Active recreation and sport at Alert Level 3

Despite the current ‘cost of living challenges’ facing all community events, Bike Manawatu is 100% committed to ensuring the 51st year of the Novice Tour – once again provides a safe, fun, competitive cycle racing event.

We will adopt a high-quality assured approach in implementing the Local Roading Authority’s/Cycling New Zealand’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) standards which ensure best practices and rider and spectator safety.

If the level of community funding secured is not sufficient to contract in external road management service providers with the ability to stop/go traffic, the Novice Tour will proceed on a ‘local club racing’ model, whereby our team of trained/experienced road marshals will, where necessary, pause racing in order to give way to traffic and ensure rider safety.

Although funding external road management services with the ability to stop/go traffic is ideal, if this is not feasible – we are confident that the event’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) will provide a competitive, fair, enjoyable and importantly safe racing environment.

Irrespective of which model of traffic management/racing is finalised, as with all CNZ/Bike Manawatu events, normal road rules will apply and a full rider briefing confirming the event rules will be provided to all riders prior to the start of each race.

Here’s the details on cycling at level 3 from SportNZ

Cycling is classed as “Active Recreation”

No gathering for active recreation with people outside your bubble.
You can travel for active recreation within your region.
Maintain physical distancing (2 metres) with people outside your bubble.
Activities must remain low risk and within your current abilities and don’t pick up new activities.
Lower-risk activities only: care must be taken not to be injured and require medical care.
No contact activity or sharing equipment with people outside your bubble.

Longer rides/runs (within your region) are ok. Although they should still be low risk and you should be self-sufficient (be able to get home without outside assistance if something goes wrong).

Mountain biking on known easy trails for experienced mountain bikers is permitted (not grade 3 or above).