Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A window into the Tour and the photographers trying to cover the race.  Fabulous!  LINK to NY Times blog

Is your pedal included in the recall?

In 2008, LOOK issued a recall for all LOOK KEO chromoly axle models that were manufactured prior to January 2006.  A design defect may cause the axle to crack and break, which poses a fall hazard to the rider.  If you ride these pedals, check to see if your year/model is included in this recall.  LOOK’s website provides specific instructions for identifying the recalled pedals.

The June edition of Bicycle Magazine featured an article with tips on how to safely drive around cyclists.  If you’re not a subscriber, check out the slideshow of images on their website.

There’s also an informative slideshow addressing how to avoid some types of bicycle crashes.

I created these stickers after seeing similar ones in cab windows in Boston.  The idea is that the sticker will remind passengers to “watch for bikes” when they open the door into traffic in an effort to prevent dooring a cyclist.  I think this is a great idea, so I’m bringing it to Seattle.  I put a sticker on the inside of my front passenger door to remind me to check my blind spot when turning.  If you would use these stickers, want to place a stack at your place of business, or have suggestions for getting the word out, comment on this post and I’ll get in touch with you.

Insurance for cyclists is at the intersection of health, auto, and homeowner/renter insurance.  Depending on the situation you may or may not be covered on one of your own policies (ex. you are hit on your bicycle by an uninsured motorist – you will most likely be covered by your auto policy).  If you are hit by a driver, and you don’t have an auto policy, you may be covered by the driver’s policy (ex.  personal injury protection (PIP) is no fault coverage for medical care, wage loss, and household services).  If you crash your bike, your health insurance will cover you.

There haven’t been any bicycle-specific policies, but there now appears to be an insurer that is providing such policies.  Enter CLIPP.  I’m suspicious.  Is this anything other than an insurance company ready to take your money?  Will a CLIPP-insured cyclist be covered that far above and beyond her existing health, auto, and/or homeowner policy?  To fully understand whether this coverage makes sense, you need to review your health, life, car, and homeowner/renter policies. The basic coverage appears to be very minimal.  It is NOT comparable coverage to a standard car policy.  If you have at least health insurance and a homeowner/renter policy, it’s possible that is not coverage that makes sense.

Let’s take a closer look (CLIPP’s language is bolded, my comments are in italics).  The actual insurance coverages are in green – the other stuff is just fluff.

Base membership includes:

• Annual Safety Training by LAB Certified Instructors. This is cryptic.  LAB = League of American Bicyclists.  There are plenty of safety training classes – check with Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle.  Better to support Cascade than an insurance company.
• $1,000.00 of Accident Medical Insurance* per occurrence. This is barely any coverage.  For $1,000, you won’t even get a visit to the ER.  This is excess coverage, meaning it doesn’t kick in until you’ve maxed out all other medical insurance.
• $1,000.00 of Property Damage Insurance** per occurrence. CLIPP offers additional property coverage, for more money.  This is subject to a deductible.  If a driver hits you, his/her property damage coverage will cover your bike, if it’s his/her fault.  If you rent, and don’t have a renter policy, I strongly suggest it to cover your belongings in case of a burglar that enters your house in broad daylight after you leave the house to go to work (that was me, 5 years ago). As your insurer about “scheduling” your bicycle if it’s a pricey one.
• $1,000.00 Theft Insurance***Similar comment to property damage coverage – this can be easily covered by your renter/homeowner policy.
• $25,000.00 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage. If you are killed or seriously injured, you and/or your family is going to need an attorney, not this type of coverage.
• Bike registration with the National Bike Registry. If you’re interested, the cost is $10/10 years, $25/30 years.
• Club Membership in Adventure Cycling Association A good organization, but maybe it’s better to just join it directly and make sure they get the full benefit of the membership cost.
• Education for the public about bicycle awareness. *eyeroll*
• Updates on the cycling lifestyle. *eyeroll*
• CLIPP member discounts. *eyeroll*

I’m requesting more detailed information about CLIPP’s coverage – stay tuned . . .