UK Cycling Trends

The UK cycling scene has been through some ups and downs lately. Bike sales may have dipped, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of you from getting out, exploring further, and doing more by bike.

At Bikmo, our mission is to protect your ride, and be there when things don’t go to plan.

Now in its fifth year, our Open Project gives you a look behind the curtain at our insurance claims data. It’s all about transparency, helping you understand where risks lie, and how to keep your rides rolling.

Here’s what our 2024 data tells us…

It’s a reminder that most cycling risks don’t happen in your shed or garage – they happen out in the real world, when you’re stopping at a café, or locking up outside the shops. 

While some home insurance policies may offer limited bike cover, it often only applies when the bike is stored at your registered address and may exclude incidents that occur away from home.

That’s where our specialist cycle insurance booked through the Club comes in – it keeps you fully covered whether your bike is stolen when locked to your caravan or trailer, damaged in transit, or involved in an accident miles from your front door.

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When it comes to who’s making claims, commuting and e-commute riders lead the way at 50%. 

That’s no surprise, riding daily in busy traffic, locking up in public spaces and facing all kinds of weather naturally increases exposure to risk. Road and e-road riders follow at 34%, with incidents often linked to higher speeds, group riding and covering long distances where mechanical issues or crashes can occur. 

MTB and e-MTB riders make up 10% of claims, reflecting the unique challenges of off-road riding – from technical terrain and crashes on the trail to damage caused in transport. 

Each discipline faces its own set of risks, which is why having cover that’s designed specifically for the way you ride is so important.

Let’s start with the good news – UK claims dropped by 10% compared to last year. That’s fewer stolen bikes, fewer crashes, and (hopefully) fewer ruined rides.

But while overall claims are down, accidental damage is on the rise – now making up 42% of all claims, compared to 39% in 2023. Theft remains the most common claim type at 54%, with vandalism accounting for 3%.

Our claims approval rates remain strong, with 84% of claims approved and 16% declined – meaning more riders are getting the support they need, when they need it most.

Theft is still one of the most common claim types we see. But a lot of claims are declined for the same reason: locking errors.

The top reasons for declined claims in 2024 were:

🚴 Locking requirements not being met

🚴 E-bikes that don’t meet legal requirements

🚴 Using an incorrect rated lock

If you’re using a £5 cable lock from a discount site, you’re taking a big risk. We require the use of a Sold Secure Gold-rated lock and that your bike is secured through the frame to an immovable object. Investing in a solid lock and following these requirements will give you peace of mind knowing your bike is covered.

E-bikes continue to surge in popularity, and with that comes a few growing pains. In fact, e-bike eligibility became the second most common reason for declined claims in 2024.

So if you’re riding electric, take a moment to check if your bike meets the coverage criteria. Check out our e-bike laws blog for Club members here, or just reach out to us.

Looking Ahead

Our latest claims data reflects the real-world challenges UK cyclists are facing – more riders on e-bikes, more accidental damage, and thefts still driven by poor-quality locks. But it also tells a bigger story: people are riding more and making bikes a bigger part of their everyday lives.

At Bikmo, we’re here to protect every ride, because when more people choose bikes, everyone benefits. That’s why our mission goes beyond insurance: we’re here to support the world’s riders and the places we all love to ride.

Whether you’re exploring back roads, or heading out on your next big adventure, having the right cover means you can ride with confidence come rain or shine, at home or away with your caravan, motorhome or campervan.

Published October 2025