Bicycling safety and insurance tips

Bicycling is on the rise across the U.S. as people capitalize on the health and economic benefits of ‟active” transportation. And an increasing number of young people are embracing bicycling and forgoing drivers’ licenses to save money.¹

Whether you use your bicycle to commute to work or simply enjoy riding, it’s important to understand how to insure your bike; how to keep your bike safe; and most importantly, how to keep yourself and your family safe.

How to insure your bike

• Property coverage
  Bicycles are typically covered under the personal property section of standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Minus your deductible, this coverage will reimburse you if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire or other disaster listed in your policy. I can review your coverage options with you — give me a call.
• Liability protection
  Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies also typically 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 also typically includes no-fault medical coverage in the event you injure someone.

Keep your bike safe²
Avoid theft by keeping your bike safe. Here are some simple rules:

• Always lock up your bike, no matter where it is.
• Lock up your bicycle in a visible, well-lit area.
• Buy the best locking system you can afford. Consider a system that cannot be easily cut, such as a U-shaped lock or a heavy duty lock with a strong wire cable.
• Always try to secure the bicycle’s frame and both wheels to a stationary object, such as a post or a fence.
• Do not lock up your bicycle in the same location all the time. A thief may notice the pattern and target you.
• Protect your investment by recording your bicycle’s serial number; this may help to recover your bicycle if it’s stolen.
• Register your bicycle with your local police department.
• Consider registering your bike with the National Bike Registry.

Keep yourself and your family safe³
It is 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 — Wear a properly fitted helmet
2. Assure Bicycle Readiness — Ensure proper size and function of bicycle
3. Ride wisely — Learn and follow “Rules of the Road”
4. Be predictable — Act like a driver of a motor vehicle
5. Be visible — See and be seen at all times
6. Share the road — “Drive with care”
7. Stay focused — Stay alert

Additional information on bicycle safety
Bicycling is a fun activity appreciated by millions. Your safety and that of everyone on the road depends on everyone knowing and following the same rules, however.
For more bicycle safety information download this brochure prepared by Farmers. Some of these tips may prevent damage to, or loss of, your bicycle. Some of these tips may even save your life.

¹http://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/equity_report.pdf
²http://www.farmers.com/pdf/BicycleSafety.pdf
³NHTSA, Seven Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety for Adults, Sept. 2012, http://www.nhtsa.gov