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Community Corner

AAA 'Pedals' New Member Benefit: Roadside Assistance for Bikes

To mark National Bike Safety Month in May and to respond to a growing national enthusiasm for cycling, AAA Southern New England is rolling out a bicycle roadside assistance to members in New Haven, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. The new free program means AAA members can request assistance if a disabled bicycle needs minor repairs or requires transportation to a nearby destination within the club’s Connecticut territory. “Whether for sport, transportation or family fun, the number of people riding bikes is on the rise,” said Mary Wyatt, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Publications. “It’s also a natural fit for AAA since it’s our goal to help keep members moving. It makes sense for us to extend our roadside assistance to include bicycles.” To request service, members call the 1-800-AAA-HELP, the roadside assistance number on their AAA membership card. A AAA service vehicle will meet members on any generally trav-eled road within AAA Southern New England’s territory, any time of day, 365 days a year. After attempting minor repairs, if the AAA technician is unable to get the member back on the road, the member and bicycle will be provided transported free of charge within a defined radi-us. AAA’s bicycle benefit also extends to INsiders, who are enrolled in AAA’s free program for teens. The free service also strengthens AAA’s commitment to a “Share the Road” philosophy -- the idea that all roadway users, especially bicyclists and motorists, must co-exist. AAA members can find information on bicycle safety and related bicycle matters in the “News/Safety” section of AAA.com. “Driving on our roadways requires care and courtesy whether you’re driving a car or riding a bicycle,” said Lloyd P. Albert, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “The idea of mutual respect and sharing the road with all users is an important one. Our roll-out of the new bicycle program, coupled with additional bike safety offerings across the area this spring, will enhance safety and convenience for all road users.” Along with the new program, the Club is developing a network of area Approved Bike Repair facilities where cyclists can access exclusive member benefits. AAA also will continue to ex-pand its support of bicycle safety rodeos in conjunction with area police departments. No registration is required for members to begin using the new bicycle benefit. For more infor-mation, visit www.AAA.com/Bicycle where there are numerous tips, brochures, bookmarks and other bike-related information available for download. AAA Southern New England is a not-for-profit auto club with 50 offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey providing more than 3.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services.

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