Frank Witsil

Detroit Free Press

Folks who seek to save on gas by using pedal power have a new support available.

AAA announced Monday — at the start of National Bicycle Safety week — a new bicycle roadside service.

The service, which is provided at no additional charge to members, is a response to the growing popularity of biking and AAA's efforts to stay relevant as the auto club's traditional services, such as roadside assistance for automobiles, maps and directions for motorists and travel services, decline and can be found other places.

AAA's new service allows cyclists who break down to call for help and be taken, along with their bike, to a safe place. The distance that is covered depends on the level of membership. Members under the classic plan can be picked up and taken up to 5 miles, plus members up to 100 miles and premier members up to 200 miles.

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“The new bike roadside service demonstrates our commitment to meeting the changing needs of our members as the popularity of biking continues to grow across our state,” said Susan Hiltz, public affairs director for AAA Michigan. “Whether riding for sport, leisure, recreation, or exercise, it’s important for cyclists and motorist to share the road and keep safety as a top priority.”

Hiltz said if gas prices go up over the long term, especially beyond $3 a gallon, the organization expects more people to start using bicycles as transportation.

Nationally, the average price of gas was $2.39 a gallon, a drop of about 3 cents, according to AAA. Prices are higher than they were a month ago by 9 cents and 18 cents more than they were a year ago.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com