An insurance industry boss has suggested it is time for cyclists to take out insurance to cover injury to pedestrians and themselves.
The call follows recent cases where speeding cyclists have caused serious injury to pedestrians.
This week a drunk cyclist was spared jail after he hit two women, causing injuries so severe that one had to have a finger amputated.
In May, a dog walker suffered severe facial injuries and was knocked unconscious after she was hit by a “speeding” cyclist overtaking a car at the same spot in London’s Regent’s Park where a pensioner suffered fatal injuries after a similar collision.
While cyclists are far more likely to be the victim of injury and death on the roads caused by reckless and dangerous drivers, the recent accidents have put the behaviour of cyclists into the spotlight.
Any move to put pressure on cyclists to take out insurance would have to include some soft of number plate regime to ensure the individuals can be identified and traced.
John Neal, chief executive of Lloyd’s of London, said that it is not “such a daft idea” to expect cyclists to consider insurance to protect themselves and other road users.
Mr Neal, who is a keen cyclist himself, said: “Having been knocked off my bicycle two-and-a-half years ago, I know what it’s like to be hit by somebody. So I think you could do with a bit of protection as well.”
Following the accident, Mr Neal wrote: “I was involved in a collision with a car when I was out cycling, sustaining serious injuries including breaking 13 bones and shattering my hip. On top of this, a third of my pelvis is now titanium.
“I thought it might be the end of my reignited passion for cycling during the COVID-19 lockdowns, but I’ve brushed myself off and am back in the saddle.”
Following his experience, Mr Neal is an advocate of cyclists taking action to protect themselves. He told the Telegraph: “I can’t comprehend why anybody would not wear a crash hat riding a bike. I just couldn’t comprehend why people would not do that.”
In fact, British cycling expert and Olympian Chris Boardman argues that any move to require cyclists to wear helmets is not the answer. This is because, he believes, it will discourage many people, particularly women, from taking up cycling, which is bad news for the health of the nation.
Currently, cycle riders in the UK are not legally required to have insurance or to register their bikes because current road laws only apply to “mechanically-propelled” vehicles.
A number of insurance companies offer specialist cover for cyclists. For example, Direct Line offers a number of policies that cover both theft of a bicycle and injuries to the cyclist and any third party.
For £1.25 a month, it will offer up to £2 million in public liability cover if someone makes a claim against you for damage or injury caused while out cycling. And for an extra £1.25 a month there is help with medical bills, physiotherapy, dental and optical care if you’re injured in a cycling accident.
The last Government has promised to introduce tougher laws targeting cyclists who killed and injured pedestrians, in the wake of a series of deaths and serious accidents caused by collisions with push bikes and e-bikes.
The dangerous cycling laws were initially announced by the previous Conservative government but were dropped ahead of the general election. It is not clear whether Labour will reintroduce them.
Many argue that mandatory insurance cover would improve road safety by making cyclists more accountable and discourage them from flouting road rules, such as jumping red lights.
Lloyd’s, founded in a coffee shop near the banks of the Thames in 17th century London, recorded £4.9bn in pre-tax profit during the first half of 2024, a 25 percent increase on the same period last year.
