It's a sign of the times when AAA expands their breakdown service to bicycles. Yes, that's right. If you have joined the growing number of commuting bicyclists or are a weekend cycle warrior or both, this is very good news. AAA Southern New England is offering the bicycling roadside service at no additional cost to all levels of membership. There is no special enrollment. If you are a member you automatically receive the benefit.
The service will operate much like the AAA roadside assistance program for vehicles. You can call the same AAA number on your 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 territory. Transportation for you or your bike will be provided to your home, 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.
I am one AAA member that is happy to see this expanded service. Last summer during a bicycle commute home, I experienced a nail in my tire and 7 mile walk home. Good fortune was on my side as the local fire department assisted me. If I had been on one of the many quiet side roads in my normal travels, it may have been a long walk home lugging a very heavy bike. You can understand why I am excited about this new AAA benefit. No doubt this new service will provide many in the bicycling community peace of mind.