Riders’ Rights & Legal Support

“I joined Bicycle Network in 2019 so I could get a discount on the cost of my first GVBR. I also like to support organisations that advocate on my behalf, in this situation, for better infrastructure and safety for cycling which has been a passion of mine (and the source of much happiness, friendship and fun) for over 10 years now.

However, my membership paid for itself many times over when I had a fall from my bike in early 2020 and I sustained multiple fractures (9!) leaving me unable to work for 9 weeks. I had been considering using the income protection included in my superannuation but to be recompensed, I needed to wait 2 months (without income) after exhausting all of my sick leave for payment to commence. I happened to receive a regular Bicycle Network email at this time and somewhere in there I saw ‘insurance’, I looked further, made a phone call to Bicycle Network and (to cut this story short), within two weeks from the date of the fall, minimum corroborating documentation, and even less fuss, I was receiving 75% of my regular wage. Outstanding!

Whilst I am working, I continue my Bicycle Network membership so in the event of another random event resulting in injury, I know my income will be minimally affected, and I know I’m supporting an organisation that really has supported me.”

“I was riding my bike into work when a driver of a SUV came out of a side street and crashed into my side. As result of the crash, I had multiple injuries including a broken wrist, concussion, and gravel rash. And my bike and helmet were both damaged.

I contacted Bicycle Network following the incident. I received ongoing support from their team including advice on how to deal with the driver and their insurance company.

When the driver refused to admit her wrongdoing and didn’t acknowledge my requests for compensation for my property damage, Bicycle Network contacted the driver on my behalf. Eventually, I reached a settlement with driver’s insurer and I’m very happy with the result.

Bicycle Network offered ongoing support – their team contacted me multiple times by phone and email to make sure everything was sorted out. I recommend Bicycle Network to all of my bike riding friends.”

“Whilst riding home on a main road, between parked cars and flowing traffic, a driver coming the other direction slowed to turn right. The driver in the car behind wasn’t paying attention and collided with the rear of the car turning right. In doing so the car turning right was shunted into our lane. The car in front of me had nowhere to go and collided head on with the shunted car. I was travelling at ~40kmph, and in a case of split-second timing crashed into the side of the car in front of me as it spun around from the head on collision

I was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital with multiple serious injuries that resulted in a seven day stay until I was cleared to go home.

The team at Bicycle Network were essential in helping me understand the process, post-injury, with regards to claims for medical and equipment expenses. My medical expenses were covered by TAC, but I was left out of pocket for remediation therapy that was covered by Bicycle Network’s medical coverage. Dealing with their insurer was fantastic, in complete contrast to the TAC.

Furthermore, I was fully supported in my efforts as a 3rd party claimant trying to recover equipment damages costs from the at-fault driver. This was a lengthy process that required the threat of legal action from Bicycle Network before the driver’s insurance company came forward to assess and ultimately pay for damages.”

“I was riding to work on my usual route when I slowed down to allow a rubbish truck to pass. As I took off, I clipped a bin, got the wobbles, and fell over.
For some reason, I didn’t get my foot out in time, fell sideways, and landed heavily onto my right hand breaking both the radius and ulna at the wrist, fracturing a bone in my thumb, and my fingers sustained some bad ligament damage. I had surgery and spent the next month in a brace. I was away from work for 7 weeks.

I had recently joined a new business and did not have enough leave to cover even half of that time, so I was immediately worried about the loss of income. While my care was in the public system, I do have – like all of us – significant ongoing living costs. My wife reminded me of the family membership we have with Bicycle Network and that I should investigate the insurance that comes with that.