The BMC has in my view pressed the pause button in terms of outdoor climbing
I missed the Q&A with Dave as I was working. What was the outcome?And what did he say is the BMC's plan for promoting the recommencement of climbing ASAP?
And what did he say is the BMC's plan for promoting the recommencement of climbing ASAP?
QuoteThe BMC has in my view pressed the pause button in terms of outdoor climbingThe second lockdown is the one I see affecting the economy most, and will require and allow a more nuanced approach. I haven't seen anything that suggests outdoor recreation is high risk for transmission.
What is obvious to me is it's nonsensical to deny us our individual liberties to enjoy the hills, by using the existence of a voluntary mountain rescue organisation. That would be an ultimate irony!
Bonjoy is correct about the usual fine line for access but the situation here, in public perception at least, is completely different. We are talking about activity which will be seen to actively risk harm to our fellow citizens and society at large. We have a credible voice as a community despite being seen as risk takers and extremists by the general public. Not taking a hardish line could destroy decades of work in short order.
An uncharitable view of this thread is that it shows how entitled and middle class climbers are, where dummies are spat out over not being allowed to go to the Tor whilst millions go hungry, are trapped in city apartments with no access to green space, or are forced to work without adequate PPE.
Quote from: petejh on April 22, 2020, 07:03:27 pmWhat is obvious to me is it's nonsensical to deny us our individual liberties to enjoy the hills, by using the existence of a voluntary mountain rescue organisation. That would be an ultimate irony!Couldn't be bothered to back read the BMC stuff to be honest, so I don't know how the thrust of this post of yours relates to that Pete, but I agree with the principle of it. The expectation that *no-one* should walk in the hills due to concerns for MR should be resisted. For an awful lot of people going for a walk in the hills is no different from any other walk. If you were to do something more "testing" then you rely on yourself, as a rule. MR is great to have of course, but not a necessary condition for upland access. At all.
It's all about "optics" really. Last week a mountain biker broke their leg on Ilkley Moor and required a helicopter rescue. When I was on the Moor a few days later, there were still lots of moutain bikers, hurtling down footpaths with "No Cycling" signs and attracting no comment. I am almost certain that if walkers found me bouldering at the Cow & Calf or in Rocky Valley (which I can walk to from my house), I would have lots of abuse accusing me of ignoring the potential for burdening the NHS / rescue services.
I found interesting seeing how different sports approached the lockdown rules, and out of the bunch surfing seems to be in stark contrast to cimbing.