Comments on: BCAA’s Response to my post on the Bike Assist Program

By: Graeme

Graeme — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:04:36 +0000

In reply to Thomas.

Good point on most flats happening in the rain. I know it certainly seems that way, and I have noticed big chunks of “stuff” sticking to my tires in the rain, but hadn’t put 2 & 2 together before reading this.

I keep a spare tube, tire repair kit, multi-tool, tweezers and latex gloves in a bag under my seat at all times. All but the tire are in a ziploc so they are easier to work with and to transfer from one bike to the other.

After 20 years, I let my BCAA membership lapse this year. It was a tough decision, given that I was paying $20 less than new members, but I really don’t think I’ve gotten anywhere near my money’s worth with the membership. (I guess I’ll find out if it was the right decision when it comes time to renew my home insurance.)

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 07:35:08 +0000

I forgot: Thank you Joe for all the great posting and I’m glad that you took the time to give us the full story of your experience with BCAA.

I enjoy your blog.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 07:33:59 +0000

Although the idea of having BCAA technician on bike helping drivers is awesome, I still think that is so simple to have your own back up plan that involve a simple repair kit (really inexpensive a MEC), a good knowledge on how to use it (there is many clinics around town, video online and VACC could guide in getting your skills) and a bus tickets (2.50$ for a bus that has a bike rack and can easily give you a lift in no time; rather than waiting on the side of the road for BCAA… how many time have I had to wait for them hours in the winter time in Toronto (with no heat as the battery was dead) for a battery boosting when my parents gave me their old car…)

You should note that most flats occur in the rain, because the dust from the road can more easily stick to your tire. Be prepare.

Oh, BTW in your previous posting on your misadventure with BCAA, I think you meant that your inner tube has Presta valve and not Schrader as all car tires has Schrader and that you don’t need an adapter for a car tire to fit a Schrader put the opposite.

Here a video to help you get started in your new self cycle repair and maintenance :
http://www.ehow.co.uk/video_6204021_use-bicycle-pump.html

By: Average Joe Cyclist

Average Joe Cyclist — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

In reply to Ryan. Good idea, Ryan. Horrible story about your Toronto CAA rep though! Once again, counting my blessings I live in Vancouver (although not meaning to cast aspersions on St. Catharines, which I have not yet had the opportunity to visit :)

By: Average Joe Cyclist

Average Joe Cyclist — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:58:01 +0000

In reply to paddyanne. We're on the same page there, Paddyanne. I think I first heard about this program on your blog, and I was pretty excited about it too. There's still plenty of hope :)

By: paddyanne

paddyanne — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:13:24 +0000

What a great response and a great post. I too want this program to succeed. Its wonderful to see BCAA step up to the plate and to hear that they are putting together a plan on how they will do better; that’s a win-win for all of us.

I was also particularly impressed to hear how BCAA had experimented with repair technicians on bicycle’s in the downtown area – I would love, and hope to see, that re-introduced again. It must be far less expensive for BCAA to keep a fleet of bikes around, than a fleet of cars.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:43:57 +0000

I was surprised when I complained about Canadian Tire on my blog, at how quickly they responded.
Was a pleasant conversation back and forth, although the outcome wasn’t all that appealing (from my perspective).

Just an idea but perhaps you should contact the city and a store such as Canadian Tire (or a bike shop) to offer free bike repair kits at different locations throughout Vancouver.
Obviously St. Catharines is considerably smaller in size and population, however we have them in quite a few different locations.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanz4/5509965562/

I do give BCAA some credit for following up on this in a timely manner. Appears BCAA and Ontario’s CAA have a different attitude towards bikes.
Last year (or perhaps 2 years ago now), a rep. from Toronto’s CAA was only one of two people who showed up against a bike lane on University Ave.