As the launch of AT:Green nears, we've been checking out the Green Editor Tryout posts on AT:Chicago. (There are several potential contributors from the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest, so be sure to take a look at their posts. Some of them are here and here and here.)
We've also been thinking about what green things we can do. At the top of our list is joining Better World Club, an environmentally friendly auto club that provides nationwide roadside assistance. It's an alternative to that huge, better-known auto club, offering virtually identical services, but with some important differences.
Not a BWC member, but I was working for AAA's emergency road service division (for AAA Washington/Inland) until 2006. Although I'm not exactly a fan of AAA, the only real difference between the two clubs seems to be where they direct their lobbying efforts.
If it makes you feel good to support a greener-lobbying club, that's fine, go for it. But if you're doing it to get away from bad experiences with AAA's towing contractors you're going to be in for a nasty surprise the first time you need roadside assistance. There are only so many tow companies in a given region and only so many of those companies will do (or operate/maintain equipment that qualifies for) contract work and when it's busy you're going to wait in line along with every other person on every contract they service.
Regardless, if you drive you really should belong to some sort of auto club or roadside assistance plan (your insurance plan might offer one, so check before you sign up for one). Cars tend to break down when you least expect them and a cash tow can be costly.
That one thing that BWC does that AAA doesn't is offer bicycle service. If I wasn't strictly a San Francisco-dwelling pedestrian I think I might sign up just for that.
view Dan Berkes's profile
I've had BWC for a few years, and they've been great to deal with. I've only had to use them a couple of times, but the service has always been great.
Like Dan said, the only difference between BWC and AAA is where they put their lobbying money (AAA = more roads and BWC = biking and public transit) and the bike coverage.
I have bike coverage with my car coverage. Haven't had to use it yet, but the coverage seems like a good deal. It's only $15 to add it to the car coverage and it includes a membership with the League of American Bicyclists which normally costs $30. Bike coverage alone is $40.
view Jen (SLC)'s profile
I just signed up for bwc a few weeks ago, thinking it would be a good idea to do prior to my road trip. I haven't used it yet, but I like the concept. Plus, they sent me four $10 gas rebate coupons, so that kind of covers the membership if I manage to remember to use them.
view brittanykate's profile