Iowa County Puts Brakes on Mandatory Liability Insurance for Bicyclists

Dallas County, Iowa has put the brakes on a proposed bicycle policy requiring liability insurance for any organized ride with more than 20 people.

On Tuesday, June 24, supervisors delayed a vote after meeting resistance from cyclists who say it would hinder riding clubs and charity fundraisers that can’t afford the insurance.

The proposal was written by the Iowa State Association of Counties. The issue surfaced after Crawford County paid $350,000 to settle a lawsuit from a woman whose husband died in 2004 during the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.

The proposal would require the sponsors of any qualified bicycle event to purchase a $1 million policy that also covers the county. Violators would face fines of at least $750.

Latest Comments

• June 27, 2008 at 10:09 am

  JB says:

  There are avenues to get insurance through organizations like League of American Wheelmen (recreation rides) - for both club and special events. In my opinion, rates are very... read more
• June 27, 2008 at 8:46 am

  Hank says:

  Dread, We accept the responsibility of sharing the road with cars and are well aware of the dangers associated with road racing. Don't let a few bad cyclists spoil it for the ... read more
• June 27, 2008 at 7:53 am

  Dread says:

  Roads were built for automobiles not bicycles. Anyone who elects to use them for a purpose they were not designed/intended for does so at their own peril. Bicycles are a hazar... read more