Service for cars and for bikes!
By Karina | May 14, 2008
Y’all know by now that I drive to work. Also, that I drive a LOT. And that historically, you may have learned, I am used to driving junkers that break at a moments notice. And when you drive a junker, it’s important that you have a good roadside assistance policy.
For years I was a member of AAA. But then I started to hear rumors – about how AAA was secretly (and not so secretly) lobbying against pro-environment and pro-bicycle measures. (AAA’s rebuttal against charges that they lobby against the clean air act is here.) So several years ago I cancelled my AAA membership and joined Better World Club. In their own words:
About Better World Club:
- We are the only environmentally friendly auto club available.
- We are the fastest growing auto club in the nation.
- We have almost 25,000 members in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia.
- We donate 1% of our revenue to environmental cleanup and advocacy.
To date, we have donated over $35,000.- We support consumer rights, alternative transportation and a cleaner environment.
- We do not use our membership fees to lobby against the Clean Air Act, bike paths or mass transit. More about our competition
- In most cases, we will match our competitors prices when less. More
- We offer hybrid and biodiesel vehicle owners 15% off any new membership. Offer is good for new members only and does not include active or renewing members.
And best of all, they offer bicycle roadside assistance! They will pick you and your bike up and transport you for 30 miles, show up with tools, and reimburse you for lock-cutting expenses if you find yourself “locked out” of your bike. Mostly, I just love that I can write about a roadside service that offers such a suite of services. How frequently do my car posts bore the bikers? This is super!
I’ve been a member of Better World Club for several years and I’ve had to use their roadside assistance a number of times. I’ve needed jumps, tows, and tire changes. And they’re pretty awesome, in my opinion. The only problem I have with them? I can’t get a discount on Amtrak tickets like I could with AAA! That is the biggest irony. [edited to add: there are lots of other discounts for hotels and car rentals though.] But I’m going to send them an email right now, and ask them to work on that too.
And! Speaking of Bikes! May is Bike Month in the USA! did you know that Friday May 16th is National Bike to Work Week? Check out some of the other events at the League of American Bicyclists webpage.
[Pics from flickr users I, Timmy and timmycorkery via creative commons license.]
Are you a member of Better World Club? How do you like them?
Edited to add: I got an email back from Better World Club (can I add excellent customer service onto my list of awesomes?) letting me know that they are negotiating with Amtrak, but that it’s slow going! yay! I can’t wait until the discount is all figured out. Thanks BWC!
Topics: Transportation | 7 Comments »
I had forgotten all about this service. And I read this just in the nick of time. I’ve been forgetting to/putting off renewing my AAA membership for months now. Maybe this is why…
it’s serendipity!
Hey – we’re Better World Club members as well! Knock on wood, I’ve not yet had to do any roadside assistance, but we’ve been happy with them nonetheless. I was also a longtime AAA member, but the very same rumors about them soured them to me.
And thanks for the tip about roadside bike assistance. That is so cool.
yay better world club members!
oooh….good to know!! I’ll have to check into them.
Wait, but you are the Queen of the Tire Change. Certainly you’ve only called them to watch your bad self change yer own damn tire?
best gas…
I found your site on faves.com bookmarking site.. I like it ..gave it a fave for you..ill be checking back later…