Bug Insurance

Updated January 2010 

One of the big questions that often crop up with BUGs is all about insurance. Well rest assured the Bicycle NSW Public Liability policy is extended to cover those BUGS who are Incorporated and formally affiliated and approved BUGS of Bicycle NSW (The insurance covers the BUG Executive and Ride Leaders). But that is not all - the insurance also covers you if you have stall at a festival, or a meeting in a council hall etc (but you do need to request this for the event - see the section on Certificate of Currency for details on this).

While having this insurance is great it does not mean you as a BUG can sit back and relax, you still have a responsibility to make sure that you have thought about the ride you are holding and to make sure that the participants are aware of the road conditions. Also members of a BUG should be encouraged to become members of Bicycle NSW for personal liability and personal accident cover.

If you are a BUG needing a Certificate of Currency for a stall in a festival, renting a hall or anything like that. It is the responsibility of the president of the BUG to contact Cycle Cover and organise for a copy. A form will need to be completed. Further details can be found at:

Insurance
Bicycle NSW Bicycle User Groups - Certificate of Currency Request. Your Bicycle User Group (BUG) may be asked to provide a certificate of currency for a specific event, property lease etc. To request a certificate of currency for your BUG please follow the following procedure:

Confirm the following before proceeding:
1. Your BUG is affiliated with Bicycle NSW
2. You are the president of the BUG (Certificates will only be issued to the president)

If you have answered Yes to the above questions please download the Application for Certificate of Currency form and fax to Cyclecover on 03 8862 2233 or email to info@cyclecover.com.au 

The policy is underwritten by Calliden Insurance Limited.
Please contact Cyclecover on 1300 733 055 if you have any questions. 

Important notice for those BUGs affiliated with Bicycle NSW 
The current affiliation arrangements provide affiliated BUGs with cover associated with Bicycle NSW member based Public Liability Insurance for public activities of the BUG, such as Rides, Fete stalls and meetings. That cover does not extend to individual members of the BUG who are not members of Bicycle NSW.   All cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the relevant policy wording. BUGS should assess whether the policy provided through Bicycle NSW meets their individual requirements and if required seek their own insurance advice.  
Important notice for Ride leaders with BUGs affiliated with Bicycle NSW 
Ride Leaders acting on behalf of a Bicycle NSW affiliated BUG must be a Bicycle NSW member at the time of the incident to be afforded any cover under the policy. The policy indemnifies members for Personal Injury or Property Damage arising from the rendering of or failure to render professional advice or service, provided such professional advice or service is not given for a fee. Ride Leaders charging a fee should seek their own insurance advice. 
Frequently asked questions:
1. Is our BUG covered if a ride leader is not a member of Bicycle NSW?  No - ride leaders must be members of Bicycle NSW
2. Is a sign on sheet a mandatory requirement for insurance cover?  No but recommended as good risk management practice.
3. Does a ride need to be advertised in advance including brief ride details? No but recommended again as good risk management.
4. Are we covered if non members join a ride? Rides should be offered to members only. A policy should be in place where potential members have 2-3 trial rides before they must join the BUG.
5. Would we be covered for the informal rides if the nominal ride leader is a Bug and Bicycle NSW member? If you advertise it, it is no longer an informal ride and you need to be covered.
6. Where does our Bug stand re the grey area of publicising rides organised by other groups ie: Does this imply liability on behalf of our? If you advertise other rides that's ok as long as it is clear you are not the organiser and have no part in the rides.
7. Where do we find out more information and get a ride certificate of currency from? Web link for insurance click here