Santa in a pedicab

Thanks Gerald at Rickshaw Forum for picking up on this cute article.

I saw Santa riding a pedicab

paperboycallsitquits

Just found a new blog by a pedicab driver in Brooklyn - Zak "Hero Paperboy". He doesn't post often, but you might get a taste of what it's like to haul people around NYC. Check it out.
Adventures of a Pedicab Driver

Tonight Show -- The FruitCake Lady Remembered

Some words of wisdom as we close out 2006. RIP!

McDonald's Training Video circa 1972

A lot has changed in 35 years, but the message of "courtesy" is timeless. Check out the slower pace and lower prices! And yes, the clothes and hair are real -- not from some costume shop somewhere. Maybe something you dug out of someone's closet (your own?).

Thanks Seth & Robin.

Pedicab Blog on Technorati

This blog is now listed on Technorati! So what, you say? This will make it easier for folks looking for information on pedicabs and rickshaws to find us.
Technorati Profile

What pedicabbies do... (part 2)

Hey pedicabbies! Looking for something to do in your off hours that will keep your reflexes sharp and your hand-eye coordination smooth? Try getting a New Delhi rickshaw out of a traffic jam in Rickshaw Jam. Want something to keep you busy while you're waiting for the snow to clear or the airport to open? Give Mayor Hickenlooper a hand at plowing the streets of Denver in Mayor Hick's Snowplow Adventure.

Blizzard - Reprise

Denver is bracing for yet another blizzard. After a white Christmas, looks like we'll have a white New Year as well. The local meteorologists say that this is historic since they can't find 2 back-to-back storms like this in the past. Yes, there were 2 snow storms in 1990 within 7 days of each other, but they only snowed 20 inches total. We got that much in the first storm!

It is hurting the pedicabs in Denver, since December is one of our busiest months. At the beginning of the month, the annual Parade of Lights was bitter cold. A Broncos game on Christmas Eve followed on the heels of the last blizzard. We have another Broncos game and a Nuggets game scheduled for New Year's Eve, which would typically be a HUGE day for pedicabs. Now, we're all waiting to see how much more snow we get and how long it lasts.

During the pre-Christmas storm, I was praising Denver for it's ability to keep the roads relatively clear. Yes, the airport closed down. Yes, there was a traffic mess on US 36. But considering the volume of snow and wind, they seemed to have done pretty well. But they never seemed to finish the job, which will present additional problems for this storm.

The metro cities did pretty well on the main roads, but the side streets in the neighborhoods were horrible. They never plowed them. When we went to the Avalanche game on the 23rd, the pedestrian areas hadn's been cleared at all. Walking was very difficult, but pedicabbing was as well.

The roads and walkways around Invesco Field (where the Broncos play) hadn't been cleared by the last game, making life miserable for fans and pedicabbies as well. I doubt if conditions will be any better Sunday.

Flights have already been cancelled, but the airport hasn't closed -- yet. They have more snowplows out this time. Some of our drivers who were flying out for the holidays had their flights cancelled and got out late, if at all. Will they be back in time to ride New Year's Eve? Will it matter?

One major problem throughout the area is what to do with the snow. There's so much on the ground everywhere that it has to be trucked away after it's plowed. Huge piles can be seen in parking lots and street corners.

Another problem is that trucks haven't been able to get in to make deliveries to grocery stores and gas stations. Now, when people want to stock up, there's little or no milk, bread or gas to be found.

These two storms combined could top the snow totals from the 2003 blizzard.

What pedicabbies do when they're not pedicabbing

Ever wonder what pedicab drivers do when they're not pedicabbing?

Check out this little video clip of MHP driver jimboblove taking a tubing run during the blizzard.

Oh s**t!!!

Worst Gift Ever

Check out this little video of people talking about the worst gift they've ever received.

Cute and well done.

Thanks for the tip Michael Wade at execupundit.

No pedicabs running in Denver today

In case you haven't heard, Denver is at a standstill. A major holiday blizzard has hit the Front Range with a vengence, bringing travel to its knees. Denver International Airport, a hub for cross-country flights, has shut down and doesn't expect to reopen until tomorrow afternoon. Thousands of stranded travelers spent the night on cots, benches and the floor. All government agencies are closed except for critical personnel. Sporting events, concerts, plays and other activities have been cancelled or postponed, primarily because the teams can't get in or out of the airport.

Check out Denver Cam for a view of what Downtown looks like.

Over 20 inches of snow here with drifts in our yard over 5 feet deep. Fortunately, we have a 4WD Toyota 4Runner with brand new tires and chains. Our Subaru was getting around great yesterday, but is unlikely to make it out of the driveway today. With one of the rare vehicles that can get around the neighborhood - or around town - Greg's out and about doing random acts of kindness -- pulling stranded cars out of drifts and intersections.

Last night, just a couple of miles from where we live, at US36 and Sheridan/Church Ranch, the National Guard had to come in to rescue stranded motorists and tow vehicles off the highway so snow plows and emergency vehicles could get around. You can read the story and see the video here from last night's news. People spent the night at one of two nearby shopping malls, or one of two rec centers just a mile or so from our house.

One of those last-minute people, I didn't get my holiday shopping done before this storm hit. In fact, I didn't even get a very good start on it. I'm hoping that I have a chance to shop tomorrow - Saturday for sure! Gift cards for everyone!

My brother is scheduled to fly in from San Diego tomorrow afternoon. Fat chance! We have tickets to the Avalanche game Saturday night, which is a typically active event for pedicabs. Plus, the Broncos play at home on Christmas Eve. With all the snow, pedicabbing may be tough that day, but should be great money.

But all is not lost. We have a hot tub with a gazebo in our backyard. All evening yesterday we kept clearing a path through the snow so we could enjoy a nice soak. Later today we'll put out the word in the neighborhood to come join us for a holiday hot tub party.

By the way, today is also my birthday.

Way cool photo!

Just found this excellent photo from Trixi at Rickshaw Forum. Along with many other shots of pedicabs/rickshaws from around the world, you'll find this one in the photo gallery.

New web site for Big Tree Pedicab Mgt

Just launched our new web site for Big Tree Pedicab Management. This is the official site for the consulting, training and management work we do for the pedicab/rickshaw industry. It includes info on us and our services, upcoming classes, and great gear, accessories, and gifts for pedicab and cycling enthusiasts.

A pedicab blog out of the Twin Cities

Cycle Seven Weblog

This pedicab company in Minneapolis-St. Paul uses conference bikes or party bikes in the fleet, rather than typical pedicabs. Primarily for safety reasons, this style of passenger bike is quite controversial in cities where they operate. Check out the blog for more on day-to-day activities, operations and challenges.

A Tough Roll: My Days as a Street Pedaler

Found this post through Rickshaw Forum, but wanted to give you the full story, complete with a photo. Should remind veteran pedicab drivers of their first few days on the street, and reassure new drivers that getting started can be tough for anyone -- but it gets better with practice.

New name

By vote tonight, the pedicab parking area has now been renamed "The Dog Pound." Runner up was "the kennel." Either one works for me.

"Bike barn" always made me think of farm animals anyway.

I guess pedicabs really are going to the dogs...

Woof! Woof! Arf! Grrrrrr!

MHP Holiday Party

Happy Holidays! Tonight was a fun evening for everyone attending the Mile High Pedicab Holiday Party. And an extra thanks to our hosts, Matt, Rob and Randy, owners of the Dugout in Denver.

Greg and I want to thank all the drivers who worked with us during 2006. We often comment to one another about what an awesome and diverse group of drivers we have. We both thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone, swapping stories, laughing, and getting to know you better. Honestly, I can't express to you how much you are appreciated.

Since so many of the drivers don't get a chance to get to know each other, we had everyone play a little driver trivia game. It was a lot of fun and sparked some lively conversation - which was our goal in the first place. For those of you who missed the party and are interested in the trivial factoids, you'll just have to ask someone who was there.

A special thanks to the partners, spouses, and significant others who joined us tonight (and those who didn't). Welcome to the crazy world of pedicabs! Your encouragement is vitally important.

We hope everyone had a good time. We sure did! We'll do this again in January!

Livestrong Sports Gear

Looking for something special for that cyclist in your life? Why not support a worthwhile cause while you're spending your money? You'll find lots of cool gifts and gear at the Livestrong Sports Gear store. From commemorative ornaments to jerseys, water bottles to socks, you're sure to find that perfect gift here.

Not just cycling, but running, walking, golf and tennis gear can be found at the Livestrong store too, along with accessories for pets and gifts for survivors.

Livestrong Sports Gear

Or visit the Denver Komen Race for the Cure online store for apparel, hats, keychains, pins and more. You'll find even more at the Komen Marketplace.

City downshifts for traffic safety - Orlando Sentinel :

Looks like new regulations for pedicabs in Orlando...

(Notice the requirement "to carry a 'Donations Only' sign" in addition to insurance, licenses and basic safety equipment.)

City downshifts for traffic safety - Orlando Sentinel

Strike out not granted

There are on-going efforts to shut down pedicab service in London. The London Pedicab Operators Assoc. continues to do battle on behalf of the pedicab industry, but things may not be going their way. We stand in solidarity and wish them luck.

Strike out not granted - Rickshawforum

Assisted pedicabs - Good or Bad?

A recent post on Rickshaw Forum by my friend Friedel asked whether electric assist on a pedicab is good or bad? Figured I'd ask you wise folks your opinion. You can chime in here, or join rickshaw forum and post your comments there.

Assisted pedicabs - Good or Bad? - Rickshawforum

And if you're a driver and you've never ridden with electric assist, do you think it would be helpful? Would it affect how much money you made - for good or bad?

Owners/operators - is electric assist worth the extra money and hassle? Is there any special situation where electric assist would be worthwhile?

Nyc: Freewheeling Days For Pedicabs At End

Check out what's happening in NYC this week. Licenses and insurance will soon be required, along with safety features. Looks like the free-for-all party's about over.

NYC: Pedicab Industry Could Soon Be Pedaling With Restrictions - Rickshawforum

Nyc: Freewheeling Days For Pedicabs At End - Rickshawforum

New York could limit number of pedicabs allowed on streets - Rickshawforum

I guess the pedicabs in NYC are going to the dogs.

Rickshaw Forum

If you haven't checked out this great forum especially for the pedicab industry, you definately need to do so soon. Read posts about and from pedicab operations worldwide. Keep on top of what's happening around the world. It's a great resource we highly recommend!

What is the pedicab community?

I'm curious. Exactly what is considered the "pedicab community"? I've read comments about it "going to the dogs" but I'm not exactly sure what it is. And who is responsible for it? Who's job is it to make sure it survives and thrives?

Maybe I'm opening a Pandora's Box here, but what the heck.

You started it!

Tibetan traffic jam

Wow! Now this is pedicab chaos! And you think Broncos games are tough!
Woop! Woop! Woop!

Critical Mass

Hey, all you anarchist revolutionaries who wanna be different (just like everybody else), these are for you...

Critical Mass

Santa Monica Critical Mass Sept 1, 2006

And especially for Bobby...
Chicago Critical Mass - November 24, 2006 - Part 1 of 2

Chicago Critical Mass - November 24, 2006 - Part 2 of 2

YouTube - The Pedicab Preview

YouTube - The Pedicab Preview

I hope the documentary is more entertaining than the trailers. Not sure I'll rush out to the theater and lay down some hard-earned cash for this one. You decide.

YouTube - The Pedicab Documentary Trailer #2

YouTube - The Pedicab Documentary Trailer #3

Sign the Petition to Create the Plate

BICYCLE COLORADO - Share the Road Overview

Bicycle Colorado is spearheading an effort to launch a Share the Road license plate in Colorado, joining ten other states that already have the special plates.

With 1.5 million active bicyclists in Colorado (plus more than 699,000 bicycling tourists boosting our economy) the time for Colorado to share the road is now. If you are a Colorado resident, please add your name to the petition at bicyclecolo.org before January 2007.

Whatever gets you through the night...

What are the items you couldn't do without when you ride? Is it a particular hat? Maybe a certain brand of energy drink? Do you have a favorite brand of bike gloves, shorts, or shoes? What would you recommend to other drivers?

Please add your comments and tell us all about your "must haves" that get you through a tough shift.

Issues of concern in Pedicab World

As consultants, we converse with pedicab operations throughout the U.S. and around the world. There are common concerns that are frequently brought up by new operators as well as those who have been in business for a long time. We have and will continue to try to address those concerns on this blog and offer examples from our own experience. We invite your comments and feedback regarding these issues. The more they are discussed openly, and the more we, as a community, can brainstorm solutions to these issues, the better off the industry will be as a whole.

Common issues of concern have been:

• Working with municipalities, including regulating and licensing
• Insurance coverage, including rates and limitations
• Recruiting and training qualified drivers
• How to handle problems with drivers, passengers, or venues
• Getting everyone to play by the same rules

We have already posted a real-life example of a problem with a driver, and we invite more comments and ideas for solutions to the example. Please feel free to bring up other issues that you may be facing in your own pedicab world, so that we and others who read this blog can comment.

Our intent overall, is to elevate the professionalism of the pedicab industry. We have talked with businesses, municipalities, and insurance companies, as well as pedicab operators and drivers, regarding how they would like to see the industry progress. We will do our best to articulate our thoughts about these issues and pass along what we hear from others.

We much prefer to read solutions and ideas, but please, add your comments as you see fit.

Race for the Cure

Since its inception, Mile High Pedicabs has participated in Denver's Annual Komen Race for the Cure to raise money to help fight breast cancer. With 66,393 participants this year, Denver retained the title of the largest race for the cure in the country. Nearly $1 million was raised in Denver.

This has been the best nonprofit event we've done. Our ongoing partnership with The Race has been beneficial for everyone involved. Of course, the passengers enjoy the pedicabs because they allow them to participate in the event, even if they're not feeling so great. We get great feedback from the families because they know their loved ones are well taken care of.

We have more drivers participate in the event every year. They say it's such a worthwhile experience and really puts things in perspective. "It's nice to drive someone around who isn't drunk and obnoxious," one of our drivers commented. "You really appreciate being healthy enough to pedal," another said.

We'd encourage any pedicab operation to find a nonprofit organization that you can partner with, and to build on it every year. The benefits to everyone can be enormous, more than you can ever pay for.

For more photos from the 2006 Race for the Cure, go to http://www.milehighpedicabs.com/Race2006.htm.

From silence to "Wheeee!"

My 4-year-old grandson loves the pedicabs.

Whenever we talk about going downtown he wants to do two things: see the trains and ride in a pedicab. The first time we took him on a pedicab, Greg drove while he and I rode in the cab. He was unusually quiet with eyes as wide as saucers. The last time we took him with us, we got one of our drivers to ride the three of us around a bit. Rayden sat on Greg's lap waving at all the people and squealing "wheeee!" all the way down the street.

Now at the holidays, I'm reminded of the wide-eyed innocense of children. Pedicabs have become the norm for us, and we forget what a unique mode of transportation they are. It's good to look at them through the eyes of a child and see how really fun and cool riding in a pedicab can be.