14/05/2020 – Update
With the move into Alert level 2, the IAM National Council agrees that:
Motorcycle observing, testing and social rides can occur from Thursday 14 May, subject to the following principles and guidelines:
Motorcycle Social Rides
a) Whilst in level 2, social rides to have a maximum of 10 participants including leader and TEC. Multiple rides may be coordinated by same person but they must have significantly different routes or significantly staggered start times (30 mins) to comply with mandated maximum crowd size guidance. Each group of 10 must have a designated leader and TEC.
b) Ride Coordinator is specifically tasked with briefing the requirements of appropriate social distancing and personal hygiene requirements. All members must not get closer than 1 metre to each other at any time. Be particularly mindful of this when planning social ride stops as there must be adequate parking available to allow 1 metre between each bike.
c) Ride Coordinator to send participants a pre ride email, mandating that they do not attend if unwell (pro forma of sample email appendix 1).
d) At the start point conduct the briefing as usual. We will not be issuing revised briefing documents but the Ride Coordinator must ensure that the COVID 19 specific restrictions are explained. They must specifically ask if anyone is not feeling well. Ensure that the specific symptoms of COVID 19 are mentioned (see appendix 2). If anyone is not well they should not ride.
e) Riders must accurately complete the sign on sheets. As well being an organisational requirement we need to provide accurate records that will allow prompt contact tracing if required.
f) Social distancing must be maintained during sign on. The ride lead or a nominated person should fill out the contact details form for each attendee to avoid multiple handling. Do not pass from person to person.
g) Be mindful of social distancing protocols during the briefing, mid ride stop and post ride socialising. Plan routes that allow enough space at stops to allow social distancing to be maintained whilst parking and socialising. Be mindful that cafes may not be operating as usual. When possible call ahead to confirm any restrictions at proposed stops.
h) In the event of an emergency situation it may be necessary to break social distancing guidelines.
Motorcycle Observing Activity
a) Observer to ensure via phone call or text 24 hours in advance of any mentored ride that the associate is not unwell prior to the start of the ride. If either the observer or associate is unwell then the ride should not proceed.
b) Observer to record the ride participants for contact tracing purposes.
c) Observer is responsible for ensuring that social distancing requirements (1 metre minimum) are maintained at all times. Maintain good personal hygiene protocols, i.e. do not shake hands. For associates who aren’t known, 2 metres
is a safer minimum distance.
d) Post ride briefing and feed back, maintain that social distancing. Try to do as much feedback during the ride as possible and follow the ride with an efficient post-ride briefing. If possible stay outside and utilise in helmet communications. Complete the ride report electronically. If this is not possible do not hand over the ride report to associate but send electronically with post ride phone follow-up once received.
Car Observing and Testing
For car observing and testing, this involves close personal contact. For now, car observing and testing is not to take place. We are awaiting Government’s sector specific guidance for driver testers, and will update our position on that as soon as it is known.
A. Knight
Safety Officer
23/03/2020 – Update
As at today NZ is at Alert level 3, moving to level 4 in 48 hours. Effective immediately, all observed rides, drives, testing and social events will cease until restrictions are lifted.
Kia ora members,
After consultation with National Council and our Safety Officer in particular I am announcing below what we consider a prudent response to the public health risk presented by COVID-19.
CAR/HMV DIVISION:
The risk of community transmission from otherwise healthy appearing individuals cannot be minimised as social distancing is difficult within the confines of a motor vehicle. Observed drives and testing should not be undertaken until Council assesses that the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 is reduced. In assessing that we will have regard to Ministry of Health (MOH) advice.
MOTORCYCLES:
Given that motorcycling is conducted outdoors and social distancing can be maintained, observed rides and tests can be conducted relatively safely provided that MOH hygiene guidelines are followed (washing hands, not touching surfaces, no hand shaking and employing a distance from others). We will continue to assess the level of risk and this position may change if needed (eg France and Italy have banned unnecessary public movement or gathering).
ALL DIVISIONS:
IAM RoadSmart New Zealand will not be conducting group sessions such as observer meetings, training sessions or social events (eg café meets) until such time as the risk of community transmission is reduced. Group social rides may continue, subject to MOH hygiene guidelines. It is recommended that any such events terminate in an outdoor location, reducing the likelihood of community transmission. Again, we will continue to assess the level of risk and this position may change if needed.
Please notify any positive test cases of IAM members or associates to the IAM Safety Officer: safety@iam.org.nz so
We will review these guidelines regularly and at least at each National Council meeting.
We appreciate that this will be inconvenient and will have an impact on the car division in particular, but this is a serious situation. We do not want to be placing any of our examiners, observers, members or associates at risk.
Thank you for your attention.
Best wishes to all our members, whanāu and friends in this challenging time.
Carey
President
IAM RoadSmart NZ