AAA to Offer Bicycle Roadside Assistance Effective August 1st
Service will be available to all AAA members at no additional cost
Capital Region, NY (July 28, 2017) – Jointly, AAA Northway and AAA Hudson Valley announced that beginning August 1st, AAA members will have their bicycles covered by AAA’s emergency roadside assistance plan within their joint coverage areas. The service will automatically apply to all AAA members in both clubs at no additional charge beyond the regular, annual membership dues.
The announcement was made at Lions Park in Niskayuna and AAA was joined by Niskayuna Town Supervisor, Joe Landry and President of the Albany Bicycle Coalition, Lorenz Worden.
“The Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail is one of the most popular attractions in our Town. Thousands of residents and visitors each year enjoy the scenic views that Niskayuna has to offer,” said Joe Landry, Niskayuna Town Supervisor. “We are glad to see AAA offering this new bike service which will increase the safety of and convenience for our residents and others.”
“For nearly 100 years, AAA has come to the assistance of motorists stranded at the roadside. Now, AAA’s roadside assistance network is equipped to come to the aid of members choosing a bicycle as a form of transportation,” said Tara Ricard, Marketing Manager for AAA Hudson Valley. “August 1st represents the next step in AAA’s evolution as the premier provider of roadside assistance,” added Ricard.
“The new bicycle roadside service demonstrates AAA’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of our members as the popularity of biking continues to grow across our state,” said Eric Stigberg, Managing Director of Public Affairs for AAA Northway. “Whether riding for sport, recreation, or exercise, it’s important for cyclists and motorist to share the road and keep safety as a top priority for everyone.”
The Albany Bicycle Coalition is a supporter of this new service. “The Albany Bicycle Coalition is committed to encouraging people to ride their bicycles and to urging municipalities and other agencies to provide safe and convenient facilities for these riders.” Lorenz M. Worden, President of the Coalition, went on to say, “We are grateful for the opportunity to join with AAA Northway and AAA Hudson Valley in welcoming this ‘trail side assistance’ to AAA members who choose to explore or commute on the many multiuse paths, trails, and roadways in the Capital Region. Members who may have only modest mechanical skills will be able to rely on this service – thus encouraging greater ridership.”
Assistance for bicycle breakdowns will be obtained in the same manner as requesting roadside help for an automobile along serviceable roadways by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Coverage extends to Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Montgomery, Fulton, Warren, Washington, Hamilton, Franklin, Essex, Clinton, Broome, Chemung, and Tioga counties.
AAA Northway and AAA Hudson Valley provide membership services, including roadside assistance, travel, auto & homeowners insurance and member only discounts, to more than 295,000 AAA members in 17 upstate NY counties.