By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher
In a nod to the growing acceptance of cycling as a means of transportation and the distance we sometimes ride from home (and a reality check on how many of its long-time services, such as free maps, route guides and such are now virtually obsolete) AAA recently announced that it is extending roadside service to bicycling members as well as driving members.
All bicycles and tandems, including rental bicycles and bicycle trailers, are eligible for roadside pickup and delivery to a safe destination if the bike can be safely delivered using normal servicing equipment.
Bicycle transportation service is provided only for the rider whose bicycle has become disabled or inoperable. Coverage applies to any eligible bicycle the member is riding at the time the bicycle becomes disabled. Just like when driving, the member should be with the bicycle and have their AAA Membership Card in hand at the time of service.
Under the terms of the pickup service, AAA will transport you and your bike to any point of safety within the limits of your coverage, based on the level of membership:
- Classic: Get up to four transports within a 5-mile radius of the bicycle breakdown.
- Plus: Get up to four transports within a 100-mile radius of the bicycle breakdown.
- Premier: Get one transport, up to a 200-mile radius of the bicycle breakdown; remaining transports are 100 miles.
Think about that: With Plus membership, you can actually get picked up and driven 100 miles if necessary to reach a safe destination. Premier gets you up to 200 miles (but just once a year).
What You Don’t Get
The service is strictly a pickup and delivery service that seems to be a “last resort” option. It does not include any type of repair or parts supply. In fact, there’s a laundry list of “not included” items, including but not limited to:
- Airing or changing a flat tire
- Pickup from anywhere not reachable from a paved, “regularly traveled” road
- Parts, including tires
- Pickup for “fatigue and physical inability to continue with ride”
- Locksmith services, in case you accidentally lock up your bike
Still, in a situation where you can’t get a friend or family member to SAG you in – for example if you’re touring far from home, on vacation, etc. – it’s a service that could come in very handy when in need.
Be sure to check with your regional AAA company first. The Mid-Atlantic has offered this for several years. But as of the first of this year, the New England AAA did not offer this service. Great piece of mind insurance though and fortunately never had to use it! Thanks
Is this included in your regular membership, or is this a separate service?
Someone said this does not include three-wheeled cycles. Can you elaborate on whether or not this is true?
I don’t recall seeing any mention of trikes in what I read on a AAA website. I think the key is: will it fit in what they describe as their “normal servicing equipment.” If it’s a flatbed tow truck, pretty well any bike should fit.
This is included in all regular membership levels, but as Bob mentions below, check your regional AAA affiliate for exact details. The service varies based on the level of your membership, as well.
It’s not offered by AAA Carolinas (but I remember them announcing it when I lived in NJ)
Depends on your regional AAA chapter.
For those that can’t get (or don’t want) the AAA bike service another road service club Better World Club started the whole bike service deal. I’ve had their premier bike+car service covering my whole family for 14 years now. Have used the car towing aspect but haven’t needed the bike service (yet) as I can fix most things on the road and really only got it in case the frame breaks or a wheel totally goes. I know most people say, “I’ll just call my spouse for a rescue”, but when your spouse is on the tandem with you, you need a backup plan. 🙂
Is this service available to AAA members in San Diego?
I’m pretty sure this is not available to AAA members in California
Just called AAA and they only offer it in Montana and Wyoming, sofar.
Northeast has this service but all three membership levels are limited 10 miles. It would be worthwhile if the levels were as published in your article but unfortunately 10 miles is just not enough.
I have the AAA plus. I called my local office month’s ago they said I was covered in Washington and Oregon. Haven’t test it yet.
I have a friend in the Denver area whose battery on her electric bike died. She called from the nearest road, was picked up, and taken home.
COMPLETE BS! this service isn’t offered. Shame on AAA for misleading their customers and not adhering to their policy. I’m canceling today
I don’t break down often on my bike but I did last week and remembered that the reason I signed up for AAA was for this service if needed…Needless to say when I called they said they have never heard of such a service and wished me luck walking home 10 miles in my cleats carting my bike with a flat home. Not happy that you advertise this service but do not in reality offer it
Jennifer, I am in Southern California. I was so disappointed when my AAA membership here would not help me when my ebike got a rear flat. The bike weighs 70 pounds, so pushing it many miles home is not an option. So. CA AAA told me when I called that they only cover street-legal bikes with a license plate, like a motorcycle and a gas-powered moped. And they want $47 more per year to cover it.