Pandemic: Is it still legal to ride?

[ruSTynutz]

If you live in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania or the NT, it looks like you can still go for a ride as motorcycling is classed as "exercise"...so long as riders are not in groups of more than two, don’t cross borders and follow other health guidelines. 

Things may change so I'd recommend you regularly check out the link below:

https://motorbikewriter.com/pandemic-still-legal-ride/

 

*Update: So far the national hotline has again confirmed its earlier ruling that motorcycling is classed as exercise.

The Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Tasmanian Premiers’ offices and NT Chief Minister’s office concur with that judgement.

Next time the ex comments I don't exercise I can tell her I do.   

[Biggles]

Well done Rusty.  I just printed off the relevant part of that article to put in the topbox before I go out on the bike.

[Wild Rose]

I just might grab the keys and go for a ride 

[StinkyPete]

Thanks for the info.   I went for a solo mental health ride the other day.   I made sure I had a full tank when I left so I didn't need to refuel,   and took a cut lunch and a thermos of tea, and had my lunch at an otherwise deserted roadside rest area.   I like Biggles idea of taking a copy of the article,  and acknowledge that the recommendations and rules could change at any time.

[Wild Rose]

Just got home and had a bit of late lunch
Good ride to Millmerran then over to Cecil Plains
225km all up
Was really good to get the  out of the shed

[Nigel]

Next time the ex comments I don't exercise I can tell her I do.   

That should make you the fittest bloke on the planet!

[Bodø]

 

[Shillas]

I'm mostly working from home now, but decided to go to the office to grab a few more items from my desk as it could be June or later before I head back on any more permanent capacity.

Glad to say I also got my exercise in. It was also very good for my mental health as I got to catch up face to face (at a distance) with those who can't work at home due to their operational capacity, instead of zoom video meetings.

[denis gibson]

Well done Rusty. Was in two minds about if we could. Had op today so maybe next weekend out and about again. Keep safe all. Denis Diane.

[Nigel]

I am adjusting to what's going on. Yes I need a ride, and I do, but I don't have a reason to, so I dont.

Still working full time, and do`ing all I can to have no contact with anyone, work-wise that is.

Just doing what's recommended. As an aging Aussie, with issues, we need to limit our travel.

Good news though.  When all this is done I will post an RTE to Rushworth.

Recently purchased 20 acres with all facilities just 4 mins out with my Nephew Niece and the Bro, a nice place to just do nothing.....


Remember if you don't need to go out DONT.



 

[Yorkie]

Here in York,WA, I don't need exercise so long as I don't leave the Wheatbelt, i can go to Jurien Bay, south to Narrogin or east to Southern Cross

[West Aussie Glen]

In WA travel is generally restricted to the region you live in. For me this is Perth and I am limited to about 50 kms north, east and south.

https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/AboutMainRoads/News/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

If I head towards Albany I have been told the check point is at Yule Du, 27 kms from my home.

[Shillas]

This is from the Indaily news website:

Victoria has banned fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and golf among other sports and hobbies, after people earlier this week flocked to beaches despite being asked to stay home.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said all recreational activities beyond basic exercise were no longer allowed.

“Hang up your rods, leave the tinnie in the driveway, and clean your clubs at home,” he said.

“These restrictions are tough, but they are there for a reason. If we don’t do this, Victorians will die.”

So, riding only for transport purposes - shopping, work etc?

[ruSTynutz]

Following that link I supplied in my original post, in regards to Victoria, it says:

"The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website says you can exercise by going for a “bike ride”, but doesn’t stipulate bicycles or motorcycles.

We’ve asked for clarification and they have promised a reply before the end of today."

So...hopefully this will become clearer later...I'll post it up if they respond...

[Biggles]

Following that link I supplied in my original post, in regards to Victoria, it says:

"The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website says you can exercise by going for a “bike ride”, but doesn’t stipulate bicycles or motorcycles.

We’ve asked for clarification and they have promised a reply before the end of today."

So...hopefully this will become clearer later...I'll post it up if they respond...

In QLD they say motorcycle riding is exercise.  Maybe they don't realise there's a difference, but until they do, I'm getting my exercise!

[ruSTynutz]

*Update:

While Qld Health has confirmed motorcycling is an exercise, they suggested we contact police to confirm their interpretation as well.

Queensland Police seem to agree:

"The Queensland Police Service urges everyone to comply with the Chief Health Officer’s public health directions.  While physical exercise is open to interpretation, the intention of the direction is to slow the spread of the virus by limiting interaction with others, staying at home and close to your suburb."

We don’t know what their interpretation of “close” is. Obviously use your commonsense.

Check for updates via this link:

https://motorbikewriter.com/pandemic-still-legal-ride/

[Nigel]

All very interesting. There seems to be a law that says we can. Until Mr. Plod says no we can`t. Is it law or not??????

Why should there be discretionary powers given to police, if the Law states that we can ride, makes no sense?

My 2c worth with gst. FIIK

[Brookester]

Police have always had discretionary powers, example is you get pulled over for minor speeding & have a good record and good attitude you get a warning instead of a fine.
Now to point in question, motorcycling is not 'physical excercise' so unless it is your only form of transport and you are travelling for one of the allowed purposes under the official health direction you are in breach and putting everyone else in this world at risk. So my 2c worth, drop your selfish self-centred ego & be part of the solution not a gutless contributor to the problem.
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/home-confinement-movemment-gathering-direction

[Langers]

I must admit that I have been of the view that riding my motorcycle represents little risk to me or the community in regard to Corona virus, provided I kept my distance, provide my own coffee and sandwich etc on my travels, and took the appropriate hygiene measures.

My view has now changed with the realisation that should I be unfortunate enough to contract the virus in my local Woolies, the health authorities will want to trace my movements for the past week or two. On the bike the likelihood of me spreading the disease is very low, however, I may be causing an already overstretched health system to waste valuable time and resources chasing up my movements around the countryside - and that is not right and hence Scarlett and Black Betty (the MT-03) will be keeping each other company while I paint the house or watch the grass grow or undertake some other mind numbing activity. Or perhaps plan some epic adventures for when the leash is let off.

[Draco (Heartbreak Kid)]

Police have always had discretionary powers, an example is you get pulled over for minor speeding & have a good record and good attitude you get a warning instead of a fine.
Now to point in question, motorcycling is not 'physical exercise' so unless it is your only form of transport and you are traveling for one of the allowed purposes under the official health direction you are in breach and putting everyone else in this world at risk. So my 2c worth, drop your selfish self-centered ego & be part of the solution not a gutless contributor to the problem.
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/home-confinement-movemment-gathering-direction

  SO...In short, you're saying IF you go for a bike ride "ON YOUR OWN" AND "FAR FROM ANY OTHER PERSON" YOU ARE BEING A  selfish self-centered ego & be part of the solution not a gutless contributor to the problem.  I AM 62 YEARS OLD WITH HEART PROBLEMS, jUST LOST MY JOB, ABOUT TO LOSE ALL THAT'S IMPORTANT TO ME. SO... MY STRESS LEVEL IS A LITTLE HIGH. BUT I HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED THROWING AROUND A 300+KILO MOTORCYCLE AS "EXERCISE... BUT BEING A RESPONSIBLE PERSON I WILL BE MINDFUL OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS AROUND ME. BUT I WILL CONTINUE TO RIDE UNTIL IT BECOMES "LAW" THAT I CAN'T..JMO. THANK YOU STAY SAFE   

[Gavo]

In WA travel is generally restricted to the region you live in. For me this is Perth and I am limited to about 50 kms north, east and south.

https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/AboutMainRoads/News/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

If I head towards Albany I have been told the check point is at Yule Du, 27 kms from my home.

Ive been to and from work the past week not seen any road block or check points along Toodyay road at all
Now im on leave over the next two weeks id rather lay low and keep away from the public with the odd solo ride or two

[Brock]

No personal attacks gents, or the stick will come out..

Threads will be closed, and for the first time since I pined on the sheriff badge I may impose bans..

Play nice.

[ruSTynutz]

On a lighter note...

https://theridingcenter.com/do-motorcycles-really-make-you-stronger-and-smarter/

[StinkyPete]

We are all feeling anxious about health, jobs, income, food security, budgets, the economy and so much more, and we are all feeling the impact of being isolated from our wide circles of friends and family.   Conversations over “Zoom” don't cut it when all we want to do is hold those that we love when we can't.   The crisis will end, and when it's over, the world will be different.  When we can travel freely again, we will meet up at RTE's all over the country, shake hands, hug our friends, and share our stories.   In the meantime, let's all strive to be gracious, caring, and patient with each other in this difficult time.    As a hospital spiritual carer, I know that what people seek in a time of crisis is to be heard, loved, supported and to find a sense of peace, so let's see if we can achieve that is some small way via our forum.
   Pete