Timaru Herald: Liability’ tag angers cyclist

A Timaru man with Parkinson’s disease has been denied the right to take part in a charity bike ride, being told he is a liability. Ian Shore has participated in the Central South Island Charity Bike Ride for the past two years, but was told two weeks ago that he could not take part in the event next February. Organisers of the event told his wife Judith that if he had an accident they would be liable. When Shore heard the news he was “gutted”. Being labelled a “liability” was the hardest part.

“I thought that was a kick in the guts if ever there was one – I’ve been hurt by that.” Shore, who has had Parkinson’s for over 30 years, believes he is being discriminated against. “Anyone else has just as much chance of coming off their bike as me. If I’m a liability then so are the other 150 competitors who take part.” The bike ride is an annual three-day event that raises money for small charities.

Over $100,000 was raised this year for charities such as Heart Children South Canterbury, South Canterbury Women’s Wellness and Diabetes South Canterbury. Event organiser Phil Laurie said he felt for Shore and it was not a decision that had been made lightly. “This is a safety issue, and as the event has grown we’ve had to make as many positive steps as we can to ensure everyone’s safety, and the future of the event.” Laurie said it was unfortunate Shore had been referred to as a “liability” but, in the end, this was “the bottom line”.

“It’s a liability for the event. We’re not a company, we run this on our own backs. If something goes wrong and we have to pay out, it’s my house, or my fishing boat that goes.” Laurie said entrants signing a disclaimer did not lessen the risk. “If we are seen to be negligent in any way it would ruin the event, whether they have signed something or not.” But Shore denied he was a risk to himself or other riders.

He had fallen from his bike once, on loose shingle. Judith Shore said her husband was particularly keen to take part this year as one of the charities, Heart Children South Canterbury, was important to them, having lost a daughter to heart problems.