You caused a crash as a cyclist — now what are your rights?

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Every registered vehicle in WA is protected by motor injury insurance, but if a cyclist causes an accident, the aftermath is more complicated.

abc.net.au/news/cycling-and-public-liability-insurance-accidents/102398234You're riding your bike to work, wobble over a crack in the pavement and hit a pedestrian.Had you been in a car, or any other registered vehicle, you'd be covered under West Australian law by motor injury insurance, which includes any injuries or fatalities caused to a third party in an accident.

Ms McLachlan said her only feasible route to work — without taking a 40-minute detour around the river — required her to cross through major traffic areas. She said riding on the footpaths wasn't an option before school hours because of the schoolkids walking three or four abreast. "Bicycles are associated with being free, you know? As a kid you just get on your bike and ride," she said.Honorary fellow from UWA Law School Gregory Pynt said many cyclists could be covered automatically by their home contents insurance.

Dr Pynt said cyclists without home contents insurance could purchase specific cyclist insurance through an insurance company, or become a member of a cycling body, which often had insurance options available as part of membership fees.CEO of WestCycle, WA's peak non-profit cycling body, Wayne Bradshaw said there were three levels of insurance for cyclists in WA: personal accident, public liability and bicycle insurance cover.

"Of course, I'm aware riding on the roads … always aware of the cars around me and obeying road rules and being careful of [other] cyclists," Mr Booth said.Joshua Booth says he hadn't considered the legalities of being in an accident.

 

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