Coronavirus vigilantes are targeting cyclists with drawing pins on road and verbal abuse
CYCLISTS are being targeted by coronavirus vigilantes during the lockdown, with some suffering verbal abuse and others being injured, it has been reported.
The UK's two biggest cyclist organisations have warned of a culture of "hostility" against those who take to the road to exercise.
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Cyclists in Somerset have been targeted by drawing pins placed on roads, while others have been injured by motorists speeding or carrying out "close passes".
Some signs warning cyclists against entering some villages have been spotted in several counties, including Cambridgeshire, Cheshire and Powys.
One resident even daubed the sentence "stay home cyclists covidiot" on a road in the Chew Valley, Somerset, reports.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
There has been an increase in cycling during the lockdown, both as a means of exercise and for people to get around while avoiding public transport.
However, it is believed that many cyclists are being targeted because of concerns they are breaching social distancing rules - by riding in groups or far from their homes.
Cycling UK and British Cycling have written a letter to The Times, saying they are concerned about an "increasing number of reports of cyclists and cycling clubs being targeted and vilified while out riding".
The alleged abuse led Sharrow Cycling Club, the oldest cycling group in Sheffield, to cancel organised rides, although some members still exercise alone - which has created furious reactions among local residents.
Pete Collins, the club chairman, said: "Many people are using the lockdown as an excuse to air their long-held grievances against cyclists, which in our case we believe to be unwarranted and unfair.
COMMON SENSE
"Riders have cut their distances in half or more, are staying relatively local and are complying entirely with government guidelines on social distancing."
Cycling is permitted as a form exercise during the lockdown, with no fixed limits on how far or for how long people can ride.
Cycling UK advises those who want to go out on their bikes to use "common sense when planning your route" - but still doing enough exercise to keep "in good shape physically and mentally".
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British Cycling and Cycling UK said many people are also using their bikes to deliver prescriptions, raise money or feed families during the lockdown.
They added: "There is no trusted evidence to suggest that cyclists are any more likely to spread the disease than runners and walkers, if they follow the social distancing requirements."
However, the groups have asked "the public to show tolerance, warmth and care" towards those who get out on their bikes during this crisis.
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