How to Handle Spit and Snot While Cycling During the Coronavirus Outbreak

This is a rapidly developing situation. For the most up-to-date information, check resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly. This story will be updated as new information becomes available.

COVID-19 primarily spreads from person to person in close contact or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes around others.
Given that it may be possible to spread the virus to others through spit or snot, refrain from these habits in public on rides near people. When spitting is unavoidable, do it discreetly and with caution.
Move to the side of the path, sidewalk, or street, make sure you’re at least six feet (but preferably more) away from others, and don’t spit on the riding surface.

Anyone who’s participated in an endurance event knows that when things get sweaty, spit flies—clearing the saliva that builds up during rides is very common. So common that you probably never gave a second thought to spit flying through the air as you passed another cyclist. But now, months into the coronavirus pandemic, you notice—and it may even cause you to worry.

While riding outside has been a staple for mental and physical health during the pandemic, it’s still recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to practice physical distancing (maintaining a distance of six feet or more between yourself and others) and to wash hands regularly. So what’s the take on spitting while riding?

We connected with two experts: Amy Treakle, M.D., an infectious disease specialist with The Polyclinic in Seattle, and Brian Labus, Ph.D., MPH, assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. They give us the rundown of all the questions you probably have about spitting’s do’s and don’ts amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

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How dangerous is spitting while cycling right now?

Spreading COVID-19 via spit is possible, according to Treakle. “COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, and transmission may occur when these droplets enter the mouths, noses, or eyes of people who are nearby. Spit contains saliva but could also contain sputum from the lungs or drainage from the posterior nasopharynx,” she says.

Sorry, snot rocketeers: Treakle says shooting mucus out of your nose isn’t any better. “Having witnessed and participated in races, I think it’s appropriate to note that this would apply to projectile nasal secretions.”

So in short, if you do go out for a solo ride or ride with a trusted training partner, refrain from spitting or snot rocketing, especially because any time you are cycling in an area you can’t distance from others, it is best to wear a mask or face covering to help cut down on the risk of spreading the virus.

Can a six-foot buffer zone protect you during rides?

The CDC has recommended that we practice “social distancing,” also called “physical distancing” —putting at least six feet between yourself and other people.

There are plenty of ways to get your exercise indoors if you don’t feel comfortable going outside, but if you do choose to get outside for a ride, you should be riding solo or with a small group of trusted friends, to be safe. Keep in mind, the spread of the particles being about six feet (current safe social distancing recommendations) is based on people standing near each other and not fast movement or strong air currents. Those could increase or decrease that distance. More research is needed.

In a scenario where someone runs into a sneeze or a cough, that would obviously present an increased risk, says Labus. That’s why it’s important to stay in your home if you are feeling sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick, in order to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus to others.

“If you have cold symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, sneezing), or fever and cough, you could have any number of viruses, including COVID-19, and you should avoid races or group rides until your fever has returned to normal for at least 48 hours,” Treakle emphasizes. (See the CDC for a full list of symptoms.)

What if you get hit with spit or mucus during a ride?

First, don’t freak out: COVID-19 is not transmitted through the skin, says Treakle. “If you are on the receiving end of spit, avoid touching that area until you have washed with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer. If the area affected is the face, the same recommendation holds, but because we touch our faces much more frequently and unknowingly, try to cleanse this area soon.”

As soon as you can, cleanse with soap and water or a healthy dose of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and consider carrying your own hand sanitizer.

How long can COVID-19 live on clothing?

While the main way the virus is transmitted is person-to-person, it still may be possible to get the virus by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your face, but that’s not the main way it spreads, according to the CDC.

So, if your clothing gets hit by spit, it’s best to avoid touching the area, and change your clothing as soon as possible. Be sure to wash your hands immediately afterward. To disinfect clothing, wash it in hot water and use the dryer’s high setting.

Do portable toilets pose a risk?

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 via stool or blood currently is unknown, Treakle says. Since coronaviruses can persist on surfaces for hours, even days, it’s wise to avoid touching surfaces in portable or public restrooms. And the virus has been found in the stool of some patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, though it’s still not known if it can be spread in this way, according to the CDC. So if you do need to stop, make sure you take the time for thorough hand-washing or hand-sanitizing after using a portable toilet.

How should cyclists handle spitting around others?

Given that it may be possible to spread the virus to others this way, now is the time for athletes to practice proper spit etiquette. Consider carrying tissues for spit and mucus, and dispose of them promptly after a ride. When spitting seems unavoidable, do it discreetly and with caution: Get to the side of the path, sidewalk, or street, make sure you’re at least six feet from others, and don’t spit on the riding surface.

How can cyclists protect themselves?

To protect yourself and other athletes if you do choose to venture outside for a ride, stay home if you have cold symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing, Treakle says. Other safety precautions include the following:

Don’t share water bottles.
Practice good cough etiquette by coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not your hands.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water after using the bathroom (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you’re unable to wash your hands for any reason).
Consider bringing hand sanitizer or wipes for after using portable toilets.
Cleanse hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water after any possible contamination and before eating.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from stray droplets.

Treakle advises athletes to stay informed about the best ways to stay healthy during this crisis. “The situation is in flux. Our knowledge about the virus increases every day and the spread of the virus continues to evolve. So what we think is appropriate this week may not be appropriate next week.”