AA for cycling
- Philip Benstead
- Posts: 1954
- Joined: 13 Jan 2007, 7:06pm
- Location: Victoria , London
AA for cycling
Philip Benstead | Life Member Former CTC Councillor/Trustee
Organizing events and representing cyclists' in southeast since 1988
Bikeability Instructor/Mechanic
Organizing events and representing cyclists' in southeast since 1988
Bikeability Instructor/Mechanic
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- Posts: 36780
- Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm
Re: AA for cycling
I see the media release is dated 3 September 2020. It doesn't seem to have attracted much interest from the media since then.
The underlying idea of mutual aid amongst cyclists is a good one.
The underlying idea of mutual aid amongst cyclists is a good one.
Re: AA for cycling
I think the CTC once published a list of volunteers who would come out and help members who needed assistance. Not 100% sure on the details or when this fell by the wayside?Philip Benstead wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 11:27am Any views on this?
https://www.cyclinguk.org/press-release ... s-launched
Re: AA for cycling
It sounds like a fantastic idea, if people can be made aware of it. I'm sure that it would give some folks confidence to know that someone can help them, if they need.
How it is working in practice, is possibly another thing.
How it is working in practice, is possibly another thing.
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
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Re: AA for cycling
That is so and BITD I was on it. That was pre-internet so the details were in the handbook. Not a lot of names and IIRC, I'd have been your only hope for a large part of God's Own.... That didn't matter as nobody ever called me. I did learn later that my non-cycling wife was rather worried about being contacted when I was at work or out cycling. At one point I wrote to CTC HQ asking if there had been any evaluation and I got a rather miffed response saying it was a good idea (ie "No.")Tompsk wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 1:19pmI think the CTC once published a list of volunteers who would come out and help members who needed assistance. Not 100% sure on the details or when this fell by the wayside?Philip Benstead wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 11:27am Any views on this?
https://www.cyclinguk.org/press-release ... s-launched
Re: AA for cycling
If my memory is correct i believe the AA offered a bicycle breakdown service at one time. Others currently do it for an annual fee. Heres one i found on a quick trawl of the web. Theres probably others too.
https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/
https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/
At the last count:- Peugeot 531 pro, Dawes Discovery Tandem, Dawes Kingpin X3, Raleigh 20 stowaway X2, 1965 Moulton deluxe, Falcon K2 MTB dropped bar tourer, Rudge Bi frame folder, Longstaff trike conversion on a Giant XTC 840
Re: AA for cycling
How do you find them when you break down?Philip Benstead wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 11:27am Any views on this?
https://www.cyclinguk.org/press-release ... s-launched
MJR, mostly pedalling 3-speed roadsters. KL+West Norfolk BUG incl social easy rides http://www.klwnbug.co.uk
All the above is CC-By-SA and no other implied copyright license to Cycle magazine.
All the above is CC-By-SA and no other implied copyright license to Cycle magazine.
Re: AA for cycling
Quite! So not like the AA, that the press release claims. This seems more like random support or 'bicycle repair man' and Monty Phython got there first with that idea. I hope the volunteers were able to do some good work and help people out.mjr wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 5:12pmHow do you find them when you break down?Philip Benstead wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 11:27am Any views on this?
https://www.cyclinguk.org/press-release ... s-launched
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Re: AA for cycling
I have cycle breakdown cover as part of my insurancerjb wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 5:05pm If my memory is correct i believe the AA offered a bicycle breakdown service at one time. Others currently do it for an annual fee. Heres one i found on a quick trawl of the web. Theres probably others too.
https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/
Steve
Re: AA for cycling
I've had ETA cover for many years. Started when riding a tandem. Only used it once this year when a rim split 30 miles from home. Worked well a call centre in Essex was efficient and found a taxi firm who would take me to the nearest station. But I wanted to get straight home, couldn't carry or wheel the bike which was covered in tubeless sealant (another tale). They arranged that and were going to charge me an additional fee but that hasn't happened yet. I think they work just like the AA and would recommend them. With no 4G connection I couldn't find my own taxi service. Cost is £40 per year which mounts up but I doubt that it could be done much cheaper.
Re: AA for cycling
Just looked at the ETA website and the cost is now £24 per year which makes me even happier
Re: AA for cycling
I've been with ETA for many years and (fortunately) never needed to call.
Price for my recent renewal was £18 with no-claims bonus.
As I ride in pretty remote areas and high mileages, it is for peace of mind as much as anything.
I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my SM-G973F using hovercraft full of eels.
Price for my recent renewal was £18 with no-claims bonus.
As I ride in pretty remote areas and high mileages, it is for peace of mind as much as anything.
I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my SM-G973F using hovercraft full of eels.
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Re: AA for cycling
The initiative linked in the OP involves riders wearing a type of uniform which - perhaps to the initiated - identifies them as representatives of CyclingUK. This touches on one of the aspects of anybody offering informal help to other riders: stranger danger.
Re: AA for cycling
Back in the history of the CTC there was a network of Consuls who I gather were local fonts of information for tourists, but some would, apparently, offer emergency assistance to a greater or lesser extent.
This sounds like a reinvention of this type of wheel.
This sounds like a reinvention of this type of wheel.
Leicester; Riding my Hetchins since 1971; Day rides on my Dawes; Going to the shops on a Decathlon Hoprider