With summer rapidly approaching and increased bike traffic expected, BCAA is implementing a new Bike Assist service -- a roadside assistance program for cyclists.
Cyclists with broken chains or flat tires will be able to call on mobile technicians for help, and if their bike can't be repaired on the scene they will be transported either home or to the nearest bike shop.
All BCAA members with Road Assist coverage will be eligible to use the service from June 1 on, and during Vancouver's 10th annual Commuter Challenge taking place from June 1 to 5, the service will promotionally be available to everyone.
Members of the Vancouver Bicycle Club are hoping the service could bolster cycling in the city.
"It could get people off their cars and on to their bikes more," Mark, a member of the VBC, said. "This could be a good thing."
He said with the Burrard Bridge bike lane train also beginning in June, the timing might be perfect to meet the demands of increased bike traffic in the downtown core.
As to whether or not he has ever been in need of roadside assistance on his bike, Mark could remember only once.
"Yeah, and it was on Denman Island, so that might not have really helped much."
BCAA technicians will drive service trucks throughout the Lower Mainland, and ride fully equipped service bikes in downtown Vancouver.
BCAA assistant product manager Marina Tungland says calls will go into a priority queue the same as with cars, and that wait times will be comparable - on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tungland also says cyclists who ride out of town will be taken care of.
"It's available throughout the entire province of B.C.," she said. "As long as they are accessible by a service vehicle, we will make every attempt to go and get them."
BCAA says it will not, however, break bike locks or provide assistance in the event of nasty weather.
