Stranded cyclists can now use AMA membership to get help

Stranded cyclists stuck on the side of the road can now call the Alberta Motor Association for assistance.

The new year-round bike assist service that launched Friday allows AMA members to use their annual service calls if they encounter bike trouble.

“It just makes sense for us to extend member benefits to cycling,” said Don Szarko, AMA’s director of advocacy and community services.

Szarko said demand from cyclists led AMA to look at similar bike assist programs offered in B.C., Manitoba, southern Ontario and Quebec. The B.C. program responds to 100 to 200 calls a year.

Now Alberta cyclists with broken bikes can call AMA 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Roadside assistance will provide various services, including delivering air for flat tires, tightening loose parts and transporting a bike and cyclist to a repair facility.

“The whole point of extending roadside assistance to cyclists is we just don’t want you stranded on the side of the road,” Szarko said.

He bel ieves the bike assistance will appeal to many, even though he’s already heard from some cyclists who dismiss the service, saying anyone out on the road should have their own repair kit and the knowhow to fix problems.

“I think for every hardcore cyclist there’s probably four or five or six recreational cyclists who are taking up the sport,” Szarko said.

Chris Chan, executive director of the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society, says since many local cyclists also own cars, the service will likely be well-used by the city’s AMA members.

“It’s great for people to know how to take care of themselves in terms of fixing a flat and carrying a little pump, but having this extra level of security is always comforting,” he said. When Chan has been stranded without the proper equipment to fix a broken bike, he has called a friend or taken a bus or train. Chan said it’s “a nice perk” to now have the option to call AMA.

The new program will help service a growing number of bicycle tourists riding on longer, cross-province trips, said Karly Coleman, recreation and transportation director for the Alberta Bicycle Association.

“I think it’s brilliant,” Coleman said.

“There’s a huge market for tourism done by cycling, and this is a tremendous convenience for them.”

Former bike mechanic Dean Chan said he likes the idea of a pick-up service after once puncturing a tire tube on his daily commute home from work.

“If your bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere it might be a hike to get to the nearest bus stop,” he said.

“It will be good for a lot of people.”