Fuse Imports - 2008 Cyclo pedal rickshaw, pedicab, cycle rickshaws, pedi-cabs, workbikes, bicycle taxis, shimano

FUSE IMPORTS | TRANSPORTATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

News

Rickshaws to the Rescue
Denver traffic locks Dem convention; Rickshaws become
preferred transportation
Variety, August 27, 2008

As enthusiastic as conventiongoers are in Denver, very few have escaped a web of closed roads, frequent security barriers and a frenetic schedule of events that are seldom within walking distance of one another.

Traffic hassles at the Democratic National Convention have the Mile-High City moving at what seems to about a mile an hour.

The rickshaw is fast becoming the preferred means of transit — all the more ironic given the flawless flow of the Olympics in Beijing. Reportedly spotted in rickshaws have been such media figures as Jon Meacham of Newsweek and Mark Halperin of Time. Political consultant Chad Griffin said that, short of an actual bike, it is the only means of getting anywhere close to the Pepsi Center.

It isn’t so much getting through security, as the TSA is keeping people flowing through barriers at a pretty fast clip; it’s just getting there that’s the problem.

Big Events Like Democratic Convention Are Good Times
to Test Markets
Wall Street Journal Online, August 26, 2008
Posted by Kelly Spors

Ice cream cones and X-ray machines were popularized at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Will “pedicabs” – those passenger carts pulled by bicycle riders – be mainstreamed by the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver?

Big events like conventions and fairs offer entrepreneurs a big opportunity to get their new inventions exposure to lots of people in a short period of time. Entrepreneurs can very quickly see whether there’s demand for their goods and get real-time feedback. (Giving away free product can also be a good way to generate buzz at big events, as I wrote last week.)

Today, my colleague Stephanie Simon highlights how Denver pedicab companies hope the Democratic National Convention will be their chance to show consumers the wonders of being driven by a bicycle rickshaw rather than a gas-guzzling taxi cab on short trips.

It seems perfect timing. Convention goers are trying hard to be environmentally conscious, so riding in pedicabs instead of taxis fits nicely into the green theme. What’s more, the crowds of Democrats descending on Denver provide ample chance for pedicab drivers to find people willing to give them a whirl.

Of course, trying to make a big leap into the market during a major event also carries risks. If the product or service isn’t in top form, it may taint customer perceptions and dissuade them from ever trying it again. For that reason, Denver pedicab companies made sure their drivers spent many hours practicing their craft before the convention. Some held “boot camps” teaching new drivers how to maneuver sharp curves and learning the best routes and local landmarks so they could give riders tours of the city. Some drivers are even taking it upon themselves to eat 8,000-calorie “Michael Phelps” diets to gear up for the long hours of intense bicycling.

Read Stephanie Simon's article about rickshaws in the Wall Street Journal...

Rickshaws come full circle
June 13, 2008

If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then pedicabs and rickshaws are to be commended.

In 1972, coming from the auto racing world, with no experience with bicycles, and using photos of classic Asian cycle rickshaws, Jim Tipke developed the first American pedal cab for the 1974 World Expo in Spokane, Washington. Tipke's innovations include: multiple gears using a derailleur; rear differential; transfer hub; modern dual shocks for a smoother ride; and dual hydraulic rear brakes. These were the first ever on a rickshaw. Little did he know at the time, but his genius would give birth to a new industry in the West.

Others would help to move the industry forward, imitating and building upon Tipke's original design. After all, it takes a village to raise a child, and this industry in its infancy was no exception.

After more than 35 years, the development of pedicabs, cycle rickshaws, bike taxis, or whatever you might call them, has come full circle. China is now manufacturing Western-style rickshaws for the American and European markets. They started showing up on streets and thoroughfares several months ago, mostly sold on web sites like e-Bay or through word-of-mouth.

Pedicab Drivers in Austin are a hard working group of men and women. We literally work our asses off. As far as I can tell none of us are getting rich. While many are doing well enough to get by just pedicabbing 3 or 4 nights a week, there is one sure fire way to do better - going independent.

Riding independently in Austin is not a hard thing to do. By my count, approximately 13 of the 100 or so riders in town are Indy. Most “Indentured” riders, renting equipment from pedicab companies are, paying between 20% and 40% of their earnings for the privilege. In my opinion, if you are making enough as a pedicab driver to improve your quality of life, and you enjoy the work, you have nothing to lose by “Going Indy.”

PORTSMOUTH — Downtown revelers looking for a slow spin through the heart of the Port City have a solution in John Wright, owner of Granite State Pedicabs, who has introduced his new pedal-driven tricycle service to the city.

Having already received approval from the City Council, Police and Public Works departments, the 24-year-old plans on pedaling his dual passenger bicycle cab around Market Square throughout the summer months and beyond.

After moving to the city from Boston several months ago, Wright said he noticed the need for the service in Portsmouth after seeing how popular it became in the larger metropolis.

PORTSMOUTH — Starting this weekend, John Wright will pedal his pedicab around Market Square, looking for fares and trolling for tips.

Wright, 24, received municipal approval to operate his pedal-driven tricycle, with a two-passenger cab, for passenger rides around the downtown area. After petitioning the city council for the green light, he was invited to meet with police and public works representatives, as well as the city manager.

A local entrepreneur hopes to give downtown Ogden tourists a unique view of Ogden, from the back of human-powered taxis.

Peter Barrera plans to launch Ogden City Pedicabs to advocate urban bicycling as a way to protect the environment and promote local high-adventure recreation.

"The only way to raise consciousness is to have bikes on the road," said Barrera, who also operates the Ogden Farmer's Market and Old World Christmas Market.

"It's another means of providing downtown mobility to tourists."

A pedicab is a bike taxi equipped with a two-person carriage with a retractable canopy. Pedicabs operate in several large U.S. cities, including New York City, San Diego and Boston.