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.
Message from the ACU Chairman – 19th March
Dear Members, Officials and Staff
For over a hundred years the ACU, it’s committee’s and staff have served it’s members whether they be riders, passengers, support crew and families, it’s supported it’s clubs and members, event officials and their families, we’ve worked with event promotors, medical support teams, sponsors, journalists, manufacturers and the motorcycle sporting industry, insurers and legal companies, rights of way representatives and politicians and we’ve always managed to keep motorcycle sport running in the most challenging circumstances.
At the time of writing and as you know the virus is spreading across the country and as seen across the World with devastating consequences, we share the families afflicted sorrow and as thousands of people suffer it’s not a time to be organising sporting events and as seen by our World representative for motor cycle sport the Federation Of International Motorcyclists FIM they have postponed all World and Continental Championship events.
As we wait for better times you may have questions for the ACU team at Rugby who are there to help and will answer your questions if possible but to make it a bit easier for them you will find most information on the ACU web site www.acu.org.uk then when we return to racing or trials the ACU staff and the many thousands of officials that organise and run the events will be ready to get your season started.
I need to say that myself and the ACU Board appeal to members to not ride their competition motorcycles in any circumstances during this period because to ride a competition motorcycle you know there are risks to yourself and others. Please think that if your seriously injured riding a competition motorcycle you will use valuable medical resources which may result in you being ultimately responsible for somebody else’s failure to receive the appropriate life saving treatment.
Through the coming weeks please think of others and help us all get through these unprecedented times.
Take care
Roy Humphrey
Chairman ACU Ltd
Corona Virus Update (17th March)
Surrey Schoolboys have been informed by the ACU that all competitions and social events are to be suspended until 30th April. Regrettably this means that the next 3 trials will be cancelled, and the next trial will be on 2nd May at Trumps Mill.
The full statement from the ACU is as follows:
On behalf of ACU
It is with regret that the ACU are suspending all competition and social activity until 30th April 2020, but this will be constantly reviewed. This is in response to the emerging guidance issued by HM UK Government in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.
All permits for events during this time will be cancelled and reimbursed in full to the organising club/ promoter. As the National Governing Body would ask all ACU Members to act responsibly and follow the Government’s guidance during this difficult time. We have a responsibility and duty of care to our staff who will be working from home, so please be patient with any queries you may have.
As of writing (17th March 2020) HM Government have advised:
- - Persons to work from home where possible
- - People over the age of 70 to minimise social contact
- - Emergency services will not support mass gatherings
- - Stop non-essential travel
- - Avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and cinemas
This statement is supported in its entirety by AMCA