ACU Statement: Return of Sport and Recreation - UK Government Advice
Tuesday May 19, 2020 at 10:13am
Dear Member,
Please find below the latest UK Government advice for the phased return of sport and recreation in England.
We are also requesting advice about track days and commercial practice tracks. The ACU do not issue permits or provide insurance for track days and commercial practice tracks. We recommend that ACU members continue to follow the latest government advice, that is people can go outside more than once a day for exercise, alone, with members of their household, or with 1 person from outside of their household as long as they are following social distancing guidelines. You must still only exercise in groups of no more than 2 people, unless you are exercising exclusively with members of your household.
You can now travel for physical activity. Ideally use your nearest, local appropriate venue to reduce pressure on transport infrastructure. But you can travel to outdoor open space irrespective of distance. You shouldn’t travel with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing.
We will not be permitting any competition until Government are happy to move from the current Step 2 to Step 3, envisaged for the 4th July at the earliest, and subject to organisers being comfortable with organising events with the strict rules that would need to be in place. Covid-19 Risk Assessments for each race discipline are almost finalised. Road Racing and Grass Track have been sent out to Organisers and Motocross, Trials and Enduro will follow shortly. The Risk Assessments are being drafted to provide guidance and advice to Organisers as to what Control Measures need to be put in place. It should be noted however, that each Organiser should also conduct their own RAMS (Risk Assessment/Methodology Statement) to suit local needs.
Neil Doctor
General Secretary
Auto-Cycle Union Ltd
ACU and AMCA plan return to motorcycle sport
Wednesday May 13, 2020 at 10:00am
The ACU Board of Directors met virtually yesterday (12th May 2020) to discuss the phased return to motorcycle sport following Monday’s publication of the UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy.
The ACU, in partnership with the AMCA, have decided that a phased return to sporting events will commence in parallel with the Government’s Step Three. Thiscoincides with the reopening of remaining business, public places and leisure facilities which have been required to close. As of 12th May, Step Three is due to begin from 4th July but this is under constant review. We will assess the situation again when the Government implements Step Two, envisaged to be the 1st June.
In the coming weeks, the ACU and AMCA will publish guidance documents for organisers looking to run restricted events after this time. This will give organisers time to consider the implications of continued social distancing and prepare future events safely.
In order to reflect the differences in devolved administrations, no British Championship Enduro, Motocross, Trials or Speedway will take place until travel restrictions between England/ Scotland/ Wales/ Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man have been lifted and other factors considered, in line with Government guidance.
The ACU and AMCA would like to thank all our members for their patience during this difficult time, and we appreciate the steps taken by many individuals, clubs and organisations to support local communities during these unprecedented events.
For further information, please see the ACU’s Coronavirus Operational Plan here. We would remind all members that these plans are subject to change, and will be taken in line with the latest UK Government guidance.
ACU Statement : Covid-19 Update - 24th March
In light of recent developments in the COVID-19 crisis, and following the address to the nation by the Prime Minister on the evening of 23rd March, the Auto-Cycle Union has today extended its suspension of all organising permits for motorcycle events until at least 31st May, but this will be constantly reviewed.
This move provides clear guidance to event organisers, clubs, venues, competitors, officials of the role that the Auto-Cycle Union must play in supporting the broader UK public health agenda.
Auto-Cycle Union Chairman, Roy Humphrey explained, “The government have required that we effectively lock-down for a period of three weeks, however given that the most vulnerable in our society are required to isolate for three months, we feel it only sensible to propose a longer suspension for all motorcycle sport. This is a time of national unity and we need to come together with the broader public community to do all we can to support this battle and ultimately save lives. This evening, Health Secretary, Matt Hancock said the Government is launching a new scheme to recruit 250,000 volunteers to support the NHS through the coronavirus pandemic. A quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health. We may not be involved in any sporting activities, but, we could help support the NHS through this pandemic!"
The Auto-Cycle Union will continue to monitor the prevailing advice from the UK Government in respect of the COVID-19 international pandemic and will update the motorcycle community accordingly.