European Union Press Release issued 10th June 2002 aimed at answering some of the questions being raised at that time

Motor Insurance: new Commission proposal to modernise European law (Fifth Motor Insurance Directive)

Frequently Asked Questions (Excerpt)

Why should pedestrians and cyclists be covered by compulsory motor insurance?

While pedestrians and cyclists cause some accidents, motor vehicles cause most accidents. Whoever is responsible, pedestrians and cyclists usually suffer more in accidents involving motor vehicles.

In cases where accidents are not caused by the driver, the situation of pedestrians and cyclists differs a good deal from one Member State to another. In some Member States no insurance cover is provided and the courts often try to establish driver liability in such a way as to permit inclusion of the victim within the motor insurance cover. In other Member States, the legislation provides that pedestrians and cyclists are covered by the insurance for the vehicle involved in the accident, irrespective of whether the driver is at fault, although the particular circumstances in which the civil liability of the pedestrian or cyclist is involved varies according to the national legislation. As far as the Commission is aware, such inclusion of pedestrians and cyclists in some Member States' legislation has not had a significant impact on the cost of insurance.

The proposal adopted by the Commission in this regard aims to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists are covered by the compulsory insurance of the vehicle involved in the accident. This enhances their protection, as the weakest parties in traffic. This insurance coverage does not prejudge the civil liability which the pedestrian or cyclist may incur, or the level of compensation which is determined by the Member States' national legislation.