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Original poster

Family groups out walking

101 replies

Carbosug · 22/03/2020 08:23

I'm living with a family member currently being treated for cancer. The only time I can go out is for solo walks, in order to keep that person safe. I've been avoiding parks as they're full of kids letting off steam, and have been just sticking to the roads around me.

However I'm going to have to stop that now because of the number of parents who are letting their kids fly ahead of them on bikes and scooters, with no thought for how close to other people they're going.

AIBU to think that if you're using public footpaths at the moment you should exercise a bit of care and make sure you're children aren't hampering other people's attempts at social distancing?

OP posts:
Dumbie · 22/03/2020 08:26

How full is full?

There are plenty of places you can go and keep a few metres away from people.

In open spaces, even if I child comes at you at lightening speed, you can still move out the way (not that you should have to, more that it is possible to do so)

snapcrap · 22/03/2020 08:26

I'm so sorry you are in this situation and that your loved one stays safe.

I'm on the fence - kids will be kids and more than ever they will be letting off steam when they get outside. Not everyone has gardens so the parks will be lifelines for parents of younger children.

But of course parents need to teach them social safety, boundaries and courtesy towards others.

I doubt very much you will catch CV simply by a child riding near you on a bike.

x

snapcrap · 22/03/2020 08:27

*Hope your loved one stays safe

x

IggyAce · 22/03/2020 08:28

Why don’t you just change the time you go for a walk, such as early morning or evening. As long as I am able I’m planning on taking my kids out for a daily walk early afternoon. I very likely will go for a solo walk early evening for my own sanity.

Whoareyoudududu · 22/03/2020 08:29

If people actually listened to the medical and scientific experts they’d realise that someone briefly walking past you or cycling past you does NOT put you at risk. Purposely socialising with people not in your household DOES.

Dr Jenny Harries clearly said she encourages regular exercise and fresh air, she encourages cycle rides etc. It’s all fine, just don’t purposely go mixing with other people for hours.

Original poster
Carbosug · 22/03/2020 08:29

Thanks Snap.

No I'm not objecting to this in parks. I think if you choose to go into one at the moment you have to accept there will be kids tearing around. I'm talking about on narrow footpaths.

OP posts:
crosspelican · 22/03/2020 08:31

You are being unreasonable. These families and children live here too and have also had their lives turned upside down so they are not unreasonable to use their local outdoor resources. If you want a quieter experience, do what other people do and go out earlier.

Original poster
Carbosug · 22/03/2020 08:31

I'm in Ireland by the way and we've been asked to observe social distancing when out and about.

OP posts:
SuperLoudPoppingAction · 22/03/2020 08:31

What Dumbie says - just move out of the way if children careen towards you.

It's annoying (a primary school age child once actually managed to ride part of the way up DP's leg on a bicycle - that was quite shocking) but children do need fresh air and exercise.

Mine were trained to stop eg 2 lamp posts away from me, but there are lots of different parenting styles and it's not a time when people have much capacity to change theirs.

AlexisCarringtonColbyDexter · 22/03/2020 08:32

You dont have to stop- just keep 2m away from people. CV isn't in the air- its transferred by touching people and/or objects or people sneezing droplets on you etc. Just keep 2 metres away - you are at no risk going for a walk. The virus cannot fly through the air to get you

SnuggyBuggy · 22/03/2020 08:32

I think the problem is with no shops, cafes or soft play of course everywhere is full of kids. I can see why the National Trust places have changed their minds.

BumpkinSpiceBatty · 22/03/2020 08:33

If they you see them coming and they are whizzing past the rush is very very minimal. You could just step aside surely?

FudgeBrownie2019 · 22/03/2020 08:33

I got up at 6am to take the DC for a 10k run before the rest of humanity was around. Not a chance; everyone had the same idea. The DC and I didn't chat to anyone, didn't stop and didn't hang around anywhere so I'm hopeful we put nobody at risk.

I will say, however, that DS1 has autism and we use exercise daily as a way of helping him manage anxiety and stress, so whilst it might look like we're just running around having a laugh (and we are) we're also there because something like this Coronavirus is already having an impact on his MH and we need to manage that as best we can, so running feels like it's an essential at the moment.

Flowers to you and your family, OP.

AlexisCarringtonColbyDexter · 22/03/2020 08:33

Also agree that you cannot expect families not to go out for a walk- thats unreasonable.

RhymingRabbit3 · 22/03/2020 08:34

I don't see why your right to go out for exercise trumps theirs, just because they are children.

A child going past you on a scooter for less than 1 second at waist height isnt putting you at risk.
If you're worried, maybe go for a walk at a different time or go somewhere with wider footpaths.

Original poster
Carbosug · 22/03/2020 08:35

But how do you keep 2 metres away from a couple of children flying towards you on bikes on a narrow pavement?

As I said before I'm not talking about parks, public gardens etc which I deliberately avoid.

OP posts:
GalleyHead · 22/03/2020 08:35

A child scooting or cycling past you is not putting you at risk of infection.

Original poster
Carbosug · 22/03/2020 08:37

I'm not saying my right trumps theirs. I'm saying their parents should exercise the same consideration as everyone else.

OP posts:
AlexisCarringtonColbyDexter · 22/03/2020 08:37

A child scooting past you on a bike is not going to infect you. The 2 m rule is a general rule to keep people safe and to guide social distancing.

As others have said- your rights do not trump theirs but if you are really worried go to the park where you CAN stay 2m away or go out earlier or somewhere the foot paths are wider. This really isn't an unsolvable problem.

CarolHasAnotherUTI · 22/03/2020 08:38

Gosh, this is a difficult enough time for everyone without the added worry of a close family member having cancer. I truly hope that all goes well for you.

I do think, though, that someone moving quickly past, even on a narrow path, isn't going to put you at risk.

But if that's a worry for you, can you go out very early, before most families are out and about?

Dumbie · 22/03/2020 08:38

Tbh you are better off in parks and other open spaces. Far easier to step out of the way than on a narrow path.

InDubiousBattle · 22/03/2020 08:39

You let them fly past you. You are not going to catch it from a child whizzing past you on a bike.

AlexisCarringtonColbyDexter · 22/03/2020 08:39

Tbh you are better off in parks and other open spaces

Exactly- park seems a far better idea in terms of being able to stay away from others

PersonaNonGarter · 22/03/2020 08:39

No - YABU. I do understand how stressed you feel, but you will need to stay home if this is adding to your concern or worry.

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 22/03/2020 08:40

I've been stepping onto the street or verge if need be for a bit of distance.

I don't think it's just children who are oblivious.
There are lots of people carrying on as normal just now.

Social distancing will require a big shift in mindset that isn't going to happen overnight.

Those of us who are fully aware of the risks are still in the minority, I think.