house to the trails if possible.
• Ride alone* or with members of your immediate family.
• Don't ride in large groups.
• Provide extra physical spacing between riders, ideally >30'.
• Be friendly and respectful of all trail users’ need for recreation and physical space. Say “Hi!” to other trail users!

*If you must ride alone, please take extra caution for yourself! Take a charged phone and let family/friends know your expected route and time of return.

We are part of a much larger community of people seeking comfort through outdoor recreation right now – we need to do everything we can to make it safe and responsible for all trail users.

This is also a very visible time to demonstrate that mountain bikers are positive, compatible, and integral members of our trail communities. We are all ambassadors – every one of us.

3/17/2020: As of today, NEMBA is recommending that all NEMBA chapters place a hold on all organized in-person meetings, events, and rides until at least April 15th, 2020. We believe this is prudent in light of the overall guidance coming out of local, state, and federal public health organizations to greatly limit groups and minimize contact between individuals. Chapter, or other meetings, that can be conducted via conference call or video conference should absolutely continue. We will re-evaluate this guidance as we get closer to April 15th. Thank you all for doing your part to help slow down transmission of COVID-19!

3/14/2020:

Given the recent developments with the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19), NEMBA’s Executive Board is concerned about the potential health impacts for our membership and the wider community. In an effort to do our part to help mitigate the spread of the virus, our chapters are urged to follow all local, state and federal government public-health guidelines regarding actions that can be taken to staunch the transmission of COVID-19. While not exhaustive, some preventative actions to protect yourself and others include:

· Being vigilant about hygiene: wash your hands often and thoroughly; follow the CDC guidelines.

· Practice social distancing: keep space between you and others.

· Stay at home if you are sick.

· Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you use a tissue, immediately throw the tissue in the trash.

· Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.

· Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.

Please keep apprised of changes during this rapidly evolving situation. Good information can be found at the CDC and WHO sites:

https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www.who.int/

Many municipalities have, or are, enacting restrictions on large gatherings. Chapters should follow these guidelines and make preparations to hold events like chapter meetings via conference call or postpone if necessary. These guidelines should also be followed when considering organizing a group ride. While participation in mountain biking on the trails generally imparts a natural separation of greater than the recommended 6’ distance; we must recognize that there are opportunities for closer contact during check-in, stoppages and pre-post ride social interactions. Everyone should be vigilant on the trails to protect yourself and others. NEMBA is monitoring the public-health guidance and we will make appropriate recommendations regarding regionally organized events. We will communicate any changes to the regional calendar as the situation warrants. We urge everyone to take the needed precautions to protect yourself, your fellow riders and the community at large. Read more about NEMBA COVID-19 Statement