3rd Party Cycling Insurance

There can be a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the issue of cycling insurance, and what is, and is not covered by the clubs insurance policy.

So lets start off with what is covered. The British Cycling club policy covers circumstances where the actions, or decisions of a club official have caused or contributed to an act of negligence. (normally resulting in an accident) This cover protects the club official for Public Liability (3^rd Party) , but is NOT an insurance that covers club members whilst out on a ride. Club Officials includes ride leaders.

So what is not covered ?. If you are riding with the club, (or on your own) and you are not a group leader, you will be vulnerable to 3^rd party claims against you if an accident occurs. For example may turn right, causing a car to swerve, mount the pavement and hit a pedestrian. Both Driver, and pedestrian could sue you. The amount of 3^rd party compensation for serious injuries can amount to many thousands of pounds, or even millions if it results in a serious lifetime disability.

So if you ride a bike, you should be insured against such claims.

So how can you get covered ?. Membership of the Cyclists Touring Club, or British Cycling includes Public Liability Insurance for claims of up to £10 million. Also both offer free legal advice and help with compensation if you are on the receiving end of someone else’s negligence.

If you race, then you will probably already be a member of British Cycling, and therefore covered. Ride membership of British Cycling (for non racers) is £24 per year, however if you enter the code NEWCMRD when you subscribe, you can get an introductory 50% discount.

BC website is

www.britishcycling.org.uk

You also enjoy a number of other benefits from being a BC member.

The CTC membership is currently £39 per year, and this provides you with the same insurance cover, plus all the benefits of being a CTC member.

www.ctc.org.uk

Some cycling clubs insist that their members have adequate 3^rd Party insurance. At present, this is not the case with Avanti, however the committee does recommend that all riders join an organisation offering 3^rd party insurance.