Posted on by Mel Saari

The ‘New Normal’ for Killer Beez Group Bike Rides

A number of Beez have expressed an interest in restarting our group rides, particularly now that BC has officially started Phase 2 of reopening the Province during the Covid 19 pandemic. According to Phase 2, BC is now allowing groups of up to 6 people (friends or relatives who do not live with you) to get together with appropriate social distancing.  For the complete, up-to-date information on British Columbia’s response to COVID-19 please click here.

For those interested in the positions of the Federal and Provincial Cycling Associations regarding Covid 19 please click on the following links (as an informal group, the Killer Beez is not bound by the rules and regulations of these bodies):

Cycling BC

Cycling Canada

As of Monday, May 18th the Interior Health Region had 181 confirmed cases of Covid 19 with only 1 person hospitalized and no one in ICU. For an up-to-date report on Covid 19 cases click here for the BC Covid 19 Dashboard.

Due to the start of Phase 2 by the government of BC and the low incidence of Covid 19 cases in our region we have decided to restart the Wednesday, Friday and Sunday Killer Beez group rides this week with the following conditions:

  • Appropriate social distancing must be practised before, during and after the rides.
  • Pace lines are prohibited. Click here for more information in this regard.
  • Riders will go out in groups of 6 maximum with a staggered start based on desired distance, route and pace.
  • Spitting and snot rockets are prohibited.

The Wednesday Group ride will start on May 20th at 5 PM from Kelowna Cycle.

The Friday Group Ride will start on May 22nd at 9 AM from Starbucks (101-2231 Louie Drive) in West Kelowna.

The Sunday Group ride will start May 24th at 10 AM from the SE side of Capital News Centre. Exit east off Gordon onto Lequime.  Click here for a map. There’s lots of parking, a porta-potti plus a large grassy area for socializing after the ride (bring your own blankets, chairs, food & drinks).

NB. Your choice to participate in these group rides is your own personal decision. Each cyclist should consider his/her risks – greater public exposure, expanding your social circle. Are you living with someone who is sick or with elderly family members?   Do you or a family member have compromised immune systems?  If you are not feeling well, have COVID 19 symptoms, are living with or have been in contact with someone with COVID 19, or are self isolating, please do not participate in these rides.

On each group ride, be aware of who you are cycling with in case tracing is required.

We are all in this together and everyone must do their part to keep each of us and others safe.

Waiver and Safety Rules

To view the content of the Kelowna Killer Beez website, you must read and agree to the following Waiver and Safety Rules that apply to all our rides. Compliance with these rules and the signing of an annual waiver is mandatory in order to participate in our group rides.

  • You are riding at your own risk!
  • All road rules and traffic signals must be followed.
  • A helmet must be worn. It’s the law.
  • You should have liability insurance to cover any potential accidents.
  • All participants must ride single file and in bike lanes where available.
  • Highly visible clothing should be worn at all times while riding.
  • Pass only on the left when it is safe to do so. Passing or pulling up to riders on their right is not permitted.
  • Use of headphones or cell phones while riding is not permitted.

By clicking “AGREE” you acknowledge that you ride at your own risk and comply with the safety rules.