The cycling season is in full swing

The cycling season is in full swing – the most common problems affecting cyclists have been identified 

With the arrival of warmer weather, the bicycle becomes one of the most popular modes of daily transportation for many people, but it also comes with various risks. Data from BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (hereinafter – BTA) for the past three years shows that one in three bicycle-related insurance claims is for theft. As explained by Ivo Danče, Director of the Insurance Claims Department at BTA, although theft causes the greatest losses, bicycles are most often damaged by hitting potholes, running into obstacles, losing balance, or suffering damage to tires and other parts, often resulting in injuries to the cyclists themselves. 

A “nice catch” for thieves, but an average loss of 550 euros for bike owners 

Over the past three years, half (50%) of BTA’s bicycle-related insurance claims have been for various types of damage, while 34% of cases involved bicycle theft, while approximately 15% of cases resulted in injuries to the cyclist. 

“Bicycle damage usually occurs under very ordinary circumstances, such as hitting a pothole, bumping into a curb, or another obstacle. Typical damage also includes punctured tires caused by glass or construction debris. Less frequently, bicycles are damaged in collisions with a car or another cyclist. “However, the greatest losses for cyclists are most often caused by theft - specifically, the average insurance claim for a stolen bicycle exceeds 550 euros, while in cases of damage it amounts to 180 euros,” says Ivo Danče. 

Bicycles go missing even during the day and in crowded areas 

A well-lit location, a lock, or daylight hours are no obstacle to a thief’s goal of getting their hands on a coveted bike. The largest claims reported to BTA over the past three years show that thieves have taken a liking to bicycles not only in remote or poorly lit areas but are also not afraid to commit thefts in broad daylight in places where people are present. 

For example, BTA paid out 1,340 euros in compensation for a bicycle stolen from a schoolyard. In another case, 1,270 euros were paid for a bicycle stolen from a parking lot during the workday. In yet another situation, 1,110 euros was paid in insurance claim for a bicycle stolen from the courtyard of an apartment building, even though it had been locked in a special rack. Among the largest claims are also a 909euro insurance payout for a bicycle stolen from a rack at a shopping centre and an 885-euro payout for a bicycle stolen from a rural property. 

“At the same time, we have observed that the entire bicycle is not always stolen. Thieves also target individual parts and accessories: handlebars, brakes, shifters, wheels, lights, and even just the seats. However, even in such situations, the bicycle is damaged and requires investment to restore it. Moreover, if there is no insurance, this can amount to several hundred euros in unexpected expenses,” says Ivo Danče. 

Accidents don’t just damage bicycles - cyclists also sustain injuries 

Accidents don’t just damage bicycles - riders themselves also sustain injuries. All it takes is one unnoticed pothole, a sudden manoeuvre, or a collision with an obstacle for an everyday ride to end not only with a damaged bike but also with injuries. 

BTA has a case in which a cyclist, while riding along a forest trail, hit a tree with his shoulder and sustained an injury; in another situation, a child, riding a bicycle down a hill, fell and broke his forearm. 

Injuries are also sustained while avoiding collisions with pedestrians, losing balance on wet and slippery roads, as well as during unsuccessful manoeuvres. For example, in one accident, a cyclist fell to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Another cyclist went for a ride in the rain and his foot slipped off the pedal, which was then struck by the bicycle. There was also a case where a child, sitting on the rear rack, had his leg caught in the spokes. 

“Cyclists often think about how to protect their bike, but it’s important to remember that protecting yourself is just as important. A fall, a pothole, or an unnoticed obstacle can result not only in a flat tire or a bent wheel, but also in fractures, bruises, and other injuries. That’s why, as the cycling season begins, more and more people are not only insuring their bikes but also opting for accident insurance. “That said, this doesn’t change the fact that when riding a bike, you need to pay attention to your chosen route and road surface, as well as your riding style and safety by wearing a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads,” says Ivo Danče. 

Key safety rules to keep in mind when cycling 

To ensure a safe bike ride, it is important to pay attention to both the bicycle itself and where you park it. BTA experts recommend always using a high-quality lock and securing the bicycle to a stationary object in a location offering high visibility, as thefts occur even during the day. It is equally important to regularly check the bike’s technical condition, including tire pressure, brakes, and lights, as well as to perform a full maintenance check before the season begins to avoid unpleasant surprises while riding. 

On the road, the main priorities are safe riding and appropriate protective gear. Specifically, cyclists must follow traffic rules, which it is always advisable to review before the start of the season. On the road, you should choose an appropriate speed and be especially careful of potholes, slippery surfaces, and pedestrians. A helmet, reflective clothing, and properly functioning lights are also essential for safety. 

At the same time, you must be prepared for unexpected situations, so choose a route and environment that match your skill level - this means that people who haven’t ridden a bike in the city should prepare by refreshing their practical and theoretical skills. Conversely, if you are used to riding in the city on a daily basis but not on rural roads or in areas with more rugged terrain, you will need to adapt your riding skills.