May 10, 2011 (Manitoba) – CAA Manitoba members can now call for road side assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week when their bike chain breaks or a tire tube pops. Available beginning today, Bike Assist is an innovative new benefit that allows CAA members to use any of their four annually allotted service calls to receive road side assistance if their bike breaks down. Members can use the service to be transported home or to the bike repair shop of their choice.

Mike Mager, President and CEO of CAA Manitoba, says with more than 198,000 members, it is important to recognize the changing transportation needs of all members – no matter how they chose to go.

“For the first time in Manitoba, our always reliable roadside assistance is now available for bikes, too,” Mager said. “Whether you’re an avid cyclist who commutes to work to save money on gas, or a casual biker that runs into trouble on the trail, CAA now has all of your wheels covered.”

Jean-Francios Ravenelle, Owner and operator of Gord’s Ski and Bike, says his customers are excited about the Bike Assist service.

“It’s a fact. Commuters are increasingly looking at alternative options for getting to work,” said Ravenelle. “Our Donald location is especially busy most mornings in the summer when bikers and cyclists pop in for a quick tune up on their way into Downtown.”

CAA Manitoba is a member-based organization, representing more than 198,000 Manitobans. For more than 100 years, CAA Manitoba has offered first-rate Emergency Roadside Services, and in recent years, has expanded to also offer travel options and insurance services.