AAA members?

[Tickdoc]

fyi, they are now adding free bicycle roadside assistance to bicyclists who are members.

Nice option to have for a end of the line sag option, I guess.

[Bentley]

Serious?? That would be awesome. They give you a ride home if you breakdown on a long solo ride?

[Tickdoc]

Serious?? That would be awesome. They give you a ride home if you breakdown on a long solo ride?

Just added as a free feature to subscribers here. Basic repairs and or transportation home or to a shop.

I am assuming it applies to other areas as well, but their website automaticallly redirects to ok, so hard to tell if it is in all state clubs.

[R3awak3n]

pretty cool, my wife just asked me if I wanted to be added to her AAA account for 30 bucks a year, I said no but now I might just well do it.

[Tony T]

I don't think this is available in all states. NY was just added last year.
I have it.
Another option is Better World Club (bicycle only @ $40/yr)
http://www.betterworldclub.com/roadside-assistance/bicycle-roadside-assistance/

[2metalhips]

I think there is a 10 mile transport limit in this area.

[pncguy]

Sweet! Thanks for posting this. I did not know...

"Denver, April 30 – AAA Colorado is expanding roadside assistance to include bicycles for its members statewide. Effective May 1, 2014, transportation service will be provided for members when their bicycle is disabled or inoperable, with no increase in membership dues. A service vehicle will meet you at a trail head or on a publicly traveled road and transport you and your bike to the location of your choice. Service vehicles are not equipped to repair a member’s bicycle or change a flat tire."

Now I need to remember to carry my AAA card when I ride!

[Tony T]

That may be for a free pick-up, add'l charge for over 10 miles.
Can I receive transportation further than 10 miles from where my bike breaks down?

Yes, however, additional mileage will be charged at the prevailing roadside assistance rates for each region.
https://northeast.aaa.com/membership/benefits/bicycle-service-faqs.html

Also, NE Coverage: https://northeast.aaa.com/membership/benefits/bicycle-coverage.html

[Tickdoc]

That may be for a free pick-up, add'l charge for over 10 miles.
Can I receive transportation further than 10 miles from where my bike breaks down?

Yes, however, additional mileage will be charged at the prevailing roadside assistance rates for each region.
https://northeast.aaa.com/membership/benefits/bicycle-service-faqs.html

Also, NE Coverage: https://northeast.aaa.com/membership/benefits/bicycle-coverage.html

I'll take 10 miles and gladly pay more if my primary rescue (wife) and secondary rescue ( son ) aren't an option.

[OtayBW]

I think there is a 10 mile transport limit in this area.

That may be for a free pick-up, add'l charge for over 10 miles.
Actually 5 mile transport limit for Mid-Atlantic AAA, but they offer additional services for premium membership:

From AAA: The bicycle towing mileage is the same as vehicle towing mileage – 5 miles for Classic, 100 miles for Plus/Premier and one 200 mile tow for Premier.
I have mixed feelings about AAA, and it's only helpful, I think, if I'm riding in some other part of the country where I have no/few resources.

[Tony T]

I have mixed feelings about AAA, and it's only helpful, I think, if I'm riding in some other part of the country where I have no/few resources.

I think that that could be a problem if you're traveling in a state that AAA doesn't cover for bikes.
(which is why I also have a membership in Better World Club)

[Mr. Pink]

I have mixed feelings about AAA, and it's only helpful, I think, if I'm riding in some other part of the country where I have no/few resources.

No, sorry, only in member's state. Which is a pain for me, because I live right on a border, and cross that border sometimes twice during a ride.
Still, it's a cool benefit. And, as far as the mileage limits, my guess is that the over mileage costs aren't much. Hey, you were going to call a taxi or something, right? Don't be a cheapskate, and tip the guy, too. You'd still be walking in those cleats.
I just drove across the country, and used AAA twice. First for a dead battery, because I left my dome light on for three days in the cold (duh), but the second time was much more serious. My engine blew in on the bridge over the Mississippi in St. Louis, and I was stuck in East St. Louis with a severely disabled car. You don't want to be that guy, stuck in East St. Louis, with a car full of stuff that won't move. AAA to the rescue, and, all said and done, towing to a dealer 26 miles away was only 34 dollars. I recommend that service, highly, especially if you have a well used car.

[OtayBW]

I think that that could be a problem if you're traveling in a state that AAA doesn't cover for bikes.
(which is why I also have a membership in Better World Club)

No, sorry, only in member's state.
Yep - Fair point(s). Guess I'll do whatever else is needed if I breakdown out of state: stash/hide the bike and stick out my thumb!

[makoti]

Yep - Fair point(s). Guess I'll do whatever else is needed if I breakdown out of state: stash/hide the bike and stick out my thumb!

This is what I've done, but I don't hide the bike. Never had an issue getting picked up. 10 min, max, waiting. Always surprises me that people will stop & cram my bike in their nice cars. Guess not everybody is a jerk. ;)

I liked the AAA idea until "only in members state". Live in Va, ride in DC & Md a lot. That would stink.

[Tony T]

I liked the AAA idea until "only in members state". Live in Va, ride in DC & Md a lot. That would stink.

Better World Club (bicycle only @ $40/yr)
http://www.betterworldclub.com/roadside-assistance/bicycle-roadside-assistance/
Nationwide emergency roadside assistance, 24/7: Transportation service for you and your bicycle up to up to 30 miles per service with a maximum of 2 service calls per covered member, per year. *Additional mileage rates dependent upon service provider*

[bikinchris]

If they paid me, I could do repairs and flat fixing!

[Mr. Pink]

This is what I've done, but I don't hide the bike. Never had an issue getting picked up. 10 min, max, waiting. Always surprises me that people will stop & cram my bike in their nice cars. Guess not everybody is a jerk. ;)



Ha. I was riding in Colorado one beautiful spring day in the mountains, and broke a pedal off. Wasn't on the side of the road more than a few minutes before a gorgeous blond in a purposely funky old Blazer with the proverbial large, friendly dog in the back pulls up and swoops me away to the local bike shop. It was straight out of that Jackson Brown/Eagles song, although, alas, that's all it was. Sob.

[ontarget]

Anyone know if AAA Southern California provides this service? I've scoured the website but come up empty handed, which suggests it's not provided (yet?). I'll call them and ask if no one knows already.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[54ny77]

Unless you live in the sticks, why not just use Uber?

[Tony T]

Uber has very limited bike pickup availability. No guarantee that a regular Uber car will take you and your bike.

[Mark McM]

AAA (American Automobile Association) does provide services to motorists (like Roadside Assistance), but its primary mission is as an advocacy group for US motorists. To this end, they lobby legislators to fund programs and projects that benefit motorists, often at the detriment of other types of transportation. They have frequently lobbied to have funding to be diverted away from alternate transportation (rail, buses, and yes, cycling infrastructure) to programs that benefit motorists exclusively.

As I am opposed to many of AAA's aims, I am not a member of AAA.

[54ny77]

Do you have any specific reference where they advocated for cutting funding that would otherwise go towards bike safety (painting bike lanes, establishing bike lanes, laws designed to protect cyclists, e.g. the 3 foot rule)? I'm a AAA member, and would be curious to know specific examples of what they did, as opposed to anecdotal statements. That'll help me make an informed decision to continue or end my AAA membership.

AAA (American Automobile Association) does provide services to motorists (like Roadside Assistance), but its primary mission is as an advocacy group for US motorists. To this end, they lobby legislators to fund programs and projects that benefit motorists, often at the detriment of other types of transportation. They have frequently lobbied to have funding to be diverted away from alternate transportation (rail, buses, and yes, cycling infrastructure) to programs that benefit motorists exclusively.

As I am opposed to many of AAA's aims, I am not a member of AAA.

[Ken Robb]

I am a long-time member of AAA. I can only remember using roadside assistance once when Leslie's BMW had the battery die while she was out alone. AAA arrived promptly, tested the battery and said they could jump it and get her on her way but that it was on its last legs. She called me for advice. The car was 10 years old and had its original battery so I didn't doubt that it was due to be replaced. The AAA guy had the right battery in his truck so he could replace the battery on the spot, the price was very fair and AAA battery has a 3-year free-replacement (not pro-rated) guaranty.

BTW the original German batteries in BMW and MINIs are terrific as this experience proves. At my last oil change I asked my mechanic about replacing the 9-year old battery in (German) in it. He tested the battery and said it was still good! If he hadn't been able or willing to run the test I would have just bought a new battery figuring I was on borrowed time. :beer:

AAA provides free maps and tour books, discounts in motels, auto repair shops, amusement parks, etc. In CA. members can let AAA handle vehicle transfers and registration too and that can save a LOT of time over going to the DMV for those services.

[Mark McM]

Do you have any specific reference where they advocated for cutting funding that would otherwise go towards bike safety (painting bike lanes, establishing bike lanes, laws designed to protect cyclists, e.g. the 3 foot rule)? I'm a AAA member, and would be curious to know specific examples of what they did, as opposed to anecdotal statements. That'll help me make an informed decision to continue or end my AAA membership.

Here is just a small selection:

https://ggwash.org/view/6553/aaa-more-cycle-friendly-except-where-money-is-concerned

https://ggwash.org/view/30250/aaa-fights-to-keep-unnecessary-parking-rules

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2001/01/environment-aaa-gets-f

https://www.betterworldclub.com/articles/amicus-journal-on-aaa.cfm

https://www.nrdc.org/media/2000/001116

http://www.utne.com/community/thesecretlifeofaaaenvironmentalfoes


A simple, short google search will show far more examples.