San Fairy Ann Cycle Club

Circulating details about cheap(er) BC membership in the General Discussion section of the forum I thought it might be a good time to make clear exactly what the Silver and Gold membership benefits are vis-a-vis Third Party insurance and free legal aid and help.

Just like Third Party motor insurance this provides cover for claims made against you when you negligently do something on the bike that causes or contributes to someone being injured or their property being damaged.

Unlike Motor Insurance it is not compulsory, but in today's "sue anyone for anything" society it is essential for your own protection. In addition to British Cycling's Silver and Gold membership the standard CTC membership also includes this cover.

It is also included in most insurance company policies that cover the contents of your house. These policies do not specifically refer to cycling but provide Third Party cover to all family members living in the insured house in respect of any personal negligent act. Motor vehicles and power boats are specifically excluded but things like jay walking, golf and most other sports are covered.

So now you are thinking "I've got a House Contents policy so why pay to join BC or CTC?" The reason is that both of them also provide free legal advice and aid when you are the victim and have to claim against whoever caused your injuries or damaged your bike.

Don't be misled by the "no win no fee" adverts - they will not take on every case and often require you to take out insurance against their costs if they lose. Both BC and CTC use solicitors who specialise in cyclists' claims and my own personal experience is that some of them are practising cyclists.

As a club we also have Public Liability insurance. This protects the club should it be held responsible for negligently causing injury, illness or damage through any of its organised activities. It does not cover individuals for their own personal acts.

In practice lawyers sue everyone who is remotely involved, so should an individual cause an accident whilst taking part in a club activity the claim would be against both the individual and the club. The club is insured - please make sure that you are.