Most cyclists in Girona lack insurance, Catalan Biking Federation warns

In the past few years, Girona, in northern Catalonia, has become hugely popular among cyclists, both professional and amateur. 

However, most of the cyclists in Girona counties do not have the necessary insurance to practice the sport, the Catalan Biking Federation warns.

The federation also alerts that the law requires insurance for those who practice the sport.

The federation regrets that a lot of people will not spend €120 a year –for the most expensive insurance– to "be able to cycle with reassurance for the whole year."

Carles Ferrer, head of the Catalan Biking Federation in Girona, explains that the insurance covers both clinic and damage costs: "Most cyclists are not aware that, in case of an incident, they will have to cover costs personally. So from the point of view of the cyclist, the most important thing is obviously to have civil liability insurance that covers these possible incidents that may occur."

One of the requirements to get insurance is getting a complete medical check to make sure that the cyclist is in proper condition to do the planned activity.

"A lot of people see professionals training in Girona with their teams and try to do the same routes despite not having the fitness levels," Carles Ferrer points out.

The Catalan Biking Federation is also trying to raise awareness of the accident rate concerning bicycles.

According to the Federation, eight out of ten accidents between motor vehicles and bicycles are the driver's fault. "Usually, the cyclist is the vulnerable part," Ferrer adds.

In the last weeks, they have been working together with Catalan police Mossos d'Esquadra and medical emergency services to raise awareness of road safety.