I feel your pain

All you pedicab owner-operators, let me just say, "I feel your pain" when it comes to finding insurance.

We've been on the hunt for insurance for our new pedal cab operation, Colorado Rickshaw Company, and it's been UGLY! The options are limited, for sure, and the costs, restrictions and exclusions are all over the map. In recent weeks I've gotten a real education in a subject I didn't want to know that much about.

From what we hear from operators across North America, insurance is the biggest issue they face. Drivers may be the biggest hassle, but overall, the biggest concern is insurance.

There just aren't a lot of options. The coverage offered by some providers is questionable. Unfortunately, in order to operate, a lot of companies buy whatever is cheapest and still meets the requirements. They may think they're covered, but are they really?

I don't claim to be an expert in insurance, and I'm not going to tell you which insurance policy to buy, or which providers are the best. It really depends on your own particular circumstances, how your business is structured, and your tolerance for risk. What I can tell you is that there are significant differences in policies from one provider to the next.

Here are some questions you may want to ask before you plunk down a large chunk of cash:

• Has the insurance you're considering ever paid a claim? If so, what were the circumstances?
  
• If you report an incident, even if it never becomes a claim, are you charged a reporting or research fee?
  
• What is included and what is excluded?
  
• Is the insurance based on claims made or occurences? Either may be okay, but may require different reporting procedures, and the total deductible may change. (For example, if three passengers in an accident each file a claim, the deductible may apply to each passenger rather than the entire incident, thus tripling your out-of-pocket expense.)
  
• If a driver has an incident but doesn't report it, are you covered?
  
• Is there a deductible? If so, do you have enough in reserve to cover it?
  
• Are the drivers covered, or just the passengers? What about damage to the cabs or other property like cars?
  
• If you have a manager, assistant manager, or mechanic, what is their coverage under the policy?
  
• At what point does this insurance take over? Some policies only cover expenses in excess of those covered by motor vehicle or health insurance.
  
• Are the pedal cabs covered for damage, fire or theft? Does that coverage apply to street use, storage, or both?
  
• Is coverage limited to a specific geographical area like a city, county or region? Or can you take your cabs to an event like an airshow or car race outside of your general footprint? Does coverage extend to transport to or from an event?
  
• Is there an age limit for drivers?
  
• If the policy requires a "clean driving record," what does that mean? If someone gets a traffic ticket after they're approved, what happens?
  
• Are there any benefits for having safety equipment like lights and seat belts?
  
• Are there any benefits for having a training & street monitoring program in place?
  
• Do you have the ability to increase or decrease the number of cabs in your fleet?
  
• Is anything else included in the coverage like legal fees, etc.?
  
• Can you review a copy of the policy before you buy?
  
• If you change to a new insurance provider, are you covered by the original provider for incidents that happened while you were insured by them?

Other things to consider when choosing your insurance coverage are:

• Do you have written reporting procedures in place?
  
• Have you put into place any other systems to limit your liability?
  
• What are the driver's responsibilities in an incident?
  
• How well are your cabs maintained, and do you keep records?
  
• If your drivers aren't covered by your business insurance, do they have any other coverage in place like regular or catastrophic health insurance?

It takes time to evaluate your options. Plan to start looking for new insurance 4 to 6 weeks before you actually need it. Since pedicab businesses are still a nontraditional industry and there aren't any actuarial tables yet, brokers often need time to gather all the information required by the underwriters.

Love to have you with us in Raleigh

To anyone who is considering starting a pedicab business, or who wants to take an existing business to the next level:

I would strongly suggest that you attend this seminar. You are really going to need the fundamental information in the seminar to have a chance at a successful business.

I am in no way profiting at all from this seminar. My benefit is having successful Pedicab company owners representing the industry at a level which will advance us all to the next level, while shedding the misconceptions this business has acquired due to lack of leadership and consistency in owners.

This seminar, the only one of its kind, is for the first time going to be on the east coast and better yet, in Raleigh. I traveled to Denver, where it is normally held, to attend and it was worth the stretch in budget to do so. I credit the knowledge I gained to not just my company's success, but my company's overwhelming success.

The cost of it is peanuts compared to this risk of the overall investment to your company. It's worth spending your money on fewer cabs and getting quality training. Then buy more cabs and build your fleet as your business grows.

Check out the latest Raleigh Rickshaw media coverage in the Raleigh Downtowner. We are blazing a path to the gold Standard of Rickshaw/ Pedicab Companies and would love to have you with us !!!!!!!!!!

Donald Mertrud
Owner
Raleigh Rickshaw

Q: Owners and Operators, what is your biggest challenge?

Every pedicab operation is different. However, they all have things in common: drivers, rent, insurance, regulations, maintenance, seasonal changes, cash flow, storage, advertising, etc.

In your experience, what is the biggest challenge facing your business? How have you tried to overcome this challenge, and how has it worked? How can others reading the blog help you?

This question is mainly for owners and operators, although anyone is welcome to answer.

Discounted pricing extended!

We've extended the discounted price on the Pedicab Operators Weekend through the weekend. Register by the end of the day Monday, March 3, and SAVE!

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.

Pedicab University: Stop talking and get moving!

There's always a lot of questions on the blogs, forums and boards from people interested in starting a pedicab business. Some actually do it. Some just keep talking about it. And some have come to our training and are now operating successful companies.

So stop talking about starting your own pedicab business and find out what it really takes to do it! Get answers to your questions from the experts in the industry. Learn from our experience - mistakes and all. Our training helped launch successful pedicab operations across the country.

Two training sessions scheduled for Spring 2008!

Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive
February 9 & 10
Denver, Colorado, USA.

4-Day Pedicab Intensive
March 27-30
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Visit the web site at www.bigtreepedicab.com for more information. We'd love to see you there!

Comments from previous Weekend Intensives:

"We had a plan before we came to the seminar, but getting your advice greatly expanded what we can do with the business. You probably saved us a year of mistakes learning these lessons the hard way."

"This seminar is a must for anyone serious about getting into pedicabs at any level. It was great and very worth it!"

"I can't imagine doing this without attending your class first!"

Q: Does your pedicab company close for the winter?

Believe it or not, in Denver, Colorado, land of snow and cold, pedicabs operate year-round. In fact, this is a very, very busy time for us. Denver is such a hot sports town that the snowiest weather can't cool us off for long. We just finished up with baseball with our own Colorado Rockies making their first appearance in the World Series. We continue with Bronco football, Avalanche hockey and Nuggets basketball along with several other sports teams and events in the area. Pedicabbing slows down at the beginning of the year, but with the exception of the huge holiday blizzards last winter, never completely shuts down.

What about pedicabs in your area? Will they continue to operate all year? If so, what issues does that create and how do you handle them? If not, why not?

A head start for your pedicab business!

Don't miss Big Tree Pedicab Management's next weekend training session. The Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive is scheduled for September 14-16 in Denver, Colorado, USA. We've added an extra day exclusively for maintenance. Visit the web site at www.bigtreepedicab.com for more information. We'd love to see you there!

Check out our new facilities! We've moved into a new and larger building! With access to over 5000 square feet, there's plenty of room for storing pedicabs and maintenance. We've even got a lounge for drivers, offices, a conference room and kitchen.

We will discuss issues around business structure, limiting liability and risk, tax concerns, working with municipalities and venues, managing and tracking assets, potential income streams, recruiting and training successful drivers, negotiating with advertisers, and promoting and marketing your business. We also have great sample documents in the binder you receive!

If you want to know more about running a successful pedicab operation, you want to talk to the team from Big Tree Pedicab Management, managers of Mile High Pedicabs. We bring experience in business, cycling, coaching and training to the second oldest continually operating pedicab fleet in the United States.

Comments from previous Weekend Intensives:

"We had a plan before we came to the seminar, but getting your advice greatly expanded what we can do with the business. You probably saved us a year of mistakes learning these lessons the hard way."

"This seminar is a must for anyone serious about getting into pedicabs at any level. It was great and very worth it!"

"I can't imagine doing this without attending your class first!"

Green transit in Durham, NC

Pedicabs seek market niche
Is Durham ready for a 'green' taxi service that runs on leg power? Greenway Transit hopes so

The evening was to be a launch, of sorts. The Durham Bulls were opening an eight-game home stand June 14. What better way to promote the wind-in-your-face fun of a pedicab ride than offering free pregame rides from the parking lot to the ballpark?

"A limited audience, I guess, " Dana Di Maio said as he sat on his dark blue pedicab after the game started. "I took three rides total ... no, four."

Di Maio is the part-time pedicab coordinator for Greenway Transit, part of a Durham nonprofit pushing a variety of "green" initiatives ranging from its fleet of biodiesel buses and vans to biofuels to Third World fair trade.

Right now Di Maio is also the only driver for the two pedicabs that over time he hopes will become part of the streetscape linking the American Tobacco Historic District, downtown Durham, Brightleaf Square and Ninth Street. He's looking for drivers and exposure, some of which the pedicabs will get Saturday in the parade that accompanies Durham Rising.

Di Maio's first riders of the evening last week couldn't pass up the free novelty, which came with their confession: "I'm lazy," said both Curtis Walker, 18, and Michael Leathers, 19, before jumping into the pedicab for a brisk three-minute ride from the East Pettigrew Street parking deck around the corner to the ballpark's front entrance on Blackwell Street. Among the other riders were a middle-aged couple and two younger women.

"The people seemed to like it," Di Maio said. "One person said it was like New York."

But the 30 minutes of pregame pedaling had the 23-year-old Guilford College graduate scratching his head about how to position a business that has little precedent in Durham (though a bit more in Raleigh and Chapel Hill).

He needs at least four drivers to commit to pedaling four weeks or more. One compensation model would have the driver rent the pedicab for $30 for a four-hour evening and pocket fees and tips.

The fee scale has the first 10 minutes costing $5 for one rider, $7 for two and $11 for three. Everything over 10 minutes is $1 per minute. An hour costs $55. Shirts, caps and brochures pushing the pedicabs have yet to surface.

Di Maio is contemplating flat fees for university functions and conferences. He says conferences focusing on environmental issues might be fertile ground. Likewise "green" weddings and history tours.

The focus of Di Maio's strategizing is two $4,500 tricycles with padded benches (two- and three-seaters) over the two rear wheels and an awning (no fringe). From his perch in front, the driver grinds through 21 gears and flicks lighted turn signals. The body is fiberglass. The frame is aluminum. The whole ensemble is 80 pounds on balloon tires and is so tight and light it almost hums along the street.

The two pedicabs and insurance were purchased through a $13,000 grant this spring from John Sall, co-founder of SAS Institute.

From Greenway Transit's base at 1404 Angier Ave., Di Maio's boss, Marc Dreyfors, 45, sees pedicabs as not only an ecologically sensible and responsible transportation alternative in congested cities, but just plain fun.

"When you go through East Durham neighborhoods [on a pedicab], it's like being a rock star," he said. "People yell from their porches. It's heartfelt. It doesn't make money, but it's really cool."

Now Greenway Transit is searching for a business model to turn its fledgling "green" pedicab efforts into something that generates the folding green of dollars.

"It's a Catch-22," Di Maio said about building a customer base. "You have to be popular to be popular."

Getting started with a new, unfamiliar business is tough. It's important to be seen with people in your cab -- even if those people are your kids or your neighbors. People like to do what they see other people doing.

You take the good with the bad.

I just finished another night on the street. It was about to the point of ludicrous, but, I quit. A former blog talked about knowing when to hold 'em and knowing when to fold 'em. Well, I have something to say.

In watching and making an attempt to bike this evening, I found something out: I have nothing to prove and and that riding a pedicab is about attitude, but there are things you can't control, one of which being weather.

I knew it was going to rain. It was acting like it might be an off-and-on night, with a little rain. Nevertheless, it became downpour that lasted several hours. Lesson: Take the good with the bad.

I quit early. I got sick of my hands being cold, trying to pedal a pedicab in the rain for a few dollars more. I was cold. wet, and soaked to the bone. So, I reminisced about my days as a rookie driver (rookie tatoos and chain bites), and thought about my soaking feet. It happens to us all. The silver lining in this is that even I, who worked several hours and made half of what I wanted to, realized that the terrible circumstances are terrible. However, I know that when I have a sunny, perfect day (like St. Paddy's day, which, I may remind you was an epic day in itself, moreso than New Year's eve) absolutely giving the power to make money, there is nothing better.

I won't just ride big events or ride nice days. I ride when I can, to make the money I need to make. But, those days aren't always perfect. Entre' tonight. Lesson here: Those who come out in the cold, rain, negative temps, or snow (and I have the numbness in my hands to prove it) are the backbone of this industry! They are trying to make something out of nothing. Take this as a lesson: when it is cold, who is going to take the inebreated to their respective hotels and destinations? The people out tonight were soldiers and warriors in the pedicab game. They were willing to brave it and see if they could make a few dollars. But, I say, dedication and sheer stubbornness make a driver go out in the most dire of circumstances for return.

Keep this in mind, budding drivers and companies. Take the good with the bad. When it is good, it is great. When it is bad, don't bitch or complain. We all know that slowness is a payback for Broncos games, St. Paddy's day, or New Years. Take it all, because otherwise, you just become another driver with complaints that can't be solved. Off to the dryer!

Manage your pedicab business like a pro!

Don't miss Big Tree Pedicab Management's first weekend training session this year. The Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive is scheduled for May 18-20 in Denver, Colorado, USA. We've added an extra day exclusively for maintenance. Check out the web site at www.bigtreepedicab.com for more information. We'd love to see you there!

We will discuss issues around business structure, limiting liability and risk, tax concerns, working with municipalities and venues, managing and tracking assets, potential income streams, recruiting and training successful drivers, negotiating with advertisers, and promoting and marketing your business. We also have great sample documents in the binder you receive!

If you want to know more about running a successful pedicab operation, you want to talk to the team from Big Tree Pedicab Management, managers of Mile High Pedicabs. We bring experience in business, cycling, coaching and training to the second oldest continually operating pedicab fleet in the United States.

Comments from our last Weekend Intensive:

"We had a plan before we came to the seminar, but getting your advice greatly expanded what we can do with the business. You probably saved us a year of mistakes learning these lessons the hard way."

"This seminar is a must for anyone serious about getting into pedicabs at any level. It was great and very worth it!"

"I can't imagine doing this without attending your class first!"

Q: Impact on others

After reading the comments from last week's question, I wanted to know more about how "the negative actions of a single driver can have an adverse impact upon their fellow drivers and the company as a whole."

So this week's question (actually 2 questions) is . . .

How can the actions of a single driver impact other drivers or the industry as a whole? How do you handle those issues when they arise?

Going it Alone without Going Crazy

Going it Alone? 5 Business Tips for the Solo-preneur

At Big Tree Pedicab Mgt, we talk with and consult with pedicab companies around the world. Many of them are small start-ups with questions about how to get the word out about their business.

Of course, the first and most important thing, when it comes to pedicabs, is to be seen. To get your cabs out on the streets with bodies in the back, even if they're your friends or family. People like to do what they see other people doing. If they see people having fun riding around in a pedicab, they'll be more likely to try it themselves.

This short post on FlashPoint! Solutions to Ignite Your Business will give you more ideas for how to get going without feeling overwhelmed. The theme running through the 5 Tips discussed here is clarity. You have to be able to tell people what you're about in 30 seconds or less (what we call your 30-second commercial or your elevator speach). If you can't do that, you need to work on clarifying your business in your own head.

If you're new in a community, it's critically important that you work with your drivers on this as well. Remember, they're your ambassadors.

Thanks for coming to Denver

Thanks so much to everyone who attended the recent Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive.

Greg and I had a great time getting to know all of you. We appreciate your time and attention and hope all of you got valuable information and new ideas you can implement in your own communities. We're looking forward to getting to know all of you better and assisting you in continuing to build your business.

Intensive Snow

We're watching the sky for snow again as we gear up for this year's first Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive. We have attendees from 6 different companies coming into Denver for the weekend. Predictions of 8-12 inches of the white stuff won't deter us. Since most of the time is in the classroom, we'll work things out. But it makes observing the pedicab activity downtown a little challenging. Break out the snowshoes and snowtires!

So, you think you can do it better?

Hello All!

It is daylight savings time, now. Thanks to the US Congress. Hey! We have the power to change time!!! Anyway, in a recent trip abroad, I saw some potential bike truck and bike taxi companies.

In thinking about expanding the vision of the pedicab world, there area variety of responsible things one must do.

In recent months, far too many people seem to think that they could have created their own profitable, well run, cash-cow pedicab business, just by being Green-forward-progressive thinking transporters of party-goers, ready for a good time.

I am here to tell you that running an operation correctly, regardless of what type of business is work. It will always be work, it will always be difficult to manage people.

That being said, my beef with you people who seem to think you can do it better: either shit or get off the pot. Unless you have a unique product, service, or management attitude that actually works, forget about wasting time and money of your potential drivers. I have to say that I have seen people impress upon other slow, spotless minds, a vision of promise and charm, and hope, being liberated from the "system." That being said, I have to say that talk of revolution, karma, and a changing of the guard makes me pretty much vomit in my mouth. It is bitter and worthless: my point: Unless you can run a business well, with progress, don't do it.

That being said, part II, is a thought on opening up the world to pedicabs. The vision of the pedicab is perfect around the world. They have them in China, South Africa, and the Caribbean, not to mention all over the US and Europe. In my travels to a country south of our borders, I saw push bikes all over the place, but no pedicabs. Travesty! They were single speeds, similar to ice cream carts we see in our locations. But, I saw them weave in and out of non-regulated traffice, with ease. Whomever these drivers are, are good. Very good.

So, I looked for opportunity for pedicabs. Everywhere needs at least one. I can see Dr. Seuss labeling this thing as the best way of transport. God Bless you, Cat in the Hat! But, we think about location, price, cost, transport, potential for money, people per capita in a small city, average weight, average number of rides. The list goes on and on. I hoped to take one. Another newsflash: The rest of the world sees necessity, not luxury. In order to gain and understanding of expansion of pedicabs into further domestic and further into international markets, it is necessary to understand the freedom, leisure, and pleasure that Americans enjoy. In other countries, they ride a pedicab because it pays more than their Attorney salary. Keep this in mind. Expansion is imaginative and beautiful. Expansion is for the dreaming only. It is the progressive entrepreneur. But, that being said, one must think about adaptability and success, rather than large dollar signs. This is a money making business. But there is more than that to this. I look at my forays into entrepreneurship, I can only say that statistics will bail you out of jail, but they won't prove your point.

So, before you start a pedicab company in a location that you are certain that has potential to make full time money, think about it...You may be able to do it better, faster, and stronger. But ultimately, statistics and a proof of your process will save you. I submit that being in business is to make money, not just satisfy a student-global warming initiative. While the latter is noble, the former is the American Dream. Enterprise as you must.

That also being said, if you have a market that will complete your vision, this is what you do: write the plan and follow it. Otherwise, you will be yet another 90% of small business that close in the US each year, due to stupid decisions. Make the industry better. Make it a source of entertainment, or talking to people. But if you are going to do it, do it right.

The Rumor Mill: #6 Kiss my a**

Rumor #6: All our drivers have to kiss our butts to keep us happy.

I'm sure that if you asked our drivers, they'd be pretty unhappy about the idea that they're a bunch of brown-nosers, but this is what we were told a couple weeks ago.

Sure there are some drivers we're more friendly with than others, but we don't expect any of them to kiss up (although I do enjoy a nice soft pair of lips on my cheek once in awhile). All we really ask for is some respect, loyalty, communication and cooperation; the basis of any good relationship.

Respect:
We expect our drivers to treat us, our property, tools and equipment, and the other drivers with respect. We also expect that passengers, pedestrians, police and other members of the downtown community will be treated with respect. Lying, cheating and stealing isn't tolerated; they show a lack of respect for self and others.

Loyalty:
Don't spread gossip and lies. Don't talk shit about us. Don't come to our parties, drink our beer and eat our food, then tell everyone how awful and unfair we are. If you have a problem with our policies, talk to us about it directly. Don't waste time getting everyone else's opinion first. That's how rumors and gossip get started.

Communication:
If you have an issue with some decision we've made, discuss it with us. If there's a reason why rent will be late, talk to us about it. If there's a problem with the cab you rode last night, write it on the board. If there was an incident with a passenger or police, let us know about it now; don't just wait to see if someone complains. Honest and straight-forward communication is key.

Cooperation:
Cooperation with us and with other drivers goes hand-in-hand with respect. If you elect to participate in a special event -- wedding, art walk, grand opening, fundraiser, etc. -- we expect you to cooperate with us, the coordinator, and the other drivers to make the event a great experience. We also get calls for rides requiring single cabs and groups. We expect our drivers to cooperate with us and with each other in those special rides. That doesn't mean they can't say no; it means that if they say yes, they can't bitch about it later if there are problems. We all do the best we can to anticipate issues, but some problems (like weather) are simply unpredictable.

I don't have a problem with people who have a different opinion than mine. I don't expect everyone to like or agree with everything we say or do. And I'm sure we'll make mistakes from time to time, no matter how good our intentions may be. We're always looking for ways to improve, so we appreciate ideas for how to do things better. But how will we know if no one takes the time to talk with us?

However, and this is a big HOWEVER, don't just whine about how bad you've got it, how you never get a break, or how things never work out for you. We've all gone through rough times and whining doesn't make it any better; it just makes everyone around you miserable. If you want me to do something about a problem, offer me an idea for a solution. Don't just tell me that something's broken; tell me what you would do to fix it.

I do have a problem with people who won't talk about issues with me directly, but prefer to leave snippy text messages or cryptic voicemails on my cell phone, make snide comments as they ride by, or smile to my face then tell lies behind my back. I thought I left all that behind in high school.

Maybe those people are just plain yeller - too sceered to face their problems head on. With a favorite past-time of stirring up trouble, they have a limited repertoire of problem-solving tactics: name-calling, gossiping, and acting out. I'd tell them to grow up and move out of their parents' basement, but I already know their response: "F U!"

The Rumor Mill: #5 No second chances

Rumor #5: We don't care about driver's problems; all we care about is money. No one gets a second chance.

I'm amazed that the words of one or two unhappy people can poison the well... and how eager some are to believe the worst. I guess that explains the success of tabloids and gossip columns.

One particular driver rented a pedicab several times without paying, and when he did pay, wrote us bad checks. He made excuse after excuse and promise after promise, but never came through. He left, owing us several hundred dollars, and was on the street riding for our competitor. When we took steps to try to collect what was owed us, including confronting him directly on the street, the pedicab community was outraged (You're f'ing up!).

The rumors went like this: They're too hard on the poor guy. They never gave him a chance. He needed a hand, not a kick in the ass (we heard this just last week). They're taking away his ability to make a living. All they care about is money.

Funny thing, he ended up screwing the other company too. But we're the bad guys for holding him accountable and trying to get paid. We're the bad guys for not just letting it go. Someone actually told us that we're unethical for taking money from pedicab drivers in the first place - like we should just make our cabs available to whomever, free of charge.

We've discussed our Problem Child in previous posts, which was another situation that fed the rumor mill. If you read the posts and comments, you'll get a feel for the talk generated by this one.

Here's the way we see things:

1. Our pedicab drivers are all adults. We treat them like adults and expect them to act like adults. Yes, that means they have to be responsible.
   
2. Our policies apply equally to everyone. All our drivers sign a lease. Our rental rates are the same for everyone, and they are all expected to pay their rent on time.
   
3. Do what you say. If a person says they're going to do something and makes a commitment, then we expect them to follow through. They should expect the same from us.
   

We understand that sh*t happens. In most cases, if a driver comes to us and communicates with us, we'll try to work something out. Usually, we expect something in return (no free lunch), so it may not be exactly the deal he had in mind (if he was looking to get something for nothing).

For example: in exchange for rent, we may ask for help with maintenance or cleaning, something for one of our training classes, design or distribution of a flyer, or help with on-street training of new drivers. The exchange depends on what we need at the time and what the driver's particular talents are.

We try to come up with some sort of exchange because it keeps things fair for the other drivers and reinforces the value of the pedicab. Most importantly, exchange is win-win; it preserves the dignity of the relationship between us and the driver. No one comes away feeling beholden to the other, like they were taken advantage of, or like they're owed something.

However, if a driver doesn't hold up his end of the deal, we're forced to take other action, but we do our best to avoid this.

"No gifts." -- Lance Armstrong

The Rumor Mill: #4 Call the cops!

Rumor #4: We call the cops on other pedicab drivers.

This kind of goes with the sneaky basta'ds rumor, but I wanted to address it separately.

Whenever possible, we'd rather work through problems directly than involve the police or city. We try to maintain good relationships with the city and police, but prefer self-regulation and handling problems within the pedicab community.

We watch for news regarding pedicabs around the world. It appears that whenever something happens in another city like New York, Orlando, San Diego, or London, the authorities in Denver start looking more closely at pedicab activities here. I suspect that same reaction may be felt in other cities.

It's my job to think ahead, to ask, "how could this go wrong; what problems could this create?" We try to be proactive and take preventive measures "just in case." That's why we keep a copy of our business license and insurance in every pedicab and posted in the bike storage area. That's why we tell our drivers to have their pedal cab license with them whenever they're out. That's why we want our drivers to call in so we know who's on the street.

As the largest pedicab operation in Denver, we're the first to get called whenever there are problems anywhere downtown. People assume that whatever the problem is, we'll take care of it. We also make it easy to find our contact information -- on the web, in the phone book, and through associations.

Let me say this for the record: Although at times we may have considered it, we haven't called the police to report any driver.

However, if a driver is being reckless, driving drunk, or otherwise seriously endangering others, and talking to him directly doesn't work (F U man!), we may have no other choice but to call the police.

The Rumor Mill: #3 Sneaky Basta'ds

Rumor #3: We're "sneaky basta'ds."

I've been called a lot of things in my life, but sneaky basta'd was a new one. And why are we sneaky? Maybe because we don't feel compelled to put everything we know on display for the rumor mongers to spread around. Maybe because we try to keep tabs on customer experience.

Why others in our little community think we should share all of our information with them or ask for their opinion on every decision we make is beyond me. That idea is so far out, it's ridiculous.

I mean, really, do you think Larry Page and Sergey Brin asked permission from Yahoo and Alta Vista before launching Google? If they're sneaky basta'ds, we're in good company.

We do get advice and input from mentors and other people we respect. When we were developing the initial guidelines for the business, we sat down with 3 of our senior drivers to discuss our policies and procedures. They were consulted every step of the way.

Even now, when critical issues come up, we talk with our core of senior drivers. No, we don't put every decision out on the pedicab wire and send up smoke signals to make sure everyone agrees with us -- they won't. This is a business, not a collective. Sorry.

One thing's for sure, we're so sneaky that we'll actually tell you the truth. If it's privileged information, we'll say so. If it's none of your business, we'll tell you that too. But you won't have to guess which version of the story to believe. We won't schmooze you and tell you whatever we think you want to hear. Like it or not, you'll get a straight answer from us, plain and simple.

Some people object to our use of mystery shoppers: a common sneaky technique for evaluating customer service and perception. People take a pedicab ride then report back to us about their experience. It's that simple. If you're not being reckless or driving drunk, not over-charging or being rude, you really have nothing to worry about.

We are both involved in networking and community activities. Greg's been a part of the bicycle community in Colorado for years. Consequently, we know people. And some of the people we know give us a heads-up when something's going on or about to happen. Yes, we're so sneaky we actually talk to people outside of pedicabs.

We also interact with pedicab operations in other cities. We can usually find out what's up with a couple of phone calls. We find useful news, comments and advice on other forums and blogs. The benefits of involvement in the larger pedicab community outside of Denver.

If treating a pedicab business like a real business makes us sneaky basta'ds, so be it. I can live with that. I'm more interested in building a professional pedicab industry.

Just FYI... I prefer freak to weirdo and geek to nerd. If you're going to call me a bitch, just go ahead and spit it out. Don't be sneaky by calling me a witch because, as far as I'm concerned, that's a term of endearment.