AAA NOW TO THE RESCUE OF STRANDED CYCLISTS

Bike riding has never been as popular as it is right now in metro Atlanta — or as essential to getting around (yes, we blame you, I-85 bridge collapse!)

But what happens when your tire goes flat or your chain breaks miles from your destination?

That’s a long way to have to hitch hike in unflattering cycling shorts.

Now here comes AAAThe Auto Club Group, to uh, ride to the rescue. As of last week, free bicycle roadside service is now included with all membership levels in Georgia, the organization announced.

The service had previously been available in several other states, but not Georgia.

The timing couldn’t be better. May is National Bicycle Safety Month. And more metro Atlantans than ever are taking to two-wheels whether it’s for pleasure on the Beltline and other trails around town. Or out of necessity to avoid having to drive around I-85 construction and other traffic snafus (Read here about all the different ways the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is teaching how to “hack your commute”).

The need for bike road service apparently is growing, too.

“Providing this service continues to demonstrate our commitment to meet the needs of our members,” said Fawn Meehan, vice president of membership, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Whether riding for sport, recreation, or exercise, it’s important for cyclists to know bicycles are considered vehicles. Following the rules of the road can save lives.”

Indeed, bike fatalities in the U.S. rose by 12 percent from 2014 and 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Here’s how it will work when your trusty twowheeled steed lets you down: AAA service technicians will come out and help members whom they can safely reach from an accessible road or parking lot. The bike will then be secured to the service vehicle and transported to any point of safety within the member’s coverage (see AAA.com/bicycle for complete details).

The service is limited only to transporting the ailing bike. In other words, don’t expect the technicians to change your tire or perform other repair or lock services. Other important things to know include:

■ Member must be present at the time of service and have a valid AAA card.

■ Bicycle service applies to all 2-wheeled bicycles, including rental bicycles & tandem/trailers pulled by bicycles.

■ Service is provided only along a normally traveled road or street.

■ Bicycle service is provided for the rider whose bicycle is disabled and accompanying minors.

For more information on membership or to view bicycle safety videos and other resources, visit AAA.com.