Welcome to the BNS Provincial Race License

The BNS Provincial License allows you to race in all Nova Scotia events that require a license such at the BNS Road, MTB and Cyclocross Point Series Races. On top of your license it also includes your BNS Membership that provides you with insurance anywhere you ride in Canada and access to the Brunello MTB Park (for 2020and 2021). See below for the details of the provided insurance coverage and benefits.

In Nova Scotia, actual race categories for riders 17 and older are ability-based, rather than age-based. Your NS ability category for Road (A, B, C, D, F) or MTB (Elite, Expert or Sport) is not printed on your licence but will be chosen at your first race of the year. Your race category is honour based and you should not be moving back and forth between ability categories. If you are winning everything it's time to move up and challenge yourself! If you are tired or sick don't drop down for the weekend. Race honestly.

Things to consider before purchasing your Provincial License:

1. If you plan on racing out of province, out of country or in National ranked events such as the Kentville Canada Cup Elite, Junior and U17 Categories you will require a full UCI License.
2. If you purchase a Provincial License and later decide you want a UCI License there is no refund and you will need to purchase a completely separate license.

On this system you can:

• Apply for your BNS Provincial Race Licence
• Join a BNS-Affiliated Club
• Sign up for updates from BNS Sectors
• Subscribe to Pedal Magazine

Your BNS Provincial License will be emailed to you. You will need to save this to your phone or print it and have it with you at your events.

Note that a credit card processing fee of 3% plus a Zone4 transaction fee will be added to your cart at checkout.

2021 BNS Insurance FAQ Sheet for Race License Members

Background: Since 2018, BNS has been able to provide continuous rider coverage for all our members, whenever they ride in the year, wherever they ride in Canada. This insurance covers the rider in case of injury whether you're in the middle of a race, on a casual training ride alone or with friends, or if you're taking it easy with family on the trail. This insurance is secondary in nature; if you have coverage through your employer, parents, or partner, their policy would activate first with our coverage filling gaps, or activating once your primary policy runs out.

BNS believes that there are many ways to enjoy cycling. Competition, Randonneuring, Touring and recreation should be accessible by anyone that wants to hop on the saddle. By providing this insurance, we believe that our members are awarded a degree of relief if they are ever involved in an accident.

If you're unclear about any of the terms or coverages of the BNS Rider Insurance Policy, please see the following frequently asked questions below.

Q. Why do I need insurance?

A. As a BNS licensed race member, you have personal insurance coverage at UCI sanctioned competitive events ONLY. Our new insurance program will cover you for events outside a sanctioned competitive event. A person who has paid for insurance receives coverage when a member has experienced an injury themselves or caused an injury to another person. The insurance policy purchased by BNS provides coverage for fractures, physio, and lost wages depending on the scenario (See scenarios on the second page/document/below). The costs recovered from insurance coverage when an incident has occurred will reduce the costs on a member’s personal budget.

Q. What is the difference between the 2017 BNS insurance program and the 2021 BNS insurance program?

A . It is the same insurance program but it is being expanded. In 2017, the insurance program provided general liability coverage to our members as well as Associated and Affiliated Club organizers and sport disability (AD&D) to members while participating in sanctioned club activities. In 2018, race license BNS members will be covered on all of their rides, including training rides, commutes, and recreational rides.

Q. Who is covered by BNS insurance?

A. All members, employees, and volunteers of BNS Affiliated Clubs and participating Associated Clubs are covered. As in the past, One Event Memberships (OEMs) will be available for events and races and will cover non-members for the duration of a single event. A signed waiver is required for One Event Memberships.

Q. Are there any coverage restrictions?

A. Yes, the following restrictions apply:

a. Activity: Only cycling activities are covered.

b. Geographic: Only cycling activities in Canada are covered

c. Age Restrictions: Only cyclists 80 years of age and younger are eligible for AD&D coverage. For this reason, for individuals over 80 premiums are reduced by half the amounts listed below. This reduced premium goes towards the club general liability insurance coverage.

Q. What are the 2021 insurance fees for Race License Members?

A . Increasing our insurance has resulted in an increase in our insurance premium as well as increased administration fees, particularly as we expect more people to join BNS and we want to ensure that we are doing our best in representing Nova Scotia cyclists in our work, providing up to date information and engaging in and leading cycling advocacy and activities across the province. We are expecting an increase in insurance-related fees in 2021.

Q. Is it compulsory for all BNS members to participate in this new coverage or will members have the choice of opting out?

A . Individual members who join BNS are required to be part of our insurance program and in fact, we have worked hard to make this a key benefit of BNS membership.

Q. Will this act as a primary or secondary insurance policy for members?

A . For members who already have AD&D coverage through personal insurance, this will act as a secondary policy and cover any gaps in existing coverage. For members without an existing AD&D policy, this will act as a primary insurance policy.

Q. Can I ride on a club ride if I am a Licensed BNS member but not a member of the Affiliated Club?

A. This is at the discretion of the club. Generally, clubs will require you to become a club member. To participate in club events, most clubs are happy to let new riders try out a ride to ensure that the club is a good fit before the rider joins the club. BNS recommends that you contact the club prior to the ride to discuss the ride with the potential rider.

Q. If I have a Race License Membership, do I need to pay the insurance premium again when I join an Affiliated Club?

A. No. Members are only required to pay the insurance fee once.

Q. If a BNS member is injured, what is the process for making an insurance claim?

A. The insured member will contact the BNS Administrative Officer who will collect some preliminary information and submit a claim directly to our broker at Marsh Canada. Marsh will activate the claim with our underwriter who will contact the member directly for any additional information required.

The BNS Administrative Officer will contact the insured member roughly two weeks after the claim was initiated.

Q. Does the insurance policy cover damages to my bicycle and bicycle accessories?

A. No. The insurance policy only covers injuries, not private property damages.

Disclaimer: The actual policy(ies), including any endorsements, determines coverage. The policy contains terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and other provisions not referenced (or only briefly summarized here).

For more information: Please contact our Director of Operations, Steve Bedard, at steve.bedard@bicycle.ns.ca or (902) 425-5454 ext. 228, if you have any questions.

Let us know how we can continue to make Nova Scotia a better place to bicycle!