New Operation and Opportunities in Denver

If you didn't notice it in the Westword article posted on April 24, the word is officially out... After managing the day-to-day operations for two and a half years, Teri and Greg have parted ways with Mile High Pedicabs. The separation wasn't pretty, but it was inevitable.

That's right. We're happy and free and launching our own elite fleet of cabs in Denver: Colorado Rickshaw Company. We waited to announce this on the blog until the paperwork (insurance, license, etc.) was completed. We're now rocking and rolling on the streets of Denver and nearby neighborhoods.

We've wanted to expand our business, but the constraints of our relationship with Mile High kept us from moving forward in the direction we wanted. With encouragement and support from operators, drivers and other associates, we're now pedalling our own rickshaw on our own trail.

Thanks to everyone who listened to and advised us. You know who you are.

Compared to our previous management, our initial fleet is fairly small; just 5 pedal cabs. But we have the experience and resources to grow when and how we choose. We've realized that bigger isn't always better. Greg is happy to have the time and energy to be out on the street as a driver again, since that's what he loved in the first place!

Colorado Rickshaw will provide rickshaws for special events, weddings, and tours in addition to transporting passengers at sporting events and around the downtown area. Our focus is on superior customer service, professional business practices, and continuing to support and promote the rickshaw industry.

We established City Cycle Logic (City Cycle Lodging in the Westword article) when we moved into our new facilities last year. Manging over 20 cabs and over 50 drivers never allowed us time to fully develop the concept. In additional to rickshaws, CCL will house green businesses and organizations in a central hub in downtown Denver.

We've formed our own pedal media company: Smart Ads Media. We're selling advertising on rickshaws and arranging events not only in Denver but in cities across North America. If you need help getting advertising on your cabs, or if you're interested in placing your brand on pedicabs, please contact us.

We will continue to provide training and consulting to new and existing operators through Big Tree Pedicab Management and Pedicab University. In fact, you will likely see more in this area of our repertoire.

Things have been pretty hectic over the past few weeks, but progress is being made. We'll keep you informed as we continue to press forward.

Video: Rickshaws add to evolving downtown Raleigh

I've been meaning to post this for awhile. Unfortunately, Blogger Beta doesn't seem to want to allow me to post anything with javascript, so you'll just have to visit the WRAL web site or the Raleigh Rickshaw web site to see this fabulous video.

This news piece was produced and aired during Greg's trip to Raleigh for our 4-day Operator's Training at the end of March. It was totally unscripted, but everyone, including the passengers, managed to say all the right things. (When did Donald become a ventriloquist?)

It's an awesome free commercial! Doesn't get much better than this.

Nice guns, Brian!

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

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!

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.

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!

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).

Brickshaw Buggy Promo Video

Rocky Chavez from Brickshaw Buggy in Oklahoma City was one of our first students. We had a chance to catch up with him again when he visited Denver a few weeks ago. They've got this great little promo video at OklaTravelNet.com. Snaps for Rocky!

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!"

Another Successful Student Adds Tours

Check out the blog post (at Bike Portland) about one of our students operating in Portland, OR.

Pedicab company now offers city tours

Pedicab entrepreneur Jonathan Magnus has expanded his offerings. In addition to regular service downtown, his company, PDX Pedicab, now offers special tours.

Here’s the menu:

Portland City Tour (1 hour $55)
Tour Portland as Portland should be seen, from the seat of a pedal powered pedicab.

Portland Pub Pedal (Includes drink specials $195)
Visit some of the countrys best brewerys and hippest bars, on a Portland Pub Pedal 2 1/2 hour Tour to three of Portland’s finest.

Gallery Tour (2 hours $95)
Art is the only way to run away without leaving home, view Portland’s best galleries on a two hour tour.

Sounds like the perfect plan for Valentine’s Day….

Be sure to read the post about their start-up operation from June 2007: New pedicab business hopes to offer taxi alternative.

Way to go Jonathan!

Accommodations for the Weekend Intensive

For your stay during the Weekend Intensive, we've arranged a discounted rate at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Downtown Denver ONLY for training participants. Don't wait! You must make your reservations before Friday, September 7th to get the discounted rate.

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!"

Minnie Moose Pedicab in Fairbanks, Alaska

This article is about one of the 2006 graduates of our Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive. Congrats Lyn and your Minnie Moose Pedicab!

Minnie Moose saves the day!

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Published June 4, 2007

Is Lyn Gilbert-Gard a superhero?

Let's start with the basics: does she have superpowers? Well, maybe
yes, maybe no.

Through her new business Minnie Moose Pedicab, Inc., Gilbert-Gard offers historic tours around downtown Fairbanks on a bright yellow pedicab, and intends to spends the whole summer huffing, puffing and providing "transportainment" to visitors and locals alike.

A pedicab is a bicycle with a carriage in back, the zippy cousin of the rickshaw.

While rickshaws have been a necessity of urban transportation for centuries, they've only been popular in America recently. Gilbert-Gard bought her rig from Main Street Pedicabs, Inc., which boasts yellow pedicabs cycling around downtown streets across the country.

Even though the pedicab has a double chain to increase leverage, and Gilbert-Gard has plenty of "residual muscle" from her days in cycling races and triathlons, she said it's not uncommon for old men on foot to pass her on the Wendell Avenue bridge.

Okay, fine, no superpowers. But does she have a costume?

Not a snazzy one, but to keep comfortable she wears the outfit known to bike enthusiasts the world over: cycling shorts, a mesh shirt and sunglasses.

And while her pedicab is no Batmobile, it is pretty decked out. She has turn signals and a bell for safety, she keeps a digital camera and a portable printer on board to take pictures of riders, and she is working on a miniature broadcasting system so that she can narrate her tours without turning around.

So on the costume, we'll call it a draw.

What about an alter ego? Most definitely.

Gilbert-Gard describes herself as shy and introverted, mild-mannered even, but those who know her work, both her day job as a teacher and her new summer job as a pedicab driver, say she's outgoing and energetic.

"I'm pretty shy and not very outgoing or very assertive. This is training for me to be more assertive … Good life growth things," she said.

Gilbert-Gard came to Alaska from Tucson, Ariz., 25 years ago to take a job as a speech pathologist with the Yukon Koyukuk School District. When she left home, she was an avid cyclist and triathlete and the only thing keeping her from biking the entire way to Alaska was time, she said.

Gilbert-Gard now teaches elementary classes at Chinook Charter School, and was looking for a summer job to make a little money, preferably something outdoors.

She came up with the idea for a pedicab at a Houston Rockets game, where pedicabs and rickshaws delivered people back and forth between the parking lot and the arena. A pedicab operation takes boldness supplied by her alter ego.

Often, people have to be persuaded to hop on board. And the tours require her to not only perform physically, but theatrically as she explains the origins of Growden Park or points out which houses on 4th Avenue were once part of Fairbanks' red-light district.

Gilbert-Gard said those skills don't come to her naturally. She enrolled in theater classes in college, but dropped out because she was "too timid."

"I do like to entertain. With kids it comes really easy … It's just never been really easy with adults," Gilbert-Gard said.

Self-proclaimed as "a neophyte to business," Gilbert-Gard created her business plan with help from the Small Business Development Center and Google, using the search engine to find definitions for business basics like "profit-loss statement" and "cash-flow."

James McDermott, director of the Small Business Development Center, said he didn't see that the shy side of Gilbert-Gard at all when she came looking for help starting a new business. He saw the alter ego.

"She was different in the sense that she was very aggressive," McDermott said. "You know the saying about how you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink? She was drinking as much as she could hold."

McDermott said the tourism market rewards innovation, and he expected her to break even on her investment — which tops $6,000 just for the new rig, not to mention insurance and maintenance — by the end of the summer through hard work.

Gilbert-Gard's longtime friend Cathi Bouton has known about the alter ego for years. The two met 20 years ago working together at Barnette Elementary School, where Bouton interpreted Gilbert-Gard's lesson plans into American Sign Language.

Bouton said Gilbert-Gard's shyness is paired with her energy and innovative spirit. The two frequently attend shows together and dare each other to try out for parts.

"Her alter ego wants to come out and play. She is really committed. She is really dedicated to what she's doing," Bouton said. "That's what makes her a good teacher and that's what makes her a good athlete."

By the way, pedicabbing is a great summer job for teachers. We have a teacher or two in our own crew.

Pedicabs Come to Downtown Raleigh

Watch the video and see them in action!

This new pedicab company received their brand new pedicabs only 3 hours before boarding a plane for Denver to attend our Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive in April. They're already rocking and rolling on the streets of Raleigh, NC.

When we called them just before they went out the first night, they were nervous and giddy. We got a call back later that evening telling us how much fun they were having. By the way, Raleigh Rickshaw is looking for drivers.

Park And Bike Comes To Downtown Raleigh

April 27, 2007, RALEIGH, N.C. -- If the thought of hassling with parking in downtown Raleigh keeps you away, there's a new concept designed to lure you in.

They're called rickshaws and they don't even use a drop of gas.

They drive down Fayetteville Street in a fleet, ready to avoid traffic tie ups or parking hassles.

These pedal power people are getting attention.

The idea is for people to find parking spaces and then bike into where ever they need to go without tickets and headaches.

Meet Raleigh's Rickshaw. [Raleigh Rickshaw Co.]

The bike riders can take you two blocks, or perhaps two miles.

NBC17 gave it a test whirl and talked with the company's co-owner.

The owners said they have been wanting to do something like this for awhile. They said it's environmentally friendly, fun and serves downtown Raleigh.

The rickshaws come complete with tail lights and a headlight and they're totally street legal.

Loren Gold and his friend took a noon ride down Fayetteville Street. "Roomy back seats, good springs on them as well," Gold said.

It sure beats walking, or worrying about getting to your car alone at night, riders said.

"I think they'll do great on Friday and Saturday nights, between the warehouse and Glenwood and Fayetteville Street," Gold said.

Heck, if gas prices keep rising, perhaps we may need these guys to drive us to news stories.

Drivers will accept tips for now and eventually charge per block traveled.

The service hopes to eventually expand to weekdays to take people from parking garages to work downtown.

Approval in Sacramento

Posted on Rickshaw Forum by Neil Lubin of Sacramento Rickshaw Co. . . .

Finally, after almost a year of "jumping through hoops", the Sacramento City Council approved a pedicab ordinance. Considering the flat terrain, good weather and lousy air quality, it is a "no brainer". As of March, there are only 2 operators. I have 4 Main Street units and another guy has 3 Velocabs. The city is going to affix a medallion on all approved pedicabs. At this point, all the bike cops know me and I know them. If the industry grows, identifying unlicensed operators may be an issue.

Great news! Neil participated in our first Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive last year. We were thrilled to hear that he could finally start riding.

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!"

Colorado-Cayman Connection

I was just looking through some old posts and found an earlier article on the new pedicab company in the Cayman Islands. I had to smile when I saw a familiar face... Brian!

This fun-loving, gregarious guy was just here for our last Pedicab Operators Weekend Intensive. Not only does Brian own a fledgling pedicab business, but 4 or 5 other businesses as well. We were honored that such an entrepreneur would attend our class!

"All the info was good and will help to improve my services. I will send some of my riders from Cayman for the next seminar." Next time, don't forget the Tortuga Rum Cake!

Brian's invited us to hold a training in the Cayman Islands. Anyone interested in joining us?

Best wishes, Brian! We know your pedicab company will be maaavelous!

What's a good pedicab driver?

One of the discussions over the weekend was about what to look for in a pedicab driver. What do they need to be successful? What are the things they need that you can't teach?

So I'm asking all of you...

What qualities make a good pedicab driver?

Cinderella

One of the attendees at the Weekend Intensive shared this story with us, and I just had to pass it along to you...

I had a couple of girls in my pedicab one evening. It was obvious that they'd been drinking and were pretty wasted by the time I picked them up. My expert pedicab driving skills so impressed one of the girls that she just had to call her dad to tell him what she and her friend were up to. However, she had a tough time explaining exactly what sort of vehicle she was riding in. After struggling for a few minutes to drunkenly describe a pedicab on the phone to dad, I overheard her say, "Picture Cinderella on her way to to the ball... well, I'm in the pumpkin part."

Does that make pedicab operators fairy godmothers? And are pedicab drivers a bunch of mice?

Thanks for the giggle Warren. Best of luck in CT.

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.