Backup plan rides
Originally Posted by
tandempower
I like to hike and bike long-distances, but I have run into problems on occasion and needed a ride. I don't like bothering people in this way, so this is a deterrent to taking the risk on a long car-free journey.
I have heard that AAA will pick you up with your bike, so I might consider getting a AAA membership for this reason.
I have touted Boston as an iconic Car Free “Sanctuary City”, and here are the amenities that are available as a back-up:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
Boston is probably one of the most Car-free cities in the world, and having a car is often detrimental. We live near the transportation hub of Kenmore Square. Our easily accessible Car-free / Car-light modalities at home and work are:
- subway and Commuter Rail
- taxis and Uber
- car rentals, including Zipcar
- shopping and personal services within walking distances
- a convenient place to stay overnight at work.
The most serious need for back-up that I recall was:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
…At those early departure times, I would think its's hard to build in extra time for
rare, but unanticipated occurrences. Also,what kind of help might be available on gravel roads [in rural Iowa] at that time..."
The call of shame."
Sometimes I have to absolutely be there for an early start time. I posted about those concerns early in my career, to this thread, "whats the scariest part of your ride????."
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
I have on occasion had nightmares about ABSOLUTELY needing to be at work at 7:30 AM, and being nowhere near there.
Rarely in reality I have found myself in that situation, but had more leeway than in my nightmares....
Once, I got in late for a conference because I was on a new route and got lost. When I realized that, I called a cab to take me and the bike in, about 20 minutes late, but "no harm, no foul." [and]
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
My worst commuting disaster was a broken pedal spindle (or is it axle?) about 12 miles from work at 6:00 AM in a suburb. I called a cab and got picked up minutes before a torrential rain. Now I carry a spare pedal (joking).
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
In my 40 or so years of Living Car Light (the car is mainly for my wife) my cardinal rule was not to ask for a ride out of someone’s way, and never borrow a co-worker’s car.
Colleagues are pretty generous to offer rides, and even offer their cars. Cabs and car rentals are pretty accessible to me though.
Other dire emergencies would be medical, but we live near Boston’s teaching hospitals. I have been advised to not take a cab, but call an ambulance in a serious emergency. When my wife was about to go into labor, she preferred to walk about a mile to the hospital. 
BTW, I think the AAA allows only two bike pick-ups a year.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 04-07-18 at 03:34 AM.
Reason: added an additional quote