Tips for cycling with a mask

Christine Albert studied German linguistics and literature as well as Scandinavian studies at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg. She is currently doing a traineeship at Hubert Burda Media and is writing, among other things, for

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The mask is mandatory in more and more places. This is less common on a bike. However, if you cycle with a mask, you should take a few tips to heart.

If you ride a bike with a mask on, you should make sure that it is as tight as possible so that it does not slip while cycling and lead to constant stopping. In addition to medical or cotton masks, cyclists can also use scarves that can be pulled up over their noses, explains the Bicycle Press Service (pd-f).

In purely formal terms, the mask regulations also apply to cyclists. However, there are municipalities that allow exceptions for cyclists. This is handled differently locally and regionally. Therefore it is better to inform the responsible authorities what the regulation is, recommends the pd-f. When pushing in pedestrian zones, for example, mouth and nose protection should be worn.

Sometimes the mask is already on board with the jacket

On cold days, special winter jackets with sewn-in masks are also conceivable, originally intended as outdoor clothing for alpinists. One problem, however, is breathing under the mask, especially when cycling faster, explains the pd-f. Cloths can be more permeable to air here.

Even the glasses can fog up with a mask, but that often goes away after a while. As an alternative, there are only contact lenses or sports glasses with a special coating that prevents fogging. If the helmet and mask are in the way, a bicycle airbag can be worn around the neck instead of the helmet. Just like elsewhere, the same applies to the bike: Wearing an everyday mask does not replace the rules of distance and hygiene.

Better to be careful and protect yourself and others

According to pd-f, it has not yet been finally clarified how a virus transmission is when cyclists ride one behind the other and side by side. If it gets tight somewhere with the bike, for example when parking at the bicycle parking lot, you should keep your distance and wear a mask as a precaution. (approx / dpa)

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