Protection against a cycle of misfortune

Cycling may be invigorating and exhilarating, but it can also be a highly dangerous activity. An alarming one in 25 of the British Cycling Federation has been involved in a serious accident over the past two years, which is why the club says riders must ensure they are adequately protected.

A federation spokesman said: "The level of accidents is worryingly high, but very few were the cyclist's fault. Most of them are the fault of a third party, normally a motorist, which is why we believe all serious cyclists need access to good legal advice."

Most riders, if they insure their bikes at all, do so under their household contents.

However, the British Cycling Federation says this cover is probably not adequate in many situations. It may provide no third- party liability cover, so if the cyclist is sued because he or she caused an accident, there will be no funds to meet the claim. "People don't realise, for example, that they could lose everything if they are held responsible for an accident of any kind," a Federation spokesman explains.

Similarly, given the preponderance of serious accidents, the Federation believes cyclists need personal accident cover. This, as well as legal advice, comes free to federation members. For (pounds) 50 annually for adults, cyclists receive (pounds) 5 million third party cover, and personal accident protection which pays out on death or disability, and hospital bills.

The same cover costs (pounds) 35 for 16-18 year olds and (pounds) 23 for a child. They also get legal support. A spokesman explains: "Good quality legal advice is invaluable to cyclists who are often very vulnerable. They may be hurt because of poor road conditions.

"We are currently in legal battles with several local authorities where our members have been injured because of the poor road maintenance.

"They are very vulnerable to bad drivers.

He adds: "Fifteen per cent of all cycling accidents take place at a junction where motorists are making mistakes."

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