£8m to subsidise bicycles
As Spain and the Czech Republic become the latest nations to offer car ‘scrappage’ schemes, Italy is offering its travelling public an altogether greener alternative by becoming the first European country to subsidise the cost of bicycles.
The Italian government has made available £8m to subsidise the purchase price of bicycle or electric bikes by up to 30 per cent.
The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is calling for a similar scheme in Britain. It believes the car ‘scrappage’ grant that currently offers a driver £2,000 off a new car when a 10-year-old vehicle is scrapped should be replaced by a subsidy for cyclists.
A spokesperson at the ETA said: “Cycling has benefits for the whole of society so money invested in this way is well spent.”
Latest cycle insurance rivals car cover
The latest insurance products for cyclists offer as many benefits as the fully-comprehensive policies offered to car drivers.
Motorists with a fully-comp level of cover are reimbursed for accidental damage to their vehicle and are supplied with a hire car while theirs is off the road, which are both features now commonly included in most cycle insurance policies.
Compare the cycle insurance market
Cycle insurance from the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is widely regarded as the most comprehensive on the market and includes a specialist recovery service for cyclists who have broken down.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Just as with any other type of insurance, it is vital that people shop around – many cyclists are paying over the odds for the extras that we include for free.”
| Cycle insurance from the ETA includes the following | Does your policy match up? |
|---|---|
| New-for-old replacement – free race cover | No matter the age or condition of your bicycle |
| Cover for accidental damage – free race cover | Much like fully-comp car insurance cover |
| Free Cycle Rescue breakdown cover for bike and rider worth £34 | If you are unable to continue your journey due to an accident, vandalism or mechanical failure, a van comes to get you |
| Third-party cover up to £1million | You don’t need to join a cycling club to get third party insurance – it’s included with this cycle insurance as standard |
| Personal accident cover | Pays out up to £20,000 in the case of death or serious injury |
| Cycle hire | In the event of a claim, keeps you on the road |
| 60 days’ European cover | Covers your bike on holiday |
| ‘Get you home’ cover | Reimbursement for a taxi home should your bike be stolen or damaged |
| No-claims discount | Up to 40 per cent |
| 40 per cent discount for folding bikes | This type of bike is less likely to be stolen, so you shouldn’t be paying the same rates as non-folding cycles |
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What is the ETA?
The ETA provides cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.
