Tiered Approach to Socially Distant Sport & Recreation Options

Please consider a tiered approach, similar to that in NZ, for allowing more forms of sport and recreation resume. Consider sports that can be done solitary or in family units without contact with others and without risky demand on emergency services where people do not need to travel great distances to do these things. For example: Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand Up Paddleboarding on very sheltered and sheltered water Tennis Golf small group classes in yoga/ etc outside 2-3 meters apart.

Why the contribution is important

1) This may actually help social distancing in more densely populated regions as the pavements and cycle paths in cities are quite busy at the moment with everyone thinking they are the next Olympic runner or cyclist. 2) This may create an increased sense of 'normalcy' and therefore mental health and wellbeing to people's lives. 3) Offering a diversity of exercise options insures people are taking their time outside to get Vitamin D the general positive effects of being outside in the time allowed (was it not the Scottish government that began perscribed outdoor exercise? 4) It may enable freelance workers to come back to work and provide services of instruction at a safe distance if deemed feasible.

by CassieA212 on May 05, 2020 at 07:04PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 17 votes

Comments

  • Posted by davemc May 05, 2020 at 19:44

    This proposal has significant merit for the reasons already identified by CassieA212. The NZ experience should be monitored closely to assess the impact on social interaction and consequent infection before any decision is taken by the Scottish Government.

  • Posted by Tiltic May 05, 2020 at 20:08

    I think that we are going to have nuanced approach to sports and activities. Fishing for instance requires an amount of social distancing most of the time .

  • Posted by ChicP May 05, 2020 at 21:47

    Individual outdoor sports like kayaking and golf and mountain biking would seem like perfect socially distant activities. The problems arise when social groups from different households “get together” to do them. It’s not the activity that’s the problem. It’s the social interaction which normally surrounds it. If those engaged in the activity could guarantee the 2 metre rule...?

  • Posted by hjmcleod May 06, 2020 at 08:10

    The worry I have is that even under isolation order people made very bad decisions. We saw the ridiculous numbers at popular hiking spots. People parking up even after seeing another 50 cars. I live on a popular cycling route in the countryside which last weekend saw more cyclists doing long route tours than in the height of summer last year. We'd need some method of assisting people in making good decisions about where and when.
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