Green Daily

London's Environmental Transport Association is urging cyclists to obtain bike insurance that covers third-party issues, like if you run your bike into a tree or have an unfortunate run-in with a van. (And just because you're on a bicycle doesn't mean the driver can't try to demand compensation if you're in the wrong).

Despite a recent rise in cycling, only 2 percent of Londoners have an insurance policy. In addition to third-party indemnity, policies also cover theft, accidental damage and vandalism, and breakdown recovery service. The cool thing about the "breakdown recovery service" (like Triple A for your bike!) is that it dispatches other cyclists to help you, not gas-spewing tow trucks or vans.


Ironically, if you sign up for a policy, the ETA is offering a chance to win a gold-plated bicycle (so you can park it on a city street and see how well the insurance policy works, perhaps?)

Unfortunately, there doesn't exist a similar, comprehensive cycling policy in the U.S (which isn't surprising when you realize that Americans are just now getting around to embracing bike sharing programs and proper cycling lanes and parking, which have been available in Europe for years).

Instead, insurance for US cyclists varies state by state, and most are at least partially covered by if they have car insurance. (Renters or homeowners insurance cover theft, but whether this will include your bike is up to the insurance company).