British Cycling has responded to the government’s proposals to limit whiplash claims by saying that the move would result in injured cyclists being denied access to justice and adequate compensation for their injuries.

The government’s proposals are far reaching and include increasing the small claims limit in personal injury claims from £1,000 to £5,000. 

This would mean that approximately 70% of cyclists who are injured through no fault of their own will be unable to recover their legal costs.  Injured cyclists will be put in a David and Goliath situation where they will face dealing with insurance companies without legal representation.

Martin Key, British Cycling’s campaigns manager, said: “The current proposals, which are aimed at saving motorists £40 per year on their insurance premiums, would punish cyclists and make it almost impossible for the majority of them to get legal representation”.

“The government needs to be doing everything that it can to encourage more people to get on bikes. All this will do is put people off.  We do not accept that small claims limit needs to be changed at all.  If it is, then it should be in line with inflation only and limited to road traffic claims which are brought by occupants of motor vehicles.”

View the full consultation that British Cycling has submitted. The government is due to report back on the consultation in the spring.