Support the future of the Cyclists’ Defence Fund
CDF needs you
For 25 years, the Cyclists’ Defence Fund has helped Cycling UK challenge injustice, support important legal cases and defend cyclists’ rights. But new threats continue to emerge and when decisions are made that could set a damaging precedent, Cycling UK needs to be ready to act.
When cases like these go unchallenged, the consequences can reach far beyond one person, one road or one community. A poor decision can shape how cyclists are treated by the courts, by councils, by decision-makers and by the wider legal system.
This is why CDF still matters. CDF is not only about past legal cases. It is about being ready for the next one.
Your donation to the Cyclists’ Defence Fund helps make sure Cycling UK can continue to challenge injustice, defend cyclists’ rights and act before damaging precedents are allowed to stand. A donation of £25 helps ensure Cycling UK can continue to respond when a case emerges that could affect thousands of cyclists. Your donation will support the Cyclists’ Defence Fund directly.
By donating today, you can help defend cyclists’ rights for the next 25 years. As a special thank you, supporters who donate will receive a free specially designed mug. You can also choose to donate without receiving the gift.
A thank you from us
To thank you for supporting the Cyclists’ Defence Fund, we’re delighted to offer everyone who donates a free Cycling UK mug featuring an exclusive design by cartoonist Dave Walker.
So donate today, raise a mug for cyclists’ rights and help us celebrate 25 years of the CDF.
What is the Cyclists’ Defence Fund?
Cyclists’ Defence Fund was set up in 2001 when nine-year-old Darren Coombes suffered brain damage from a collision with a motorist. Cycling UK (then Cyclists’ Touring Club) became involved when the driver’s insurer attempted to reduce Darren’s compensation by claiming contributory negligence because Darren wasn’t wearing a helmet.
The insurer’s claim was ultimately defeated, and in the aftermath of this landmark case, CDF was established to provide funds to fight similar precedent-setting cases. Twenty-five years on, the Cyclists’ Defence Fund is still fighting for cyclists’ rights across the UK.
Darren Coombes – the case that started it all
The fund was initially established after nine-year-old cyclist Darren Coombes suffered a brain injury in a collision with a motorist. The driver’s insurers admitted liability but sought to reduce Darren’s compensation because he wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time. The claim was defeated and CDF was established in the aftermath to defend and stand up for cyclists, or those who might cycle, in similar precedent-setting cases.
This case showed how a legal argument could have consequences for many cyclists. Darren’s case helped establish the need for a fund that could defend cyclists’ rights when wider principles are at stake.
Shoreham judicial review – because infrastructure matters
When West Sussex County Council removed a cycle lane on Upper Shoreham Road in Shoreham (pictured above and at the bottom of the page), the Cyclists’ Defence Fund was there to help Cycling UK mount a judicial review into the decision. The council accepted that it had acted unlawfully and settled the case prior to the final hearing.
This case shows why CDF remains vital today. When decisions are made to remove cycling infrastructure, the impact can reach far beyond one road. CDF helps Cycling UK challenge decisions that could undermine safer cycling and set damaging precedents for other places.
Tom Bosanquet – everyday cycling rights
Mr Bosanquet was prosecuted for inconsiderate cycling after allegedly delaying a driver for a few seconds, when he challenged another driver using his mobile phone while stopped at traffic lights – a criminal offence. The Cyclists’ Defence Fund covered the costs of Mr Bosanquet’s case, and in October 2022, the CPS announced it would be dropping the case.
This case shows how CDF helps protect everyday cycling rights. When cyclists are wrongly penalised, the consequences can reach beyond one person. CDF helps Cycling UK challenge decisions that could affect how people are treated simply for cycling.
Michael Mason – challenging failures in the legal system
The 70-year-old teacher, pictured below with his daughter Anna, was cycling along London’s Regent Street when he was hit from behind by a driver. He died 19 days later. The case wasn’t prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service because the Metropolitan Police didn’t refer it to them. Funds from our supporters meant that CDF could pursue a private prosecution – over 2,000 people donated more than £80,000.
On this occasion, the driver was acquitted, but the case shows why cyclists need someone in their corner. CDF helps Cycling UK stand up for cyclists when the outcome matters far beyond one case.
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