AAA Road Side Assistance Bicycle Benefits

[kudy]

I have been considering buying road side assistance from AAA, because in my state, they offer a "bicycle benefit" along with their plans:

Service is provided to a member whose bicycle has become disabled or inoperable, and can be reached safely from a normally traveled road in Colorado. This service applies to all bicycles and tandems, including rental bicycles and bicycle trailers, as long as service can be safely delivered using normal servicing equipment.

This would be a great backup plan if I have an issue and can't do a flat tire swap or have some sort of other problem on the road. My ride to work is 14 miles, so I have more concern about being stuck than some (it's harder for me to just walk if there's an issue a few miles into my ride).

I usually have people I can call for help, but not always. Despite the peace of mind it would bring, this expense is probably not worth the cost. My current road side assistance through my insurance company is $1.33 per month, while the cheapest AAA plan is $6.25/month.

Thoughts? Does anyone else have AAA for the bicycle benefit?

[BigRed]

I'll repeat my standard reply to MMM and AAA.  If you value bicycle infrastructure, you don't want to give money to AAA, because the majority of your membership goes to lobbying for spending on automobile infrastructure and against spending transportation money on public transit or bicycle infrastructure.  You're better off just saving a little cash to call a cab or a Lyft or something if you ever have a problem. 

I've also found Better World Club, which seems to offer roadside assistance at $40/yr and doesn't lobby with your money, but I've never bought it, used it, or known anyone who has, so no idea if it actually works. 

[Greg]

Sorry to be off-topic; Better World Club differs from AAA in one key aspect, key for me anyway.  They will only tow you to a repair facility, whereas AAA will take you to your house, or a parts store if you like.  This works best for me since I do my own work.

[jamal utah]

I live in the Denver Area and bike to work 35 miles round trip.  I have been hearing a lot of radio commercials lately about AAA's bike coverage.  I bike a lot and have only needed a pick up twice in my life.  Once was a crash that left my tire so out of true that I couldn't ride it and the second was a broken spoke that again left me with a wheel that was out of true. In both instances I was able to get a ride from a passerby with minimal effort.    If you live in a bike friendly area there are a usually friendly people who are more than happy to help cyclists in the vary rare situations where you need a pick up.   

Also, if you haven't already, you should make a concerted effort to learn how to repair your own bike.  The most common issue is a flat tire and you should always carry the necessary tools to fix one.  I carry a small pump and at least 2 tubes and a patch kit everytime I ride.  I find that the pump is more reliable that CO2. 

In my mind the only time you would need AAA is if you had a crash that messed up your bike or broke a spoke.  Both are pretty rare occurrences for bike commuting.  All other issues you should know how to fix.

The bottomline to my long winded answer is that I don't see a need for AAA. You should know how to fix all the minor stuff and in the rare instances that you have a major issue, its not hard to get a ride from friendly folks. 

[GuitarStv]

No AAA.

My commute is 11 miles each way.  I carry a spare tube, pump, patch kit, multi-tool (spoke wrench/allen keys/screwdrivers), and some zip ties.  Total cost was probably 40$.  I've patched a couple tires, trued a wheel well enough to get home after breaking a spoke, adjusted my seat/handlebars/derailleur on the road easily.  Even helped several cyclists who I came upon on the side of the road in need of assistance.  It takes about 10 minutes tops to change a tube and check the tire for debris, less time for the other things.

With my kit you would be on your way long before AAA ever showed up, for less money.