Does the 2m Social Distance Rule Apply When Walking, Running or Cycling?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The 2-meter social distancing rule, while effective in many scenarios, may not be universally applicable to walking, running, or cycling. Urban environments with narrow pavements, the variability in walking speeds, and the slipstream effects associated with running and cycling all suggest that greater distances may be necessary for these activities. Local authorities and individuals should consider these factors when implementing and adhering to social distancing guidelines to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the implementation of various social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus. One of the most widely adopted guidelines is maintaining a 2-meter distance from others. However, the applicability of this rule during activities such as walking, running, or cycling remains a topic of discussion. This article explores whether the 2-meter social distancing rule is sufficient and practical for these activities.

Social Distancing and Pavement Space

A study titled “How safe are our streets for social distancing?: A national scale analysis of pavement space during COVID-19” analyzed pavement widths across Great Britain to determine if they allow for the recommended 2-meter social distancing. The study found that in many cities, over 50% of pavements do not provide enough space for individuals to maintain a 2-meter distance while walking1. This finding suggests that adhering to the 2-meter rule may be challenging in urban environments, especially on narrow pavements.

Walking and Social Distancing

The “Two-minute walk test performance by adults 18 to 85 years: normative values, reliability, and responsiveness” study provides insights into walking distances and speeds. Although the study primarily focuses on the normative values for the 2-minute walk test, it highlights the variability in walking speeds among different individuals2. Faster walkers may find it difficult to maintain a 2-meter distance from slower walkers, especially in crowded areas. This variability underscores the need for flexible social distancing guidelines that consider different walking speeds and the available space.

Running and Social Distancing

Running typically involves higher speeds and greater exertion compared to walking. The increased speed can result in a larger “slipstream” effect, where respiratory droplets are carried further behind the runner. This phenomenon suggests that a 2-meter distance may not be sufficient for runners, as droplets can travel farther due to the increased airflow. Therefore, runners may need to maintain a greater distance from others to ensure safety.

Cycling and Social Distancing

Cycling, like running, involves higher speeds and can create a significant slipstream effect. Cyclists may need to maintain an even greater distance than runners to avoid the spread of respiratory droplets. Additionally, the variability in cycling speeds and the need to navigate around obstacles or other cyclists can make it challenging to consistently maintain a 2-meter distance.

Does the 2m social distance rule apply when walking, running or cycling?

Matt Koci has answered Near Certain

An expert from North Carolina State University in Virology, Immunology, Microbiome, Agricultural Biotechnology

This one is actually hard to score using the Nearly Certain to Extremely Unlikely scale, because it depends on how you read this. I marked Nearly Certain because the principal is the same, but 2m is probably not enough. When engaged in any activity that elevates your breathing increases the volume of air and the force expelling it. That means if you are walking, running, or cycling (shouting even or singing), or around others that are, 2m is probably not enough. I would leave a lot more distance behind someone in particular. I think this article explains the idea hear well https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08