Burnaby, British Columbia – The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) has announced its annual offer of free roadside assistance to cyclists in conjunction with Bike To Work Week and Bike Month in June. The offer applies to all cyclists, members or not, who have broken down and need help getting to work, school or home. It is the third year BCAA has offered the service.

From May 26 to June 30, cyclists who have experienced a mechanical breakdown can contact BCAA Road Assist and, depending on the availability of a driver, they will be picked up and driven a maximum of five kilometres to their destination or to a bike repair shop.

“We get so used to commuting by car that we may not think to change our routines and try something different,” said Ken Cousin, director of BCAA Road Assist. “And with gas prices soaring, many may just give it a go this year.”

To qualify, a cyclist must have experienced a mechanical breakdown (no assistance will be provided to cyclists looking to avoid challenging terrain or inclement weather); the cyclist and the bicycle will be picked up and driven a maximum of five kilometres to the destination or a repair shop; only one cyclist can be accommodated at a time; and priority will be given to BCAA member calls for vehicle assistance, with service to cyclists provided as resources permit.

To arrange a bicycle assist, call 604-293-2222 in the Lower Mainland, 1-800-222-4357 in the rest of B.C., or *222 by cell phone anywhere in the province.