Free-wheeling is the way to go!
9th May 2014
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Anyone who knows me well knows that I do like to do my bit to keep fit whether it’s completing the Long Mynd Challenge, running, cricket or football, I’ve definitely been bitten by the fitness bug.
And one of my absolute passions is cycling!
Now now don’t get carried away with those mental images of knobbly knees and lycra my kids would never forgive me if I embarrassed them on the roads of Shropshire, so I only ever wear the kit that’s absolutely necessary!
But joking apart, what could be better than a hobby that gets you out in the fresh air, keeps you fit and saves you money all at the same time? Unless your bike is stolen of course.
And sadly it’s a growing trend with thousands of bikes targeted by thieves every year.
Of course, you can see why: some of the latest high-spec carbon framed bikes can be worth thousands of pounds, and which opportunist thief is going to pass up the opportunity to snatch something like that when they see it left outside a shop?
Figures show that more than 97,000 bikes were stolen last year, with more than 6,000 of those worth £1,000 or more. The really bad news is that most cyclists assume their bike will be covered on their home contents insurance, but it’s a good idea to check because it’s not always the case.
Some home insurers cover bikes in their standard policies but only up to a certain value so if you’re one of those serious cyclists with a top-of-the-range set of wheels, you may find you’re not covered.
And if you become a serial target, with your bike being stolen on several occasions, you could also be left high and dry because some policies will only pay out a certain number of times.
It might seem obvious, but one of the most common reasons insurers refuse to pay out is because the stolen bike wasn’t securely locked in a public place.
And while simply locking your bike is enough for some insurers, others will ask for an “approved lock or for your bike to be locked to something that’s impossible to move like a phone box for instance!
You might find you’re only covered if your bike is stolen from inside your home or your garage too so if it’s taken from outside the station or your workplace (which let’s face it, is exactly the time it’s more likely to be a target for thieves!) you could be in trouble.
But don’t let security concerns put you off there’s nothing better after you’ve worked hard to reach the summit of a hill than free-wheeling down the other side like a kid with the wind in your face!
