Which are you?

In his blog, Seth Godin asks the important question: "Which are you?" It's much better to be a "the" than an "a". Are you A pedicab company or THE pedicab company? Are you A pedicab driver or THE pedicab driver? Wherever you are and whatever your profession, strive to be THE, not A.

People love to hear stories about Pedicabbin

During my travels and training of new drivers the one part everyone seems to enjoy the pedicab stories. The business is full of funny, crazy, heart wrenching and just stupid stories. Doing this for almost 4 years I am full of them. But I like hearing other driver’s stories too. Here are some of the categories that they can fall into. We have a few from when we did this before. But there seems to be a whole new batch of readers and riders out there. I have some new ones too.

1. Stupidest ride. (What was I thinking)?
2. Craziest ride?
3. Longest ride?
4. Strangest people on the cab?
5. Any others you want to add?

Please comment with all the juicy detail of yours.

Raleigh Rickshaw crew

Check out this great photo of the Raleigh Rickshaw crew!

Thanks for sending the photo, Donald. We're looking forward to seeing you in Raleigh at the 4-day Pedicab Training at the end of March.

10News Investigates Dark Side Of Pedicabs

10News Investigates Dark Side Of Pedicabs - 10News Investigations Story - KGTV San Diego

This story sparked quite a discussion on Rickshaw Forum recently. There's a debate in the industry about whether or not it's legal to have J-1 students as drivers. In our opinion, foreign exchange students on temporary J-1 work visas cannot be independent contractors in business for themselves. They must be employees, and most pedicab operations do not have driver employees. Somehow, some pedicab companies manage to work the system and "hire" J-1s. I'm curious as to how, exactly, they do that. Do you know? Do you think it's legal to have J-1 drivers in your crew?

Ed Begley Jr. interviewed in a pedicab

Hold onto your hats, boys and girls! This video clip at The New York Times web site will blow you away! If you have a wind turbine handy this story may actually put energy back on the grid.

Thanks, Peter, for posting this on Rickshaw Forum:
"Ed Begley, Jr., goes for a ride with NY Times science reporter and discusses serious environmental issues on a pedicab.....fresh video reporting on New York Times. And the pedicab is treated seriously."

At the end of the video, Begley lauds pedicabs as "the best way to get around Manhattan."

A Eco-Chat With Ed Begley Jr.

Sheldon Brown has ridden into the sunset

There has been a loss of one of the greatest known wrenches. We all lost Sheldon Brown recently after he suffered a massive heart attack.


Sheldon Brown's website is know as one of the best, and in my opinion is THE BEST, single cycling web resource. Years ago, in the early days of my wrenching when I needed information I would always go to Sheldon's website and almost always find what I needed. His website was one of my first web surfing experiences.

His humor is something that always makes me giggle like a little kid when I read it. I spent hours and hours at his website reading everything I could and still go there when I need more. His writing was always in a style that made it easily understood and approachable for anyone who want to give it a go.

I want to thank Sheldon for all his help for me and the shop I worked in.

May Sheldon always be riding his bike where ever he is with every gear shift smooth, brakes working perfectly and every bearing running smooth as silk. I know every bike he will touch will match what he expects in his own. I for one will miss him as will the entire cycling community. RIP Sheldon Brown

Taxi company wants to be the greenest

We celebrate Metro Taxi for going green!

We met Katie from Metro Taxi the other night and she was nice enough to send me this article. Fortunately in Denver, taxis and pedicabs get along well and we promote and refer each other. We understand the different markets we each serve. In fact, when someone calls directory assistance for a taxi, our number comes up; so we get lots of calls for taxi rides that we can't fulfill. After explaining that we're the bike taxis, we give them the phone number for one or two taxi companies in town.

One evening we were at a local business networking event talking with a rep from Yellow Cab when Greg's cell phone rang. The woman on the other end was looking for a taxi to take her to the airport. Greg politely asked her to hold on for a moment, then turned to the rep and said, "I think you'll want to take this one," as he handed him his phone.

Metro Taxi is Proving Eco-Friendly Investments Pay for Themselves
Contributed by: Katie Facchinello

On Feb. 14, Metro Taxi, Denver's largest taxi service, announced the addition of 10 hybrid taxis to its fleet, bringing the total number of hybrids on the road to 20. Metro Taxi launched Denver's First hybrid taxi in May 2007 and since then has quietly added hybrid taxis, implemented other environmentally friendly practices and nowproclaims to be the greenest taxi company in the country.

Chris Cotter, the Director of Sustainable Initiatives for Metro Taxi explains "no other taxi company in America has made as large of a capital investment in eco-friendly services or implemented such a holistic approach to reducing their overall carbon footprint. We are footing the bill 100% for our eco-friendly investments and happy to report that it's an investment that has benefited our bottom line".

Metro Taxi is eliminating the Culture of Waste at it corporate facility in Denver, Colorado and implementing environmental projects that will pay for themselves in the long-term. Hoping to be a shining example of a small business making environmental investments for a sound economic future.

"Green is hot right now. There's no question consumers are increasingly using environmental factors in making seemingly everyday decisions," said Denver Greening Director Parry Burnap. " Companies like Metro who step out ahead of their pack now, will stand out in the crowd when the Democratic convention comes to town. While they will be showing off their own company, they will be contributing to our efforts to convey Denver's collective aspirations and hard work to be a truly sustainable city.We applaud Metro's practical commitment to sustainability throughout their operations from the maintenance floor to the vehicles they buy. We hope they are setting a standard that others will follow."

Metro Taxi has invested in a waste oil furnace which burns used oil from preventative maintenance on its taxis to heat its vehicle maintenance facility. Prior to the installation of the waste oil furnace, Metro Taxi paid approximately $2,600 monthly to heat the building and now pays nothing!

Metro Taxi has replaced all of the windows at its 29,000 sq. ft. facility with double paned, low energy windowsin an effort to reduce the amount of energy used for heating and cooling by Metro Taxi's corporate offices.In November '06 Metro Taxi paid $1,200 to heat the 3-story building, as opposed to just $100 in November '07.In December '06, Metro Taxi paid in excess of $2,000 in heating costs as opposed to $764 in December '07.

Metro Taxi is also set to retrofit all of the lighting fixtures with energy efficient lighting, which will reduce the energy needs of the corporate facility by 50-60%.

-This project will result in 14.3 kW removed from the energy grid and 53,539 kWhr saved per year, preventing 367.81 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Emissions.

-The affect of this project is the same as saving 306 Acres of Pine or Fir Forest or 9,563 seedlings grown for 10 years or saving 41,931 Gallons of Gasoline.

Metro Taxi's goal is to replace the entire fleet with hybrid taxis and continue projects like these along the way to "green" the company on and off the road. The hope is that the people of Denver will continue to use Metro Taxi (303) 333-3333 and support the environmental effort the company is making in the Denver Metro Area.

Q: What makes a "Good Night" of pedicabbing?

When our drivers come in after a long night in the saddle, we often ask them "So, how'd ya do?" It's interesting the variety of answers we get to that simple questions -- all on the same night! One driver will say "Oh man, it really sucked," while another will tell us "Wow! I was rockin' and rollin'!"

So what does it for you? What determines whether you had a good night or a so-so night or a mediocre night or an all-out bad night?

Is it the money? The number of rides you got? The people you met? The fun you had? The adventure you went on? What is it?

Cycle Rickshaws in Inda

An exciting Cycle Rickshaw Ride ...

You can see them standing in colorful rows outside the Railway station. Most of the cities and towns in India are highly polluted. The main reason is the air and noise pollution caused by transport vehicles, specially petrol and diesel-powered two and three-wheelers. Among all big and small vehicles Pedicab Rickshaw is a famous vehicle in India. This vehicle looks like a blend between a rickshaw and a bicycle. The driver pedals a pedicab instead of pulling the vehicle. It has three wheels with one wheel in front under the driver and two wheels supporting the passengers. We see that Pedicabs have different names depending on where they're situated.

There are presently close to 18 million petrol-powered two wheelers and about 1.5 million petrol and diesel-powered three-wheelers in India. It is estimated that close to 2 million cycle rickshaws ply on the Indian roads carrying about 6-8 billion passenger-kms/year. They provide employment to more than 2 million rickshaw pullers.

Some Solar Something on Valencia

Greener Than Thou: Some Solar Something on Valencia
Monday, February 11, 2008, by Sarah Hromack

Just when I thought those Missionites couldn't get any more out of hand with the D.I.Y. bikes made of copper pipe and melted Vans, I spotted this puppy outside of Community Thrift on Valencia on Saturday. The hipster aboard knew he'd fallen between the crosshairs, and sat there like a deer in headlights as I snapped away from across the street. It looks like a rickshaw had an orgy with a fleet of construction equipment and the PG & E solar installation team. Somebody? Anybody?

What is this? Do you know?

Pedicab transport service built on $60 000 investment

"PEDICAB INTERNATIONAL INC., a new business targeting cruise tourists arriving at the Bridgetown Port, is gearing up to give customers a ride to remember.

The company plans to use its four three-wheel pedal cycles, which were tested on the roads last year, to transport passengers into the central business district.

An offshoot of Container Services Ltd located in Fontabelle, St Michael, Pedicab is on course to start operating by month-end, 22-year-old manager Dustin Marshall told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY last week."

Read the rest of the story at The Nation 02/17/08: Pedicab transport service built on $60 000 investment

Lance Armstrong Encourages Bike Commuting in Austin

"Looks like Lance Armstrong is bringing biking back - and not for the hard core gear heads. In an effort to promote the commuter bike lifestyle in his home town of Austin, Armstrong is unveiling plans for a new concept shop that helps bring a viable transportation solution to the explosive growth that the downtown is experiencing."

Read the rest of the article at Lance Armstrong Encourages Bike Commuting in Austin; ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip.

Wouldn't it be nice...

This is a great blog post at "Adastra per Aspera", with lots of photos, about changing from driving to walking (and pedicabs) in our towns and cities.

Walk about the future of Paso Robles, California

I went on a walk through downtown Paso Robles today. It was led by a fellow whose job is to point out to the people in towns and villages across the country that we are entering a new era and they must look at the infrastructure development in a new way. He’s earned his stripes as he has done that walk 2,448 times so far.

The villages hire him to show what they’ve done right and wrong over the years and how to plan for future development. We walked about 20 blocks around the center of town. He noted that the towns must now think about how to handle more WALKING PEOPLE.

In the past, the villages had lots of land and money so when they did something wrong in design/development it did not matter much. They could err without disaster.

The change that needs to come, he says, is for villages to be much more aware about how people can walk around or ride their bikes to visit downtown to shop or entertain themselves rather than always driving to accomplish those tasks. In fact, many businesses now have drive-through capabilities. This makes it difficult for people on foot to do business.

I think he is talking about the future price of gasoline, but he did not say that. “Profound changes” he said about American villages of the future.

For example, we need to think about how to do a better job with parking cars in the downtown area. The safest way is to back into a diagonal spot. The most accommodating type of parking is at a 90 degree angle that leaves space for more cars to park and which is also safer than diagonal excluding the backing in method.

He pointed at a 30 mph sign in the middle of our town and said, “The safest speed is at 20 mpg for pedestrians and drivers. A pedestrian had a 90% chance of surviving being hit at 20 mph but only a50% chance at 30 mph.” I never even thought of that before. I believe there will be a lot of things that come up in the next 20 years that we never thought much about before.

Like the idea that pedestrians, not automobiles, need to be at the forefront of future planning.

Wouldn't it be nice if municipalities thought more about pedestrians, bicycles and pedicabs than they do about cars? Sometimes I think that if urban planners had it their way, everyone would travel only in cars, never by foot or pedal. And even when they plan these new "urban communities," around "alternative transportation" (really meaning mass transit), they don't plan for the trip from the bus stop or subway station to home or office. They just build more parking structures.

But things are changing... aren't they? At least that's what I hear. But some cities still use the same excuses to keep pedicabs out:

• They're dangerous, a hazard (No, the cars, trucks and buses are dangerous.)
• They'll interfere with or block traffic (When was the last time you saw a traffic jam exclusively caused by a pedicab?)
• There's no place for them on the streets or sidewalks (There might be if cities actually planned for them!)
• We have too many people on foot in that area (Pedicabs help move pedestrians out of and around crowded area.)
  

Wouldn't it be nice... if cities, planners and developers actually came to a pedicab company and said, "We're planning this new community where people won't need to drive their cars so much, and we think pedicabs would be a great transportation option there. Your input would be valuable, so we'd like you to join us in the planning."

Is that time coming? Are things really changing?

PDX Pedicab power pushes people around Pearl

Tuesday, July 31, 2007
By JOE SMITH, Special to kgw.com

View the video of this story.

Portland is a city of transportation alternatives.

Always trying eco-friendly ways to get people from here to there. Add a new one. The Pedicab, it's gearing up to create a chain reaction through the streets of the Pearl District and beyond using pure pedal power.

"I thought a rickshaw would be cool", said Jonathan Magnus.

He got the idea for PDX Pedicab after spending a night downtown with his wife. He knew there had to be a fun way to get around downtown.

His idea is serving two purposes. Take people for a ride and help the environment at the same time.

"It's a form of transportation with no carbon footprint" said Magnus from outside his small garage in Northwest Portland. The cabs are three-wheeled bikes with a passenger seat bench.

The bikes are turn signals and brake lights. The bikes are made in Colorado and cost $5,000 each. They come equipped with a canopy for those rainy Portland days.

Just nine weeks ago, he started his company with two cabs. It wasn't long before he added four more. Magnus plans to have a total of 20 by years end.

"I've seen them around, like New York and stuff", said Amanda Crane. She and her brother are in Portland visiting from Sandy, Oregon. She was happy to get her first ride in a Pedicab.

"Just get on this thing and float down the street", she said.

Some companies in the Pearl are happy to have the Pedicabs. Hoyt Realty Group will use the cabs to take prospective condo buyers on upclose personal tours during this month's First Thursday.

PDX Pedicabs travel around Pearl District to downtown, to Portland State University. Owner Magnus says they will be happy to hike the West Hills, but for a price.

The Pedicabs are leased to the drivers. They set the fees. Most of the 20 drivers count on the goodness of strangers to give them a fair price for their hard work.

"People have been very generous,and they appreciate what I'm doing for them. So it's working out", said Anthony King. He's been on the job for just about nine days and loves it. He says he's making money and is enjoying being outside. And for some of the customers they're getting an interesting view from the passengers seat.

"I had some lady say I had nice drum sticks. I didn't know what that meant. She said 'legs.' I imagine so, " said King with a laugh.

Great news from our students

This week we got great news from two of our newest students who were in our Weekend Intensive last weekend. The City Council in Kansas City, Missouri approved the ordinance and will allow pedicabs to operate. And the City Council in Newport, Rhode Island has approved the first pedicab business license. One of the issues we discussed at length was how to work with municipalities, so we were really happy to get the news. Congratulations!

"Andrew here. The city of Newport has granted me permission to operate my pedicab business! I am ECSTATIC! I have lots to do now! I want to thank you both again for the knowledge and the confidence Big Tree has given me! I'm sure I will be in touch on a regular basis to let you know of all the great changes I am about to experience, and of course to ask some questions and seek your guidance. Thanks So Much!"

We'll be looking forward to getting updates from everyone -- press and pictures!

How far is too far?

Having ridden a pedicab for nearly 2 years I notice that I am more and more inclined to ride further and further to accommodate my passengers. I have to admit that the farthest distance one way I have ridden is a little over 6 miles with a passenger.

After this ride I got to thinking about a certain venue that is roughly 12 miles from the company bike barn. Most of the venues that I drive are relatively close, within three miles so it isn't like I ride very far before I start making my money. So, I got to thinking: How far do other pedicab drivers pedal before they start working various venues? And what is too far?

How many drivers ride 12 miles (or more) to a venue? Would you consider my efforts common place or more uncommon among pedicab drivers? I'd love to get some feedback from those that drive(ride) pedicabs.

What say you beefsteak?

Winter Cycling Has Its Own Rewards

Winter Cycling Has Its Own Rewards
By TERRENCE PETTY
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Feb. 12, 2008 at WRAL.com

PORTLAND, Ore. — Studded tires for bikes? Sure. You can also get chains if you want to join the intrepid cyclists who commute to work on two-wheelers during the winter, or who just want to have fun in the snow.

"I've been riding a bicycle for my main transportation for over 30 years. It's a force of habit," says John Schwenker, a 51-year-old aerospace engineer who lives near Boulder, Colorado

He rides four miles to his office and four miles back, even in the snow.

"It's a matter of going slow in the stuff," he says.

Bikes aren't just for sunny summer weather. There are those across the country - whether for environmental reasons, fun or fitness - who so love cycling that they ride year-round, pretty much regardless of the weather.

It may sound masochistic, letting sleet, rain and snow lacerate your face while you try to stay upright on a bike. But there's something weirdly liberating about hurling yourself into the elements - as long as you're smart about it.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Beware hypothermia. Wear layers, and clothing that breathes. It may be cold outside, but as you pedal through snow and cold rain you are going to heat up and sweat. Invest in a good foul-weather cycling jacket. Some riders wear heavy-duty cycling tights. Some wear snow pants. For the base layer - the clothing closest to your skin - stay away from cotton because it will feel wet and cold. Synthetics are better, and cyclists are rediscovering wool. Check with local cyclists to see what works in your conditions.

For footwear, some swear by the same style of "clipless" racing shoes they use during the fair-weather months - the kind of shoes that lock into the bike's pedals. If you go that route, get some neoprene booties to wear over the shoes and help keep out moisture and cold.

In colder climates, consider wearing regular winter boots for warmth. Use them with platform pedals, rather than clipless ones.

For gloves, look for something that will keep out the moisture and cold but also let your skin breathe. One option is the "lobster glove," so called because it looks like a big claw. You could also use weatherproof "bullwinkles," or "pogies," which resemble oven mitts and go over the handlebars. You slip your hands into them.

Besides a helmet, you'll need something over your head to keep in body heat. A balaclava would be a good choice.

RIDE SAFELY:

Make sure you are visible to motorists. Get a headlight that can be seen from a distance, and a blinking taillight that's also bright. In fact, consider getting more than one taillight. Put one on the back of your helmet and attach others to various places on your bike. Light yourself up like a Christmas tree.

Slow down. In snow, sleet or rain, it will take longer to come to a stop than on a dry road. If it doesn't feel safe, stay off the bike.

When you come to an intersection, make eye contact with motorists getting ready to pull into the street to be sure they see you.

Adapt your speed and riding style to the conditions. Powdery snow can be easy to ride through, but it depends how much there is. If there's ice beneath it, the going can be really tricky. Snow packed down by a snowplow can be fun to ride on, but again, be on the alert for ice. Riding through accumulations of wet snow can be exhausting. Gear down and spin through it.

YOUR BIKE:

Winter is brutal on a bicycle. If you want to ride on a regular basis in bad weather, acquire a "sacrificial bike," something cheap that you won't weep over when it's become mechanically useless.

Riders in the Pacific Northwest have "rain bikes" for winter's long rainy season. Some of the bikes have old steel or aluminum frames, come from a junkyard or were bought for a song. Some are sturdy mountain bikes or bikes built for cyclocross.

A rain bike needs fenders. Without them, rainwater and wet muck splashes all over your back - and into the face of anyone riding behind you.

In regions where winter is more snowy than rainy, foul-weather riders also tend to choose old clunkers, mountain bikes and others that can take a beating.

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, for instance, Mike Gerke rides every day of the year. The 50-year-old operates a pedicab; uses a bike for his office-cleaning business; and also just rides for the fun of it - racking up between 8,000 and 12,000 miles a year.

During the winter, Gerke sometimes uses a "fixed-gear" bike, a stripped-down variety with fewer moving parts to break or get gunked up. When snow is beginning to accumulate, he might ride his mountain bike instead.

"The wider stance of the mountain bike, with wider tires, helps give you stability," Gerke said.

Schwenker, of Boulder, rides a cruiser-style bike with braking mechanisms on the hubs of both wheels, rather than rim brakes, which can clog with snow and are less reliable in wet conditions.

Whether you are riding in snow or rain, choose a durable tire because in the winter there's more junk on the road that can slice a tire. Many riders choose mountain bike tires for snow because of their knobby tread. For added traction, you can buy them with studs. Sometimes Schwenker wraps chains onto his tires.

THE PAYOFF:

In Portland, there's a hard-core group of riders who can't wait for winter. For them, riding out into farm country while clouds nudge against the Cascade foothills and rain pours down can be nearly mystical.

Todd Gee of Chicago also knows the feeling. A 37-year-old computer programmer, Gee takes part in snow rides in the Windy City. The group meets early in the evening, then rides to the lakefront or some other pleasant place.

"One of the nice things about snow rides - it's very quiet," said Gee. "Snow deadens the constant noise of the city."

Funny thing... this article was written for a Portland, Oregon audience, appeared on a web site for a television station in Raleigh, North Carolina, and features 2 people we know -- Mike Gerke (gike) in Green Bay, Wisconsin and John Schwenker in Boulder, Colorado. It's a small world after all!

Happy Valentine's Day Pedicabbies!

A quick note to our drivers to tell them (and everyone who reads this blog) just how much we LOVE and APPRECIATE them!

We probably don't tell them often enough what an awesome group we have right now. So this is it.

Thanks to each and every one of you!

specialized sub-blog

With all the pedicab blogs out there, some are focused on national issues, some seem to be localized. ALL GOOD! The pedicab yahoo group comes out of the southwest. This blog comes out of Denver. Austin TX has one. New York city has one. Florida has one. I have started one for the Northern Midwest. It is meant for operators/operations north of "the line", not out east,west, or south. Please give a visit, sign up, and keep the good vibe going. Us "up nort" have different challenges than the more climate friendly locations. Ride on...for profit.

MIBiz: Ped-i-cure for the rush hour blues?

By Karen Gentry | MiBiz
kgentry@mibiz.com

GRAND RAPIDS – Like many major U.S. cities, Grand Rapids may soon have pedicabs on the streets of its downtown district. City officials drafted proposed rules for the human-powered vehicles and will hold a public hearing on the proposal January 29. Pedicabs are human-powered three-wheeled vehicles with a seat, pedals and handlebars in front for the operator and a hooded cab in back for passengers.

Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority Director Jay Fowler said the city doesn’t yet know what the demand will be for the one or two-seated pedicabs, however three companies have expressed interest in operating in downtown Grand Raids.“It’s something that’s popped up in a lot of other cities. I guess it’s a profitable business. All three recognized that this is an opportunity in Grand Rapids,” Fowler told MiBiz.

One of the interested parties is Barton Chatman, who has undergone intense training in Denver, Colorado with a company specializing in pedicab training, marketing and repair. Chatman has formed Grand Rapids Pedicab Company, a business that is already licensed and registered. Chatman believes the timing is right for pedicabs in Grand Rapids with the new JW Marriott and more people taking part in conventions and attending events at the Van Andel Arena. As Grand Rapids grows with more development, parking has become a challenge, and taxis aren’t easily accessible for quick trips.

“People need an efficient way of navigating their way downtown to take advantage of some of the restaurants. It’s nice to do it in an environmentally friendly and family friendly way,” Chatman told MiBiz.

He noted pedicabs can also be mobile billboards, a very effective form of advertising to keep brands and logos top-of-mind.

Chatman plans to buy 10-15 pedicabs from Denver-based Main Street Pedicabs. The vehicles will be leased to independent drivers. Mark Hendershot also plans to purchase pedicabs from the Denver company. He formed Grand Rapids Green Machines and plans to operate one pedicab himself and lease a second pedicab. Hendershot, a professional cyclist who races mountain bikes, believes pedicabs will benefit the city.

“It’s a fun alternative to motorized traffic and seems like kind of a fun venture. I want to bike around and help people out,” Hendershot told MiBiz.

He welcomes competition.

“The more the merrier as long as there’s a corner for each one of the cabs,” Hendershot said.

Fowler said other cities line up 10 pedicabs and shuttle people back and forth.

Proposed rules and regulations

A written document lists the basic requirements of being in the business of operating pedicabs in the downtown area. City representatives from the city clerk’s office, traffic safety and engineers met and concluded that pedicabs are an appropriate use of public right-of-way and recommended that an ordinance be adopted that established rules for pedicab operators.

“An important rule is the fare must be agreed upon at the beginning of the trip,” Fowler said.

This eliminates confusion about price, although some operators may rely a lot on tips.

The proposed rules call for operators to be over the age of 18 with a valid Michigan driver’s license. Pedicabs must be maintained and in safe condition. All pedicab drivers are subject to all applicable traffic safety laws and city and state rules and regulations. Other rules cover situations where pedicabs can park on public property, a rule against operating under the influence while operating a pedicab, and parking that doesn’t impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Regulations call for each pedicab to be properly equipped, in safe operating condition with turn signals, head and taillights, proper brakes and a bell or horn.

Liability insurance will also be required. All pedicab owners must file a business information card with the Office of Special Events prior to operation and drivers must wear an identification badge.

COPYRIGHT 2007. MIBIZ.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This article appeared in the Monday, January 07, 2008 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com. (A link to MiBiz's Web site is required).

Q: How do you spend your pedicab dollars?

People drive a pedicab for so many different reasons. For some, this is their full-time gig and the money they make goes to pay for expenses like rent, utilities, food, etc. Some are competitive athletes who use the money to support their adrenaline habit, paying for race fees, equipment and trainers. For some drivers, the money they make pedicabbing is just play money; extra money they can use to travel, party or buy new toys. Some look at a pedicab an emergency fund; the money tree they can go to whenever an unexpected expense comes up. Some don't really care so much about the money; just tossing it in a jar and deciding what to do with it later. We're not all motivated by the same things, and don't drive pedicabs for the same reasons. So what's yours?

What do you do with the money you make driving a pedicab?

I realize this may be too personal a question for some and may challenge your comfort zone. That's not my intent. I'm just curious about how pedicabbing fits into your economic scheme.

Dependent on Independence.

The independent nature of the pedicab driver has often baffled me.

I am an entrepreneur, an artist of sorts. I am resourceful, motivated, and willing to work hard. I work hard because I have bills to pay; namely things like rent, child support, a precarious biking habit. The biking habit makes me pedicab, which is self-feeding. But, folks, one cannot survive in the Pedicab industry as unmotivated or uncaring.

For the time that I have been in the employment force, I have never worked less than 2-3 jobs at a time. I hold a full time job as a professional, hold several professional licenses, and am beginning a journey into culinary arts. For me, I have pedicabbed for full time, part time, and this year, seasonally. I pay responsible 'adult' like things like mortgages, car insurance, and have never missed or been late on a credit card payment.

Why do I do it? Am I living out of my boundaries? Should I just quit and sell some stuff, and call it quits? This garbage about people 'who have nothing, need nothing' is garbage. I am an avid proponent of self-reflection, but along with that, self-improvement.

What makes me different? What makes independent, 'ankle-biting' drivers different than I? While I step away from getting on a high-horse, I, like many drivers, have a goal, and use this ob as supplementary income.

I am not the ideal driver. For a long time, I thought I could be. But, we get in accidents, take too many people, and burn ourselves out. How could you burn yourself out by riding a bike?

The question of responsibility is one that baffles me more than anything. How can drivers drive without insurance, sublet their cabs to any unemployed hungry for money- students, in hopes that they can create a passive, easy income?

It occurs to me that the independent driver can either a) be a part of society or b) not be a part of society. The people I compare the irresponsible driver to are the guys who hand out 'party cards.' They are the caliber of people who hand out cards stating free drinks for ladies (only), talking about the next fake party. They are the people who touch other's car and windshields with their flyers. They are the people who, regardless of the functionality of it, disregard a social norm, and think that the rules do not apply. They are graffiti people, who seem to think that any public property is their art playground (bad, at that), who just cannot fit in to a society advanced enough to construct a system. They are outlaws.

Progress is not being an outlaw. Progress does not mean radical opinion or radical behavior. Progress is not a disregard for rules. However, progress does happen when people work within rules and interpret them- within a normal reason.

The dudes from San Diego, Denver, or Key West, we are addressing a contingent of people who want to turn our industry into an industry where the opinions of the few (greedy, idiotic, self-involved, predatory) cabbers take to the streets, and charge whatever they think is necessary, and what will make their beer habit for the next couple of hours. It is irresponsible to think that the rules do not apply to 'you people.' HAH! Calling us irresponsible. This is a crossroads. Call it a revolution (no pun intended), but change comes from people following rules of specified municipalities, making contacts, and affecting change where you can.

Fighting the system the way that these people fight is ludicrous. "Screw you, security guy." "F-U Cop!" This is the behavior of weak people who do not know how to play well with others, fit into a society that needs a certain amount of agreement, and rebels who literally have no cause, other than their own greedy need to pay their bills at whatever cost. You aren't there to grow the industry, you aren't on the streets to turn the pedicab into something. You are there because you had no direction, and found something that you had the freedom enough to strike back at those who slighted you in whatever monetary way you could.

I state: I am in the pedicab industry because I love it. I like the entrepreneurial nature of it, I like the hussle, I enjoy the social aspect of it, and like the prospect of the alternative energy deal, despite my apprehension to the stupid, foregone conclusion of global warming. That opinion will be another day, but folks, com'n. For once, do something that is good for someone other than yourself. Quit drinking your beers whilst pedicabbing, stop gouging the rides, take a class, get a license, insure your goddamn cab.

I fear that the industry will only devolve into something of disrespect. What will it take to find out where this thing needs to go? We are all kooky, we all have some motivation. But work toward something. I propose some kind of summit where we all can turn this into something worthwhile. This isn't the big kid on the block, this isn't big brother.

I had a fellow driver try to childishly say 'you are ruining our industry, and our community.' To that, I say bullshit. Pardon my expression. There was never a community before Big Tree, it was the people with the maintained cabs and the company, versus people who thought they could make a quick buck, and make people pay. You non-conforming drivers are fine. I encourage competition. But for the sake of something greater, be a part of something, don't just hate your clientele by taking their money. The pedicab industry is bigger than that. Help us grow it into something, or don't be a part of it at all.

Best,

Beefsteak.

Pedal Pusher: Amesbury teen runs Newburyport Pedicab for charity

I meant to post this a long time ago. Blake Harris and Kevin Murphy consulted with us at length by phone and email before they got their operation up and running in Newburyport, MA. We were happy to see this great article online.

Pedal Pusher: Amesbury teen runs Newburyport Pedicab for charity - Amesbury, MA - Amesbury News

Harris is at the desk, fielding calls and talking via radio to the company’s drivers out in the field — he is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the fledgling business. Blake Harris is a 17-year-old prep school student. Read more...

Just goes to show you that age and maturity have little, if anything, to do with one another.

Things that matter

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gike's comments on my previous post "Wake up and Repent" got me to thinking. As the big dog in Denver Pedicabdom, how much responsibility do we bare in this situation? And what about the other legit operators in town? Where are they in all of this?

By default, we have been the spokespersons for the pedicabs here in Denver because we are the largest, have been here the longest and are the public face of the industry. When there's a problem, we get the call.

The true professional pedicab operation gets insurance, gets licenses, pays taxes, maintains their bikes, and trains anyone who rides for them. Their drivers don't drink and then drive, don't drive recklessly, don't gouge or overcharge. They are conscientious, courteous, friendly, and safety-conscious.

There is a group of independents who don’t think they have to follow any rules or listen to anyone. This group has ridden the coat tails of the legitimate companies (MHP in particular) for years. We're the ones who meet with the business community and talk about how great pedicabs are for Denver. We're the ones donating tours and time and energy to charities like PBS and Race for the Cure. We're the ones who get the phone calls when there's a complaint or incident. We're the ones promoting pedicabs in Denver and around the country. We're the ones who smoothed things over with the venue when there were problems last year and the year before. These actions benefit ALL the pedicab drivers in Denver, not just those who ride for Mile High.

Whenever we've tried to do anything to stabilize or legitimize the industry here, they push back. "F*** you, man! I'm gonna do what I want. I don't care about anybody but myself. The rest of you can f*** off!" For far too long, they've been tolerated, allowed to operate and continue to put the industry at risk. If MHP is the big dog on the street, then they're the annoying little ankle biters.

Who is responsible for the actions of these drivers? Does a new driver get to makeup new rules and just start riding or disregard the existing one because they simply don’t like them?

Which brings me back to my original point -- how much responsibility do we bare? We could have been more aggressive in getting them out. We could have gone to the city and demanded better enforcement of the regulations. We could have called the police every time we saw an infraction. We could have negotiated exclusive rights for our drivers to operate at the venues rather than trying to set up systems that would allow everyone to operate if they followed the rules. But we didn't want to be perceived as anti-competition. We didn't want to expose the naked nasty underbelly of pedicabs to the public. We thought it could cause more harm than good and things would work out somehow. Maybe we caved.

And how much responsibility do the other legit operators bare? At least as much as we do. Do they fully train their drivers, especially on pedicab etiquette and the unwritten rules? Do they monitor their actions on the street? Some of the other operators may have insurance, etc., but are reckless and rude, flaunting the rules at every opportunity.

Now for the individual drivers out there. What's their responsibility? What have they got to lose? In some ways, more than we do. These punks are their competition. They have to deal with them every time they're out. What do they do to keep everybody in line? Do they call the cops? Do they report incidents to the parking management at the venues or someone else? Or do they just sit around and complain? What's their part in the solution? Peer pressure is a powerful force.

Can't we all just get along? That phrase is about to make me puke! When do they try to get along with us? Don't they realize that they would benefit more by working with us rather than against us? Why are we always the bad guys? Because we would hold people accountable. Because we believe that the rules and regulations apply to everyone. It's hard to be cooperative with people who don't want to cooperate.

I say ENOUGH! I'm sick of playing the games. I'm sick of being nice. I'm sick of just trying to run my own business and ignoring the stupidity of everyone else. I'm sick of trying to make things better for all the pedicab operators. NO MORE! Now you've really pissed me off!

A business associate told me last week, "Don't do this for ego; do it for money!" This is a real business for me. Not just some fly-by-night adventure. These twits are jeopardizing my business, my ability to make money. I've sunk a lot of time and energy into pedicabs. I've been working to help this fledgling industry spread its wings and take flight. I'm in this for the long haul. I'm not willing to sit back and allow a bunch of jackasses to ruin my livelihood.

I'm silent no more!

Wake up and Repent!

In Denver, as in most cities, sporting events provide great opportunities for pedicab drivers to make money. With 7 or so pro teams in our downtown area, plus concerts and other events, these sports venues are important arenas for our drivers and the other pedicab operations in the city.

Now, one of our most popular venues is threatening to ban pedicabs altogether. There have been little incidents each season for the past couple of years. Until now, we've been able to convince the management that pedicabs are a good thing for their patrons and should be allowed to ride on the property. Not any more.

Unfortunately, there are those in our industry who think the world somehow owes them something. The rules don't apply to them because they don't much care what they leave behind -- good or bad. They just do whatever they want and the hell with all the rest. They won't be around to clean up the mess. If pedicabs are banned, they'll just do something else (although I'm not sure what they could do that would be better). As one indy driver told us last year, "I don't care. I'll just deliver groceries in my pedicab."

After incidents of rudeness to patrons, downright nastiness to staff, blatantly ignoring the rules and requests of the venue, reckless and/or drunk driving, etc. the venue management was upset. Finally, after a staffer carrying her 2-year-old was knocked down in the snow by a pedicab last week, management said ENOUGH! As the largest and best-known pedicab company in Denver, we got the call. No more pedicabs on the property.

We know who the trouble-makers are -- the ones who say "F*** YOU!" anytime someone says something to them, and the ones who nod in agreement until your back is turned and they give you the finger. They know who they are. These I-don't-give-a-shit-about-anyone-but-myself punks may have cost all the pedicab drivers in the city a valuable opportunity to make money.

We tried to warn them. After an angry call from the management last year and threats to ban pedicabs then, we told them this could happen if everyone didn't behave and follow the rules. We got the same response we got before... "F*** YOU! I don't have to do what you say! You're not the boss of me!"

Can't we all just get along?

I'm so sick of that! Obviously... NO! we can't!

It would be nice. In a perfect world, a utopia, we'd all get along, appreciate each other and the opportunities we have. We'd all treat one another with respect. It would be nice, if everyone followed the rules, cared about safety and service. It would be nice if everyone had a valid pedal cab license, business license, insurance, lights, brakes -- all those niceties that make a business legit.

Alas, Pedicabdom isn't a perfect world. Along with most of our drivers, we just hoped the hooligans would just go away. We all know who causes the most problems, and exchange complaints about them all the time. But what to do? Break their legs? Flatten their tires? Steal their shoes? Slap their wrists? (Is there anyplace that still uses stocks?) I'm not one to advocate violence, but... DAMN! ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

WAKE UP PEOPLE! Repent! Get it together! This is your wake-up call.

One More Time

This post appeared on the Pedicab Yahoo Group. Very well written observations by Billy O in Phoenix. We have and still are experiencing some of the same issues in Denver, for now on a smaller scale. We hear about similar situations from other operators across the country.

All of us are judged by each of us.

The whole industry was given yet another black eye over the last couple days in Scottsdale during the Super Bowl parties.

Raiders from San Diego showed up.

I know that not all San Diego riders are like the ones who were most visible out there last night. And I know we have riders here in Phoenix who are just like the San Diego people who so completely and thoughtlessly came in to rape and run at this event.

They say "we just charge what the market will bear". Except the effects of their charging 20 and 40 bucks a head plus tip will linger long after they have left here. And the ripples of gouging go outward from here to affect the entire industry, all cross the country.

They say they have the right to charge 80 bucks for a ride because it cost them so much to get here, and they have to eat, and pay for hotel rooms and gas on top of lease. So its okay to gouge the people attending a major event, because, you know, the people are here to spend money anyway.

Its okay because even after being told that nobody gets to run in Glendale because the City has decided to protect itself from predatory pedicab practices, its okay to go to a nearby city and give yet another city a reason to ban human powered ransportation.

Its okay to crowd the doorways of events, to jam as many rigs as possible as close as possible to the security checkpoints because the cops let it happen.

Its okay to cut in front of lines that have been formed by the people who got there first because the well mannered people with an eye to the future will refuse to start fist fights at the event as a way to enforce fair operational practices.

Its okay to do hit and runs in parking lots and in grid locked traffic cuz you'll be gone in a day and theres no way to get caught when the cops are so busy.

Its okay to do whatever you can get away with because tomorrow never comes.

I know that not all San Diego pedicabbers are like this. Not all of them act like they were trained by the old bike man limo company. And I know that we have people here in the Valley who act like that too. The worst of human nature is not confined to any one geographical area.

All of us are judged by each of us. The true soul riders, the professionals, will be invisible when seen next to the raiders who think the whole world is their own private toilet.

The single biggest threat to the human powered transportation industry is some of the all too human people doing it.

with huge regret and great sadness

sincerely,

Billy O

If you're not already a member of the Yahoo Group, sign up and read the comments. Just go to yahoo.com and search for "pedicab" under groups. Very interesting.

A follow up comment:

the Police and the Property Owners find it much easier to just ban all of us rather than try to take the time to find out who is professional and who is predatory.

The one about the Pedicab.

Six Until Me: The one about the Pedicab.

We had scheduled to bring EXIST to a media conference in NYC last night. Chris was already in the city for the day, so I worked at dLife and then hopped the train to New York.

The train dumped me off at Grand Central Station and I made my merry way to the concourse, happy that I at least knew what direction to go in. It was 6:19 pm and the conference started at 6:30. I was right on track to be fashionably late.

Texted Chris: I’m here. Just getting a cab and I’ll be to you in 20 minutes.

Walked out onto the bustling sidewalk. Roads were closed due to the UN summit, so there were even more people spilling out than usual. Horns beeping. A man dressed as a piece of pizza shoved a flyer in my hand and hollered (to no one in particular), “Everybody loves pizza, man!” I walked towards the corner of the street, heels clicking, fashionably late … very Mary Tyler Moore of me. Started humming “You’re gonna make it after all.” Raised my arm to hail a cab, for the first time in my 27 years.

No one stopped.

Maybe I wasn’t out far enough. Maybe they couldn’t see me. Raised my hand again as a trio of cabs ripped by.

Hmmm. I am clearly doing something wrong here.

There was a police officer standing about 30 feet away from me. I walked over to her, keeping my eyes locked on the gridlock for an empty cab.

“Excuse me?” The cop turned around. “Excuse me. I need to catch a cab. Would I have more luck on another street, because of the roads being closed?”

The cop looked me up and down.

“Would have helped if you wore a skirt.”

“Excuse me?”

“A skirt. A skirt would help. Next time wear a skirt. But good luck finding a cab tonight – roads are closed, it’s rush hour, and everyone is looking for a cab. Cross your fingers, miss.”

Feeling more and more like a country mouse, I stepped back to the curb and scanned the road for cabs. A man with luggage and a cell phone walked up beside me.

“Waiting for a cab?”

I nodded.

“Good luck with that. It’s crazy in this town. I’m just in from San Francisco and I’ve been waiting for ½ an hour for a cab to stop.” My eyes widened. I heard a bell ring.

“Hey lady! You need to get somewhere fast?” A voice called from the street. Out of seemingly nowhere, a bicycle cab/rickshaw peeled out next to me and a tall, skinny man leaned off his bicycle and shot me a craggy grin.

Oh for crying out loud.

“Yes, yes I do. Can you get me to The Puck Building? Off Lafayette?”

“No problem. 52 blocks from here. Gonna cost you $60. Hop in.”

It didn’t look safe. It was an updated version of a horse-and-buggy outfit, only instead of a horse pulling the cart down a country road, it was a skinny guy with an almost-beard toddling through Manhattan traffic. I shouldn’t do it. And sixty bucks? I definitely shouldn’t do it.

“Okay.” I climbed in. He buckled me in like it was the Scrambler at the fair and off we plunged into the sea of buses, town cars, and cabs that didn’t want me as a patron.

Texted Chris: I’m on my way. I’m in an f@*&ing bicycle rickshaw. This is my life. $60.</