Cycling Incidents Involving Members AT FAULT

British Cycling's biggest single membership expense is insurance.  And if you find yourself in a tricky liability situation, it will probably be your biggest single membership benefit.

 

 

 

"I had thought that my accident was a clear cut case of negligence on the driver’s part... and was surprised to hear of a counterclaim. Without the legal cover included with my British Cycling membership I wouldn’t have received compensation for my injuries... and I would  have been facing a bill for damages to the offending vehicle, thus adding insult to injury, literally!"

 

Sean Smith, Halifax Imperial Wheelers Cycling Club

 

 

 

It could easily happen to you too. Often, claims are not as straight forward as they may seem. In Sean's case, despite being knocked off his bike by a car turning across stationary traffic, he was deemed guilty of 'contributory negligence' for failing to anticipate that a vehicle might turn across his path. Judges tend to award surprisingly high amounts to the car drivers in such cases, even when cyclists have been using designated cycle lanes.

 

Although disappointed at the counterclaim, Sean was nevertheless relieved to hear that he wouldn’t have to pay for any settlement made in favour of the driver. The claim was settled on a 75:25 basis in Sean's favour. With the help of our solicitors, we secured 75% of the value of Sean’s own claim against the motorist, and protected him from the 25% of the car repair bill that he would otherwise have had to pay – a sum of £200.

 

Sean's not the only one. There are many examples of similar incidents that ended up with the member deemed wholly or partly responsible.

 

One of our members rode into a parked car while trying to avoid a cat, causing damages worth £358. Another member had his carbon fibre bike written off when an event marshall opened a barrier - at a replacement cost of £3,028. Another hit the kerb while training, landing on the bonnet of a car and causing repair costs of £340. Loss of concentration caused another to collide with a car on a narrow bridge: cost £341. A collision with a motorbike would have cost one member £9000; and another £3,576 for colliding with a bus - ouch! All these are real claims against our members that were settled by British Cycling, at no cost to the member, not even an excess.**

 

It's so easily done! A minute's loss of concentration and - wham.  So make sure you're covered, with British Cycling Gold or Silver membership. (Bronze members are not entitled to any legal assistance or insurance benefits.)  More >>>

 

 

** For legal reasons, we have not named the members involved in these incidents.