The Adventure Travel Trade Association on June 24 will release
comprehensive guidelines for biking, trekking and rafting trips. ATTA said it will have
detailed advice for at least seven more sectors by the end of July.
The protocols, released along with health and safety
guidelines for adventure travel in general, include detailed recommendations
such as when to wear masks during physical activity and when to increase social
distancing.
For instance, ATTA notes that when cyclists are riding in a
row, the aerosol spread of the virus can extend beyond 6 feet, so the
association recommends increased space between riders or the wearing of masks.
For hikes, the guidelines include cautions about interacting
with non-group members on trails. While on the water on rafting trips, ATTA
recommends wearing masks at all times.
The guidelines were developed in collaboration with member
companies and the Cleveland Clinic. They build upon standards and resources
from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and
governments, ATTA said.
“We have been listening to our community through think tanks
and surveys and consistently one of the most resounding needs was a global
consensus on health and safety guidelines for adventure activities,” said
Shannon Stowell, ATTA’s CEO. “With the support of leading businesses and organizations
in our community we were able to make it happen.”