The City of Evanston is mandating riders taking part in the Ride the Ridge bike ride this Sunday wear masks.
“All participants are required to wear a face covering while riding their bikes and when social distancing cannot be maintained,” an announcement from the City of Evanston reads.
Evanston’s order, while aimed at “protecting” citizens, does not mean it aligns with common sense.
The World Health Organization has said people should never wear masks while exercising.
“People should NOT wear masks when exercising as masks may reduce the ability to breath comfortably,” the WHO said on Facebook. "Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe."
Face masks have been noted to decrease peripheral vision, which is important for cycling.
The risks for serious injury from falling due to limited peripheral vision from a face mask have been noted.
Increasingly those who exercise in the outdoors have been noting harassment for not wearing masks even while exercising alone.
The bike ride begins at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Howard Street is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
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