It has been said that many cyclists who commute (and use their bicycles recreationally) are also motorists who leave their cars at home. This helps to alleviate traffic, parking congestion, not to mention making a significant dent in pollution and ultimately improve public health. In short, leaving the car or motorcycle at home and using a bicycle benefits everyone.

Given the above, insurance companies could be encouraged to extend the normal car or motorcycle cover to include the driver's bicycle. This results in a win-win situation. Hey presto, the motorist/motorcyclist turned cyclist is insured for free and by leaving the car at home there is significantly less risk to third parties resulting in lower claims. The insurance companies also stand to gain as the insured motor vehicle is parked or garaged, ergo zero third party risk.

Considering the thorny issue of insurance for bicycles, this may offer a partial solution that will benefit car drivers, cyclists and insurers alike. I do not know of any similar scheme in Europe, so it could be a first for Malta and a chance to lead the way.