Bike-to-Work Day Media Availability

DENVER (June 25, 2018) - Are you one of the 17,000 Coloradans participating in this year's Bike-to-Work Day on Wednesday, June 26? Pump up those tires. Grease up that chain. And, yes, stock up on chamois cream. But, never fear: If you've got a broke spoke, AAA Colorado is here to help. We'll be providing free bicycle roadside assistance to all registered Bike-to-Work Day participants. 

Here's the skinny (which you'll be, too, if you make biking to work a regular thing): If you've registered as a Bike-to-Work Day participant with the Denver Regional Council of Governments, we'll provide free transportation service if your bicycle is broken, disabled, or otherwise inoperable. But, be forewarned: We're no sag wagon! Your bike has got to be busted for us to be able to help, so make sure to hydrate and pace yourself. 

Now, the fine print: AAA Colorado has to be able to safely reach the bicyclist from any normally traveled, maintained road – or trail head. The bicycle will be secured to our service vehicle and taken to wherever the bicyclist wants to go – work, home, or a bicycle repair shop. Just call 1-800-AAA-HELP to receive assistance, and make sure you tell the dispatcher that you're taking part in Bike-to-Work Day. 

And, here's the thing: Our tow operators won't be able to fix your bike or change a flat tire, the way we're able to with disabled automobiles. So, we'll have to tow you somewhere safe. We'll completely cover the cost for the first seven miles, after which bicyclists will be responsible for additional mileage at the provider's prevailing rate.

As a "Mainframe" sponsor of this year's Bike-to-Work Day, AAA Colorado is proud to offer this service, free of charge, to all registered participants – whether they're AAA members or not. But if you are a regular bicycle commuter, why not join AAA? After all, AAA Colorado was one of the first AAA clubs in the country to offer year-round Bicycle Roadside Assistance to its members.

"On Bike-to-Work Day, just like every day, AAA Colorado is here to help," said AAA Colorado spokesman Skyler McKinley. "From bustling cityscapes to breathtaking mountain vistas to the thousands of miles of roads, paths, and trails that connect them, Colorado has a lot to offer. And, no matter where you go or how you get there, AAA Colorado is here to offer a lot of peace of mind."

With thousands of cyclists set to share the road on Bike-to-Work Day, AAA Colorado offers the following tips to motorists: 

• Share the road. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including the right to ride in the traffic lane.
• Slow down and allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. That's the law.
• Check mirrors and blind spots before turning, changing lanes, or opening car doors.
• Never honk your horn at a bicyclist. They may startle and swerve off the road or into traffic.
• Be especially cautious around children on bikes. They are often unsteady and unpredictable.
• Stay alert and avoid all distractions while driving. There is never any reason to actively use your cell phone or any other device while in moving traffic.

Bicyclists are encouraged to take five easy steps to safer riding:

• Follow the rules of the road. Always ride with traffic, using the rightmost lane, obeying the same laws as motorists.
• Be visible. Ride where drivers can see you. Do not ride on the sidewalk.
• Be predictable. Ride in a straight line and don't swerve between parked cars. Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there.
• Anticipate conflicts. Always be aware of traffic around you and be prepared to take evasive action, exercising additional caution at intersections.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets, when worn properly, are up to 85 percent effective in protecting the head and brain in the event of a crash.

To learn how you can share the road, visit AAA's website for bicycle safety videos and other resources: ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.

About AAA Colorado
More than 695,000 members strong, AAA Colorado is the state's greatest advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 59 million members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services - as well as member-exclusive savings. For more information, visit AAA.com.