Bicycle Network: Bicycle Network Victoria Membership

Be prepared to act

If you crash and are severely injured, you will have to rely on bystanders for help. Fortunately that is the exception. If you are still conscious and mobile after your crash, be prepared to act. 

Get off the road

After a crash you might be disorientated and either lie or stand on the roadway. The first priority is to get off the road and avoid the risk of further injury. Collect your bike off the road if you can do it safely. If anyone is injured on the scene, call the police.

See if you can move ok

If in doubt, ask someone to take you to a doctor or call an ambulance. Don’t act tough. If you don’t feel right, get help.

Be cool

Don't get upset. Don't start blaming anyone. Don't admit anything to anyone at this stage. 

Get witnesses and details 

If you have been hit by a car, exchange details with the driver. Write down the registration number of the car and the driver’s name, address and telephone number. You may wish to see the driver’s licence. Write down the location and time. If there are witnesses, ask for their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
 

Get checked out

Even if you feel fine, go to a doctor straight away and have a check up. It can take hours or days before some effects arise following a crash, such as concussion or deep bruising. If there is injury, you need to get treatment. You need to have evidence of the injury for later claims and compensation. If someone has been injured or their property damaged tell the police. When you make a report with police, ask for a copy of it. Ifyour helmet has been damaged, it is essential that you seek medical advice.

Later - Contact Bicycle Network Victoria

Once you have reported the crash to the police, contact us during business hours on (03) 8376 8888 and country callers 1800 639 634.
We will log a crash report and advise you on the best course of action for your claim, and if necessary send you a claim form. You can also request a copy of the insurance policy wording.

What information do I need to tell Bicycle Network Victoria?

When you call us, please have ready:

Your Rider ID
Date and location of the crash
Brief summary of what happened
Any other information that might be important

You have 12 months to make a claim through Bicycle Network Victoria insurance, but it is advisable to call us as soon as possible.

 Photograph your bike, locations and names of streets etc. When you are able, return to the scene of the crash. These details are important if you intend to sue or make a claim. If it is suitable, draw a diagram.

What if there is another party at fault?

When you contact us, we can advise you of the best course of action for you to take to attempt to recover the costs of repairing or replacing your bike. This usually involves sending a letter of demand to the third party at fault. Plus as a member, you are eligible to get free legal advice from our lawyers at Maurice Blackburn.

What if I have been injured in a transport accident?

If you have been injured in a transport accident your medical costs relating to the accident will be paid for by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The TAC is a Victorian Government organisation that acts as an insurer for people injured in transport accidents. Anyone injured in a transport accident can claim from the TAC if the accident is directly caused by the driving of a car, tram or train. This also includes things such as collisions between a bike and an open car door, and being dazzled by car headlights or distracted by a car driver.

Bicycle Network Victoria members have access to free legal advice from Maurice Blackburn, who can provide assistance with the TAC process. The TAC operate as an insurer, hence your interests are not necessarily aligned with those of the TAC. We therefore advise that members first obtain independent legal advice by contacting Maurice Blackburn on 1800 810 812 or email.

You can contact the TAC directly on 1300 654 329. A clerk at the TAC will take your details and send you a claim form.

When should I call Bicycle Network Victoria for free legal advice?

- Your property is damaged by another person and you wish to recover your costs
- You need assistance with a TAC claim
- You would like advice about bike shop repair and maintenance issues
 

How do I find details for a person at fault?

Ideally you will have obtained contact details of the person at fault at the scene of the crash. If you only obtained the person's name, you can try doing an electoral roll search at the Victorian Electoral Commission to obtain their address details. Alternatively if the police attended the scene, you will be able to obtain a copy of the police collision report which will list the contact details of all persons involved in the accident.