With the Tour de France making global headlines over the coming weeks – and many of us being inspired by the exploits of British stars like Geraint Thomas, Chris Froome and the Yates brothers to treat ourselves to a new bike – there’s a strong case for remaining vigilant.
Start Rescue is advising cyclists to protect their two-wheeled property, whether old or new, this summer with a strong insurance policy and is also highlighting how a few precautions can deter the thieves.
Figures from thisismoney.co.uk indicate the average new bike costs over £800 with the increasingly popular E-Bike averaging £1,200, making brand-new bikes tempting targets for thieves. And cycle theft remains a persistent problem with statista.com showing that in the two years between April 2019 and March 2021 over 165,000 bikes were reported stolen. Start Rescue Managing Director Lee Puffett comments:
“We can’t all be Tour De France legends but the benefits of cycling are plain to see. Its excellent exercise, a very prudent financial choice with current spiraling fuel prices, environmentally friendly and is often the fastest, most enjoyable way to get to work.”
“Unfortunately, cycle theft figures remain stubbornly high as does the stealing of key items such as saddles, quick-release parts and thieves focusing their attention on valuable E-Bike batteries. Faced by this, opting for a specialist bike insurance policy makes a great deal of sense.”
“Leading insurers are responding to the growing popularity of cycling with quality policies covering everything from serious damage caused by botched thefts, financial help so you can hire a bike whilst you wait for a replacement and ‘new for old’ schemes which means that if even your bike is a few years old a new bike will be offered. There’s far more protection for your bike than you might think.”
Start Rescue advises that taking even a few simple, common sense precautions can go a long way to prevent the need to ever make a claim.
- Research and invest-in a high-quality D-lock and make sure the wheels are secured.
- Always try to lock your bike in a well-lit, public place.
- Take any quick-release parts with you, like the saddle and seat post.
- If your E-Bike has a removable battery take it with you or ensure it has a locking device.
- If you cycle to work, ask your employer about secure bike storage.
- Check the small print, not all household policies cover bikes or provide minimal cover.
Start Rescue has partnered with the cycling specialists Sundays to offer a comprehensive range of cycling insurance policies tailored for cyclists .