Should cyclists have to take out compulsory insurance?

Greatwell

Just sounding people out here...I've cycled for years now and will continue to do so until I physically can't.
I just wonder if, now there are so many cyclists and therefore the number of accidents is rising, there should be some sort of compulsory insurance scheme.

What do people think?

Marco_Panettone

Greatwell wrote: »

Just sounding people out here...I've cycled for years now and will continue to do so until I physically can't.
I just wonder if, now there are so many cyclists and therefore the number of accidents is rising, there should be some sort of compulsory insurance scheme.

What do people think?

Citation needed.


How many collisions are caused by people on bikes, and what is the financial cost of these? It's really important to remember that insurance does not prevent any collisions, or change behaviour either way.


Personally I don't think it should be required due to the VERY small chances of causing damage when cycling.

Cash-Cows

The fact that British Cycling give it away free with their membership fees shows the low risk that cyclists are to other road users / pedestrians.

GwylimT

It comes as standard with many home insurance policies but a number of cycling clubs include it for free in their membership.

Retrogamer

Only the cyclist will benefit from having insurance so i don't think it's needed.

If they damage someone or something due to negligence, they are liable for the costs regardless if they have insurance or not. No insurance doesn't negate it.

If they did have to have insurance it would be difficult to regulate.

Would the bicycle be insured or the cyclist?
How would anyone know if the bicycle was insured or not?

What's a rational reason that bicycles should have insurance that wouldn't apply to people who jog or walk on the road?

I have third party insurance via British Cycling just to protect myself against any costs i might incur due to my negligence.

Tobster86

The reason why it's a legal requirement for motor vehicles is because you don't have to get much wrong before the third party liabilities of your mistake far exceed what the average person could afford to pay, simply because two tonnes of wayward metal will cause a lot of destruction.

I'm in two minds about getting it for the negligence point of view. We're only human and whilst I could afford to pay to repaint the side of a brand new Audi should I accidentally put my handle bar down the side of it, I'd rather not!

Norman_Castle

Greatwell wrote: »

I just wonder if, now there are so many cyclists and therefore the number of accidents is rising, there should be some sort of compulsory insurance scheme.

There may be a higher overall number of accidents caused by cyclists with an increase in the overall number of cyclists, but this does not mean an individual cyclist is any more likely to be liable for an accident or less likely to cover their own liabilities.

Nebulous2

I've got a really big issue with people lumping 'cyclists' together as a uniform group. Being asked about red-light jumping or pavement riding is a real irritant, because I don't do it! When someone tackles me about those my response is usually "What's that got to do with me?"

So to extend that a bit - I'm not important or influential enough to make much difference on compulsory insurance. What I can do though is do the right thing myself. I think having insurance is a responsible thing to do, so I have British Cycling race membership with insurance included.

Ironically the only time I have used it was when they appointed a solicitor for me when a car hit me.

I wouldn't impose my views on others though- I think they can make their own decisions so I'm not in favour of compulsion.

esuhl

Compulsory insurance isn't necessary.

How much would an insurance company charge a five-year-old for cycling in front of his/her house?

MABLE

I cycle a lot and in my experience the most aggressive cyclists are the ones who have cameras fitted to their helmets. Some have them just to
intimidate other road users.

Norman_Castle

MABLE wrote: »

I cycle a lot and in my experience the most aggressive cyclists are the ones who have cameras fitted to their helmets. Some have them just to
intimidate other road users.

I think both motorists and cyclists who use cameras can create and provoke situations in a way they wouldn't do without a camera.