BCAA’s famous roadside assistance now available for cyclists

Source: BCAA

Cyclists won’t need to fret over flat tires, broken chains or other mechanical woes with the introduction of BCAA’s new “Bike Assist” service. If you use your bike to commute, run errands or just to get around, BCAA’s “Bike Assist” program offers the same peace of mind provided by BCAA’s reliable Road Assist service – breakdown assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.BCAA members with Road Assist coverage will be eligible to use the service as of June 1, 2009. And during Bike to Work Week (May 11 to May 17) and the Commuter Challenge (June 1 to June 5), all participating cyclists – member or not – will be able to take advantage of the program.

BCAA is proud to be the first Automobile Association in North America to provide this service as a permanent fixture of membership, explains BCAA’s Membership Assistant Product Manger, Marina Tungland.

“BCAA recognizes that people are choosing to commute in different ways, and we want to be able to support our members, regardless of how they choose to get from A to B,” she says. “What’s more, many people avoid cycling because they feel unsafe and vulnerable on our roads,” adds Tungland. “Knowing there’s help available in case of a breakdown, BCAA hopes more people will be encouraged to try cycling.”

BCAA’s “Bike Assist” program is also in keeping with BCAA’s other sustainability projects such as converting parts of BCAA’s Road Assist fleet to run on alternative fuels, such as bio-diesel.

BCAA is also working with organizations such as Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) by sponsoring the 2009 Commuter Challenge and the Bicycle Valet service, and the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) by supporting Bike To Work Week. And as a way of promoting BCAA “Bike Assist”, BCAA has dispatched a street squad to attend cycling and community events through the summer months.

How BCAA “Bike Assist” works:

The cyclist must have experienced a mechanical breakdown, which includes any issue that makes the bike inoperable during a rider’s commute, such as a broken chain or flat tire. No assistance will be provided to cyclists looking to avoid challenging terrain or inclement weather.


Service technicians will do their best to get the cyclist on the go, but if the repair cannot be made at the site of the breakdown, the technician will transport the cyclist and their bicycle to their destination, home or nearest bike shop. The kilometer allotment will be consistent with the member’s current level of membership (e.g. a basic member is entitled to a five kilometre tow).

Only two cyclists can be accommodated at a time.

BCAA cannot break bike locks, as bike ownership cannot be easily identified.

Vehicles serving Bikes and Bikes serving Vehicles

During the summer, a small number of BCAA service technicians will be providing emergency roadside assistance on bikes, equipped with basic tools. These technicians will be stationed in downtown Vancouver or in other core areas during special events.

The service is available to both motorists and cyclists, if the repair can be made at the roadside. By using bikes instead of service vehicles, BCAA can lower its impact on the environment and promote cycling as a healthy and sustainable means of transportation.

How to get assistance?

Cyclists needing help can call BCAA Road Assist at 604-293-2222 (Lower Mainland), 1-800-222-4357 (rest of B.C.) or *222 by cell phone anywhere in B.C.

For more information on BCAA “Bike Assist” or road safety tips for cyclists and motorists, refer to www.bcaa.com/bikeassist or email bikeassist@bcaa.com.

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About BCAA
BCAA is dedicated to meeting the needs of its members and customers throughout B.C. and the Yukon, connecting them with a team of membership, automotive, travel and insurance professionals. With over 793,000 members and $130 million in revenues, BCAA is the largest organization of its kind in B.C. and the fourth largest CAA-affiliated association in Canada. For the past three years, BCAA was named one the 50 Best Employers in Canada by international HR consultants Hewitt Associates and the Globe & Mail’s Report on Business magazine. To learn more about BCAA’s products, services and member advocacy, visit www.bcaa.com. For more information on the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation visit www.tsf-bcaa.com.