British Cycling removes guidance saying you should not cycle during the Queen's funeral
National body still says club rides should still not happen on Monday, despite the bank holiday
British Cycling has removed guidance recommending that people should not ride their bikes during the Queen's funeral on Monday.
Cycling's governing body in the UK published and then updated a page on guidance for the period of national mourning on Tuesday, removing the bit that said people cycling on Monday should do so "outside of the timings of the funeral service and associated processions".
However, the page on their website still says that no "formal domestic activities", which includes cycle sport events and club rides should happen next Monday.
This is despite it being a Bank Holiday, and the official guidance from the Royal Household stating that there is "no obligation to cancel or postpone events during the period of National Mourning".
The original British Cycling statement said: "British Cycling strongly recommends that anybody out riding their bike on the day of the State Funeral does so outside of the timings of the funeral service and associated processions, which will be confirmed later this week. Once published, we will share the details of those timings on this page."
The updated version, still visible on their website, reads: "As a mark of respect to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, British Cycling’s guidance is that no formal domestic activities should take place on the day of the State Funeral, Monday 19 September. This includes cycle sport events, club rides, coaching sessions and community programmes (such as Breeze rides).
"As the day of the State Funeral has been designated as a national bank holiday, in line with many other employers British Cycling will close for the day."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
People on social media reacted with fury at British Cycling's original, and secondary, advice.
One person tweeted: "It's entirely inappropriate to tell people they should not cycle anywhere in the country while a cultural event is happening. The UK is a democracy, first and foremost, with a constitutional monarchy."
Others were concerned that the advice for cyclists to not cycle on Monday could increase vitriol to those riding their bike, something which they are perfectly allowed to do.
Someone else posted: "Too late, you're an embarrassment at a time when hatred towards cycling feels at an all time high."
Separately, due to the re-allocation of police resources this weekend, the Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy – which were scheduled to take place on Sunday – have been postponed.
The final rounds of the men’s and women’s National Road Series will now take place on Sunday 9 October.
The full British Cycling statement
"The Royal Household has advised that there is no obligation to cancel or postpone events during the period of National Mourning, and this extends to all planned cycle-sport events, club and community activity. Therefore the decision to proceed with events or activities is at the discretion of individual organisers, volunteers, local authorities and landowners.
"As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events, and those present may wish to wear black armbands.
"We would strongly advise all event organisers and volunteers to check with facility operators, local authorities and landowners - where relevant - on any changes to their own operations during the period of National Mourning.
"Riders competing internationally during the period of National Mourning may also wish to wear black armbands. This will be the case for all riders representing the Great Britain Cycling Team during this time.
"As a mark of respect to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, British Cycling’s guidance is that no formal domestic activities should take place on the day of the State Funeral, Monday 19 September. This includes cycle sport events, club rides, coaching sessions and community programmes (such as Breeze rides).
"As the day of the State Funeral has been designated as a national bank holiday, in line with many other employers British Cycling will close for the day."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Adam is Cycling Weekly’s news editor – his greatest love is road racing but as long as he is cycling on tarmac, he's happy. Before joining Cycling Weekly he spent two years writing for Procycling, where he interviewed riders and wrote about racing, speaking to people as varied as Demi Vollering to Philippe Gilbert. Before cycling took over his professional life, he covered ecclesiastical matters at the world’s largest Anglican newspaper and politics at Business Insider. Don't ask how that is related to cycling.
-
Conservative London mayor candidate vows to tear out 'havoc-causing cycle lanes' if elected into office
As well as removing cycle lanes in the capital, Susan Hall also promises to back any group that wants rid of LTNs in London
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Luis León Sánchez and Greg Van Avermaet the latest retired pros to 'go gravel'
It's a list that only keeps growing, as former WorldTour riders seek to fulfil the competitive urge in a low-pressure environment
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female Olympian, announces retirement
Kenny won five Olympic and seven world titles during her illustrious career on the track
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Former Ineos Grenadiers boss Rod Ellingworth becomes race director of Tour of Britain
"I feel a real responsibility to get this right," says Ellingworth about new role
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We'll have rounder wheels than everyone else' - Team GB confident in new Olympics tech
Updated Hope-Lotus bike won't feature until Paris, confirms performance director Stephen Park
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jody Cundy Q&A: 'Strictly Come Dancing made me a stronger cyclist'
The Paralympic legend tells Cycling Weekly about almost retiring in 2012, the time he borrowed a Porsche, and how dancing can make us all better cyclists
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘It’s a performance thing’ - why riders are eating Calippos and Greggs steak bakes to fuel gold medals
Forget expensive gels, the best race nutrition comes from corner shops
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Emily Bridges says British Cycling 'violated' her human rights over trans participation rule change
National federation blocked transgender riders from competing in its female event category last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Local authority collaboration key to reinvigorating domestic racing, British Cycling task force says
Ed Clancy, task force chair, says 16 recommendations are ‘realistic and attainable’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Extinction Rebellion protest Shell deal at British Cycling AGM
Group promises more action against governing body’s controversial Shell sponsorship
By Tom Davidson Published