Tour de France puts British cyclists to shame and expense

As cycling fans prepare to descend on London for the start of the Tour de France on Saturday, a new survey has revealed that countless numbers of British cyclists are putting their lives and the lives of others at risk by riding on pavements and jumping red lights.

Almost half of bike riders admit to cycling on the pavement – despite knowing it’s against the law. Another 25 per cent of Brits admitted to riding on the pavement but claimed they didn’t realise that it’s illegal (a cyclist can be fined up to £2,500 for reckless cycling and £1,000 for careless cycling).

More than one in five cyclists admits to jumping a red light and 14 per cent say they never indicate to let people know they are turning.

Many cyclists also admit to putting their own lives at risk with half of the 2,000 people polled for insurer Cornhill Direct owning up to not wearing a helmet.

But they are putting their lives in danger as 69 per cent of cyclists have fallen off their bike at some point in their lives – with 14 per cent of those getting knocked off by another vehicle.

It’s not just cyclists themselves that are getting injured as 16 per cent have hit someone, or just managed to avoid them, when on a bike. Nine per cent of respondents also admitted to damaging cars from getting too close.

Bike theft is also a big problem, with 18 per cent of people having had their bike stolen – more than one in ten of those from their own home.

Cornhill Direct is urging cyclists to make sure they have sufficient insurance cover. Cornhill Direct policies can provide cover for the following:

Personal liability if a cyclist injures someone or damages property while cycling

Personal accident in the event of injury to the cyclist

Legal expenses cover if a cyclist is involved in civil legal proceedings, either as the pursuer of a claim or as the pursued – this can also involve legal advice if the cyclist is being prosecuted

Theft or damage to the bike.

Cornhill Direct spokesman, Mark Bishop, said: “Cycling is hugely popular in the UK and riders would be wise to make sure they have the right insurance cover. If a cyclist were to injure someone they could face a bill of tens of thousands of pounds and if they were injured and unable to work it could cause them and their family real financial problems.

“While cycling can be great fun and good for you, it also carries risks and there is no excuse for riding recklessly and many cyclists admit to doing just that.”