Public Liability Cycling

blackeyedpeat

On my commute this morning I has a very close encounter with a pedestrian. No contact was make but thank God my breaks work for their sake and mine. No harm done apart from frightening the life out of her. (She popped out between two stationary vans)
If I hit her.
And I was in a car I'm sure I would be liable.
As a cyclist if I hit her would I be liable for any injuries?
Or would she be liable for my injuries?
Would I be covered by my house insurance as part of public liability?
I know there is "cycling insurance" but that is mainly aimed at theft and competitive racing.
Any thoughts appreciated

doiredoire

blackeyedpeat wrote: »

On my commute this morning I has a very close encounter with a pedestrian. No contact was make but thank God my breaks work for their sake and mine. No harm done apart from frightening the life out of her. (She popped out between two stationary vans)
If I hit her.
And I was in a car I'm sure I would be liable.
As a cyclist if I hit her would I be liable for any injuries?
Or would she be liable for my injuries?
Would I be covered by my house insurance as part of public liability?
I know there is "cycling insurance" but that is mainly aimed at theft and competitive racing.
Any thoughts appreciated

No Cycling Ireland's insurance covers you for all cycling types, racing, leisure, commuting etc

blackwhite

blackeyedpeat wrote: »

On my commute this morning I has a very close encounter with a pedestrian. No contact was make but thank God my breaks work for their sake and mine. No harm done apart from frightening the life out of her. (She popped out between two stationary vans)
If I hit her.
And I was in a car I'm sure I would be liable.
As a cyclist if I hit her would I be liable for any injuries?
Or would she be liable for my injuries?
Would I be covered by my house insurance as part of public liability?
I know there is "cycling insurance" but that is mainly aimed at theft and competitive racing.
Any thoughts appreciated

If you hit her, and you were found to be at fault, then you are likely to be found liable for any injuries or damages caused - the same as any instance where you are found to be at fault and injuries or damages arise.

When cycling - in general - you're always expected to be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear (same as when driving). In this instance, it would appear that you were travelling at a speed that allowed you to do so .

The actions of the pedestrian would also be considered - walking out from between two vans instead of at a safer place would be a factor).

The home insurance question would depend on your specific policy TBH.

for example - Liberty's standard home insurance policy would cover you only if you have Contents cover included in your policy (see page 33 of https://www.libertyinsurance.ie/assets/Uploads/Home-Insurance-Policy-Booklet.pdf)

NUTLEY BOY

Cyclists owe a duty of care the breach of which can constitute negligence.
Pedestrians actually owe a duty of care too.

Most household insurance policies would cover this risk under the public liability section.
This would refer to negligent pedestrians as well as negligent cyclists.
However, you need to see the exact Ts & Cs as per blackwhite's post.

BTW public liability insurance is not compulsory under statute.
So, if you have an accident as a pedestrian or a cyclist you are under no obligation to disclose whether or not you have public liability insurance or with which company it is placed.

blackeyedpeat

doiredoire wrote: »

No Cycling Ireland's insurance covers you for all cycling types, racing, leisure, commuting etc

Thanks was sure as it's not exactly clear from their web site.