Cyclists who injure face large liability bills

Cycling is in fashion. Close to 200,000 bikes have been bought under the bike-to-work scheme, but cyclists would be advised to think about insurance cover.

When talking about insurance, it is natural to think of bike theft. But the greatest financial loss the cyclist can suffer — potentially thousands of times the value of their bicycle — is liability for damage to another’s property or person.

We are informed those hurt in an accident, or found responsible for causing one, may face bills of thousands of euro.

Insurance cover should remain optional, but we must remove the financial fear of being injured and causing damage to a third party.

Cycle club membership can be got at a cost of €50 a year, or you can become a member of Cycling Ireland for €15. There are 300 clubs in Ireland with 23,000 members.

Noel Gibbons

Road Safety Officer

Mayo County Council