New Bike Service Points to Assist Cyclists on Kansas Trails

TOPEKA, Kan. – Sept. 13, 2017 – AAA Kansas, in association with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) announced the introduction of a Bike Service Points program that will provide bike repair stations and AAA bicycle roadside service assistance at designated locations for cyclists who experience breakdowns or equipment problems during their rides.

The first Bike Service Point will be located at the entrance of Kaw River State Park, north of SW 6th Street, about one half-mile west of Fairlawn Road in Topeka, with another point further north inside the park.

 Nine additional Bike Service Points are located along the Prairie Spirit Trail, which runs 51 miles between Ottawa, Kan. and Iola, Kan. Future phases will expand the program to other bike trails and heavily used cycling corridors across Kansas.

All Bike Service Point locations will include signage that provides a toll-free phone number and location identifier. Cyclists needing assistance simply call the phone number, which goes to AAA Roadside Assistance dispatch, and provide the location identifier. Using the predetermined GPS location of the service point, the dispatcher will then send a AAA roadside service technician, who can transport the broken-down bicycle and cyclist back home or to a bike repair shop. All of the Bike Service Points will be accessible via a normally traveled road or street, allowing AAA service trucks to easily reach them.

 “AAA Kansas is excited to partner with KDWPT to introduce this important service to benefit cyclists in Kansas,” said Jennifer Haugh, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Kansas. “Our first Bike Service Point in Topeka includes a permanently installed bike work station with tools, a rack for hanging a bike while working on it, and an air pump to inflate bike tires. The new Kansas Bike Service Points will give bicyclists in our state peace of mind that if they have mechanical issues or breakdowns, repair resources will be available or AAA roadside assistance will be just a call away.”

 “We are proud to be the first state to partner with AAA to provide support for bicyclists while riding on our Kansas trails,” said Linda Craghead, Assistant Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism. “This partnership with AAA Kansas benefits riders by providing service assistance at Kaw River State Park and the Prairie Spirit Trail should they need it. We are excited to have this asset available to riders, giving them reassurance that help is available on the trails if they have a mechanical issue. We hope this is another reason riders will be encouraged to get on their bikes and enjoy our many trails and the benefits they provide. And our thanks to AAA Kansas for this first new work station, it is a wonderful gift to the cyclists in Kaw River State Park. We look forward to continuing and growing this partnership.”

Many people are aware of AAA’s well-recognized and respected 24-hour roadside assistance for vehicles, but last year, AAA Kansas added free AAA Bicycle Service to all of its membership levels. AAA members can use any of their yearly service calls for bicycle roadside assistance. If a AAA Kansas member’s bicycle breaks down while out for a ride, they can simply call the road service number on the back of their AAA card, and bike service will be provided at no charge based on their membership level benefits. Cyclists who are not AAA members may also use the AAA Bicycle Service but will pay a nominal charge for the transportation of their bicycle.

AAA Kansas’ commitment to bicyclist support and bike safety is also demonstrated through its ShareTheRoad.AAA.com site, which provides organized, reliable bicycle safety and maintenance information in one convenient place. Even for those who would rather travel on four wheels, this site offers quick refreshers on how motorists can help keep all roadway users safe.

About the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

The mission of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is to conserve and enhance Kansas’ natural heritage, its wildlife and its habitats to assure future generations the benefits of the state’s diverse, living resources. The Department is charged with providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate the state’s natural resources, and to promote diverse communities, natural assets, and the State of Kansas as a tourism destination. Visit KSOutdoors.com or TravelKS.com to learn more about outdoor recreation and travel opportunities in Kansas.

About AAA Kansas

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than 342,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit AAA.com. Follow AAA Kansas on Twitter: @AAAKansasNews

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