MOUNTAIN BIKE AUSTRALIA’S STATEMENT REGARDING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTIVITIES

MTBA’s top priority is the health and wellbeing of the mountain bike community, its riders, members, affiliates, stakeholders and staff.

Board and Senior Management have been monitoring advice from various Government departments in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) and considering the impact on the mountain bike community and activities.

MTBA has made the decision to:

1. Postpone all MTBA National Championships scheduled up to the end of May 2020. This will impact the scheduled 24HR Solo National Championships and Fat Bike National Championships. New dates will be released as soon as available.

2. Restrict all international travel and limit domestic travel to essential only. This may impact MTBA’s ability to provide MTBA appointed commissaires and/or support staff.

3. Postpone all MTBA delivered coaching and instructor courses, skills clinics, workshops and travel programs until further notice. Registered participants can seek a refund or a credit to a rescheduled activity.

4. All MTBA staff are working remotely until at least 5 April 2020.

5. Monitor developments regarding the 2020 UCI World Championships and will provide information and updates as they come to hand.

Initial advice from the Federal Government recommending cancellation or postponement of non-essential public gatherings of more than 500 people came into effect on Monday 16^th March.  It is important to note that this advice including the number of people could change at any time and may be either a State or Federal Government decision that will then need to be followed.

Latest information issued indicates that outdoor events spread over a large area are not considered as high a risk as those where people are confined to a specific area or in close proximity to one another, such as indoors or seated in a stadium.

In response to this latest information, MTBA advises affiliates to follow the recommendations listed below.

1. Adhere to the advice around mass gatherings and consider all Government direction issued in their state/territory.

2. Be aware of updates and changes issued by the authorities and comply with this advice.

3. MTBA strongly recommends all clubs and event hosts that are not impacted by government restrictions to reconsider if any upcoming events up to 31 May 2020 can be postponed and rescheduled to minimise potential exposure and pressure on the health system.

4. MTBA strongly recommends all clubs and event organisers with MTBA National Cup listed events postpone these events until the end of May (where possible).

5. Consider the number of attendees (participants, spectators, officials and volunteers) at events and activities and the anticipated proximity of these attendees.

6. Adhere to the recommended social distancing guidelines maintaining a safe distance (1.5m suggested) to minimise transmission and provide reassurance to others by respecting space.

7. Display at the event or activity posters/ flyers issued by the relevant state/territory authority, reminding attendees to practice good hygiene.

8. Provide hand-sanitising provisions including soap and water and hand sanitiser for participants, spectators and volunteers.

9. If individuals wish to refrain from participating in club’s activities during this time, please respect that decision.

10. Affiliates are reminded that the MTBA insurance policy, which is provided to affiliates does not extend to event cancellation.

MTBA are taking this approach, which includes restricting opportunities for mass gatherings, to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and do our part to “flatten the curve”.  As can be appreciated, the situation surrounding COVID-19 is changing rapidly and on a daily basis.  MTBA will continue to monitor developments and government recommendations and update members and affiliates as required. Please note that given staff are working remotely some delays may be experienced in responding to phone calls.

MTBA encourage individuals to keep regularly and safely riding their bike for their mental and physical wellbeing and enjoyment, throughout this challenging time.