AAA clubs in Colorado and Southern New England announced the new services extended to cyclists – following the lead of other regional auto clubs.
The organization, whose territory includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island, will send mechanics in trucks that are outfitted with bike racks to cyclists who call for help, in a new benefit the company says comes with existing memberships.
Mary Wyatt, senior vice president of marketing and publications for AAA Southern New England, explained the thinking:
"Whether for sport, transportation or family fun, the number of people riding bicycles is on the rise. So in line with our goal to help keep our members moving, it made sense to extend our roadside assistance to include bicycles. It’s a natural."
The car club isn’t the only one to offer cyclists help — as The Riding Reporter notes, similar services from Spoke Bicycle Insurance and Better World Club are available in some areas.
The AAA plan, which covers both its members and their teenage children who might not yet have a driver’s license, is part of a growing trend within AAA. The organization’s Washington state club began its bike program in 2012. AAA Colorado followed suit this month; the program is also offered in bike-friendly Minneapolis.
"Service for bike riders has been available in Oregon and Idaho since 2012 and in New Jersey since last year. In Massachusetts, about 30 AAA trucks will be outfitted with bike racks."
The trucks can’t get to isolated bike paths, meaning cyclists will have to make their way to a road to receive help. Once they’re picked up, they can ride for up to 10 miles without an extra fee.
"The bicycle service, provided at no additional cost, operates much like roadside assistance,"AAA’s Horizons magazine says. "Each member receives two bicycle calls per year, neither of which count against annual road service allotments."
About
Nice weather isn’t the only thing to be excited about this spring.
Beginning immediately, AAA Southern New England is offering bicycle benefits at all levels of membership.
“It’s always been comforting to know that AAA is there for you if your car breaks down. Now you will have that same peace of mind when riding on your bicycle,” said Mary Wyatt, senior vice president of marketing and publications for AAA Southern New England.
The bicycle service, provided at no additional cost, operates much like roadside assistance. Each member receives two bicycle calls per year, neither of which count against annual road service allotments.
To initiate a request, members simply call the road service number on their AAA card (800-AAA-HELP). While vehicles cannot meet cyclists on bike paths, bike trails or other off-road locations, service trucks will meet members on any normally traveled road within AAA Southern New England’s territory.
Transportation for you and your bike will be provided to your home, your vehicle or another location free of charge within a limited range. Regular road service guidelines apply to all bicycle calls. Members can call for service any time of day, 365 days a year.
No signup or registration is required to begin using the new bicycle benefits. Bicycle benefits even extend to INsider, the club’s free program for teens ages 13 to 16. INsiders are eligible for service as long as a parent or legal guardian initiates the request. INsiders also get discounts and a free one-year associate membership at age 16-and-a-half.
Membership Benefits: Bicycle Service
Everyone knows that AAA offers 24-hour roadside assistance for your vehicle, but now AAA Southern New England and NJ Auto Club covers your bicycle, too!
AAA Bicycle Service is free and available to all membership levels including INsiders! There is no sign up or enrollment. AAA Members automatically receive two bicycle calls per year.
If your bicycle breaks down while you’re out for a ride, simply call the road service number on your AAA card (1-800-AAA-HELP).
Benefits
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