Bicyclists that encounter trouble on Washington roadways now have another option for service, and it’s a familiar name providing the care.

AAA Washington launched a new bicycle service on July 1 that comes without additional charges or signups to all AAA members. The service provides transportation to a safe place, whether home or a bicycle repair shop, within the perimeters of the membership.

“The Northwest is a bicycle mecca,” AAA Washington spokesperson Jennifer Cook said. “It makes perfect sense for us to extend our program.”

AAA began a pilot program in its Oregon/Southern Idaho division last year and after seeing its popularity among members, extended that service to Washington/Northern Idaho this year. British Columbia has a bicycle service program also, and members of any of the three can obtain service anywhere in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.

Cook said AAA has carried out the service for nine members around the state in the first three weeks, including a member of the WSU cycling team that was stranded after running over a piece of glass.

While roadside transportation is available, the service does not include mechanical repairs or flat tire replacement for bikes.

Cook also said while AAA does not currently offer a bike-only service package, members and not their vehicles are covered, meaning a cyclist who had coverage and was in another person’s automobile at the time of trouble could utilize their service to cover that vehicle. She added that depending on the results and feedback of the program, a bike-only option could be made available in the future.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said. “If we see this taking off, we know there are people out there with a bike and no automobile.”

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