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.