May is National Bike Month!

Remember to Properly Insure Your Ride

Throughout the country, many cyclists are taking advantage of bike month programs from car-free bike paths and classes on basic bike mechanics to racing clinics and group riding programs. Regardless of whether you plan to train for a century ride or simply like to cycle around the block with your children, it is important to understand the rules of the road and protect your financial investment with the proper insurance.

Bicycling has increased in popularity both as a sport and as a means of transportation. According to research by the National Sporting Goods Association, 39.8 million Americans age seven and older were estimated to have ridden a bicycle more than once in 2010, while sales of bicycles and related accessories rose from $2.4 billion in 1990 to about $5 billion in 2009.

Bicycles can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars for a nice basic bike to super fast racing and triathlon bikes that can cost thousands of dollars. No matter what kind of bike you ride, protect it and always make sure it is locked up and that you have adequate insurance coverage.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation 183,028 bicycles were stolen in 2009, (average value $318). Bicycles are stolen most often in densely populated areas such as cities and suburbs, but university and college towns are another hot spot; in fact bicycle thefts represent over half of property crimes on campuses.

Bicycles are covered under the personal property section of most standard home insurance and renters insurance policies. This coverage will reimburse you, minus your deductible, if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire or other disaster listed in your policy.

If you are purchasing a new bike, keep the receipt and contact us or call us at 423-877-3536, as soon as possible. If you own a particularly expensive bicycle, you may want to consider getting an endorsement. We can review your coverage options with you.

There are two types of coverage for personal property:

• Actual Cash Value reimburses you for what the bicycle is actually worth given its age. A 10-year-old bicycle, for example would be valued at the cost of a comparable bicycle minus 10 years depreciation.
• Replacement Cost Coverage reimburses you for what it would cost to replace your 10-year-old bicycle with one of like kind and quality at current cost. Replacement cost coverage costs about 10 percent more than actual cash value, but it is a good investment.

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies also provide liability protection for harm you may cause to someone else or their property. If you injure someone in a bicycle accident and he or she decides to sue, you will be covered up to the limits of your policy. Your homeowners or renters insurance may also include no-fault medical coverage in the event you injure someone. This coverage usually ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

• Save all your receipts - When you buy your bicycle you may purchase expensive equipment to go with it, so make sure to save your receipts for everything. The cost of a helmet, patch kits, pumps, extra inner tubes and other essentials, not to mention that fancy new bike jersey, can add up quickly. If your bike and related items are stolen or destroyed, having receipts can help speed the claims process.
• Add your bicycle and related items to your home inventory - Everyone should have an up-to-date home inventory of all their personal possessions. An inventory can help you purchase the correct amount of insurance and make the claims filing process easier if there is a loss.

Avoid Bicycle Theft

Of course the best protection of all is to keep your bike safe. To help avoid theft, follow these simple rules:

• Always lock up your bike, even if it is in your garage, an apartment stairwell, or a college dormitory.
• Lock your bicycle to a fixed, immovable object like a parking meter or permanent bike rack. Be careful not to lock it to items that can be easily cut broken or removed, and that the bike cannot be lifted over the top of the object to which it is locked.
• Lock up your bicycle in a visible, well-lit area.
• Consider using a U-lock and position the bike frame and wheels so that they take up as much of the open space within the U-portion of the lock as possible. The tighter the lock-up, the harder it is for a thief to use tools to attack the lock. Always position a U-lock so that the keyway is facing down towards the ground. Do not position the lock close to the ground as this makes it easier for a thief to break it.
• Don’t lock up your bicycle in the same location all the time. A thief may notice the pattern and target you.
• Consider registering your bike with the National Bike Registry.

Increase Your Bicycle Safety

It is clearly even more important to keep yourself and your family safe while you are riding. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that cyclists follow these seven rules:

1. Protect Your Head - Never ride a bike without a properly fitted helmet.
2. Assure Bicycle Readiness - Ride a bike that fits you and check all parts of the bicycle to make sure they are secure and working well.
3. Learn and Follow the Rules of the Road - Bicycles are considered vehicles on the road; therefore riders must follow the same traffic laws as drivers of motor vehicles.
4. Act Like a Driver of a Vehicle - Always ride with the flow of traffic, on the right side of the road, and as far to the right of the road as is practicable and safe.
5. Be Visible - Always assume you are not seen by others and take responsibility for making yourself visible to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists.
6. “Drive with Care” - When you ride, consider yourself the driver of a vehicle and always keep safety in mind. Ride in the bike lane, if available. Take extra care when riding on a roadway. Courtesy and predictability are key to safe cycling.
7. Stay Focused. Stay Alert - Never wear headphones as they hinder your ability to hear traffic. Be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively.

For additional information on bike month activities, contact the League of American Bicyclists.