Sustrans and Covid-19
Last updated 19 July 2021
It is our top priority to keep staff, volunteers, supporters, partners and the communities we work with safe as the Covid-19 restrictions start to ease across the UK.
We’re following government and NHS guidance closely, and have made some arrangements to protect people and help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Sustrans takes the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, supporters and communities we work with very seriously.
And we want to do everything we can to protect people and curb the spread of the virus as much as possible.
Read the latest advice for:
Here are some of our latest projects and ways we're working to support people to walk and cycle during the lockdown and beyond.
Bike shops near me
Our interactive map shows the bike shops that are open across the UK.
It also shows offers on bike services and equipment available to key workers during the pandemic.
Take a look at the map and find an offer or service in your area.
Space to move
Local authorities across the UK are making changes to our streets in response to Covid-19.
These changes are designed to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle safely whilst social distancing during the lockdown and beyond.
Take a look at our Space to move map and tell us what you think about a change in your area.
Life after lockdown: Our policy briefing series
We explore how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting people in relation to transport and movement, and neighbourhoods and places in this series of briefing papers.
Advice on walking and cycling during the Covid-19 outbreak
Walking and cycling
Restrictions in England are now easing.
The latest government guidance says that social distancing is no longer mandatory.
There is no limit on meeting people, but we are encouraged to meet others outside wherever possible.
Face coverings are now only recommended in crowded public spaces, for example on public transport.
All of Scotland is in Covid protection level 0. This means that:
- Up to eight people from up to four households can meet indoors at home
- Up to 10 people from up to four households can meet in a public indoor space
- Up to 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors - whether in a private garden or public place (children aged 12 and under not counted).
We've also teamed up with our partners to give you some handy tips for walking, cycling and wheeling safely in Scotland during the pandemic. Take a look at the guidance.
In Wales, there are no travel restrictions in place within the country.
There are no legal restrictions on sport, exercise and outdoor activity, however people are advised not to take unnecessary risks while exercising or taking part in any activity.
You can exercise in public outdoor places with:
- members of your household or support bubble, or
- with people from one other household, as long as the total number of people exercising is no more than six (excluding any carers or children under 11 from either of those households), and you remain outdoors.
In addition to this children and young people aged under 18 (or persons who were aged under 18 on 31 August 2020) can take part in organised outdoor activities, which could include organised sport activities, where they are held outdoors.
People should ensure they maintain social distancing and hand hygiene.
And in Northern Ireland, from 16 August, there are no restrictions on meeting outdoors. A risk assessment is required for gatherings of more than 30 people.
You should avoid visiting places where there is a chance that large numbers of people will gather and crowds will form.
If you go somewhere and there are crowds which will make social distancing difficult, consider going somewhere else instead.
When travelling you should walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of your household where possible.
For more details check the NI Direct website.
Using the National Cycle Network
We’re asking users and all affiliated groups not to run any group activities, group walks or rides, and events on the National Cycle Network.
However, as long as current government advice for your area is followed, you can still go for a walk or cycle on your own, or with members of your household (as long as they have not presented symptoms).
We ask that you please think ahead about which route you plan to take.
Stay local and only go where you know will be quiet.
Please be aware that many paths on the Network may not be wide enough for you to maintain the minimum of 2 metres of physical distance between yourself and the nearest person.
With the increase in different users enjoying their local routes, we've put together some guidance on how to share, respect and enjoy the National Cycle Network.
And, if you’re currently unable to go outside, we’ll continue to bring the Network to you here on our website and on our social media channels.
Maintenance of the Network
Non-essential maintenance on National Cycle Network routes that we are responsible for has been postponed until further notice.
Some volunteers are now carrying out small actions on the Network such as litter picking and cutting back vegetation.
And some of our staff are also now heading out to do maintenance and improvement works on routes too.
Please be respectful if you meet them out on the path.
A lot of work was delayed by the Covid-19 outbreak, so please bear with us as we get things up and running again.
Please continue to report anything you spot to your local Sustrans office and your local council.
However, do note that the issue may not be resolved until it is safe for our staff to look into it.
How we're supporting people during the outbreak
How we’re supporting staff
We continue work at Sustrans while keeping colleagues safe and respecting the range of experiences that people across the charity have.
We're supporting staff with a blend of home and office working, ensuring that all necessary safety precautions are taken.
While some staff continue to work from home, you can still contact teams by email, and by mobile phone where relevant.
The main reception in our Bristol office is still open to phone calls too.
Please visit the contact us page for more information.
Volunteering at Sustrans
It's important that we all continue to keep ourselves and others safe.
We are continuing to support our current volunteers to carry out small actions on the National Cycle Network.
These actions include:
- route and signage checks
- picking up small amounts of litter
- snipping back easy-to-reach vegetation
- cleaning graffiti
- monitoring wildlife.
If you are a volunteer and have any questions or concerns about your activities in light of Covid-19, please email volunteers-uk@sustrans.org.uk.
Interested in volunteering with Sustrans? Check out our current volunteering opportunities.
We also have a list of quick ways you can volunteer with Sustrans. Take a look at the list.
Fundraising on the National Cycle Network
Fundraising on the Network has now restarted, so say hello if you spot any of our fundraisers on your local paths.
We've undertaken detailed risk assessments to mitigate the risks posed by Covid-19 and to help keep our fundraisers and the public safe.
If you would like more information please email our Supporters team at supporters@sustrans.org.uk.
If you’d like to donate to support our work to make walking and cycling easier, check out our donation page.
Thank you for your continued support
For over 40 years, Sustrans has worked towards a vision of a society where the way we travel creates healthier and happier lives for everyone.
We're very grateful to all the volunteers and individuals who have supported and continue to support Sustrans.
As restrictions ease, our priority remains the safety of our staff, volunteers, supporters and the communities we work with.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation carefully and follow the advice of the Government, Public Health England and partners.