August 7, 2008

Seattle: News videos and pictures

VIDEO: Pedicab Passenger Killed In Crash -

http://www.kirotv.com/video/17120648

VIDEO: Pedicabs Are Not Heavily Regulated -

http://www.kirotv.com/video/17126608/

SLIDESHOW: Pedicab Crushed In Collision -

http://www.kirotv.com/slideshow/17120721/detail.html?taf=sea

Video: Pedicabs Not Inspected For Safety -

http://www.nwcn.com/video/index.html?nvid=270922&shu=1

Comments Comments | Categories: Seattle Accident, Video | Posted by: Ken Cameron




Seattle: Passenger in pedicab dies in 3-vehicle crash

Story taken from:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/373925_wreck07.html

By MOISES MENDOZA
P-I REPORTER

A 60-year-old man died early Wednesday evening after an accident involving a Ford van, a scooter and a pedicab at Western Avenue and Cedar Street in downtown Seattle.

Police spokesman Jeff Kappel said the pedicab, which was carrying the 60-year-old and his wife, was going downhill on Cedar Street approaching Western Avenue when it may have had an equipment failure.

The 23-year-old pedicab driver had a red light but went through the intersection and hit a scooter that was traveling northbound on Western Avenue, police said.

Then the pedicab hit the Ford Aerostar, which was behind the scooter on Western Avenue. Kappel said the impact threw the driver, the man and his wife, also in her 60s, out of the pedicab.

The passenger was run over by the van, and firefighters tried to free him, but he died at the scene, department spokeswoman Dana Vander Houwen. His wife was extricated and taken to Harborview Medical Center with nonlife-threatening injuries.

The 23-year-old pedicab driver for Cascadia Cabs was also taken to Harborview with nonlife-threatening injuries

“I just heard a boom, and I thought someone was shot,” said Vinnie Brassesco, who lives in a nearby apartment. “I looked out my window, and I saw a whole bunch of people freaking out.”

Cascadia Cabs is in Seattle but has a Bellingham mailing address, according to state records. The company has fleets in Seattle, Bellingham, Portland and Eugene.

A man who identified himself as the owner of the Seattle fleet was told of the accident by the Seattle P-I. He didn’t know more details as of about 8 p.m., while he was on his way to Harborview Medical Center.

Comments Comments | Categories: Seattle Accident | Posted by: Ken Cameron




Looking at the Seattle pedicab accident pictures

The pedicab involved in the Seattle accident appears to be very similar to the ones being sold by the Cascadia Cab Company on their site here:

http://www.cascadiacabs.com/pb/wp_729c7b78/wp_729c7b78.htmlhttp://www.cascadiacabs.com/pb/wp_729c7b78/images/img8913474e240297efd.jpg

The pedicab involved in the accident seems to differ in that the  cabs for sale on their website in that the cab in the accident appears to be a single speed model and has no hand brake installed on the right side of the handlebar.  It is difficult to tell from the photo below if there is a left hand brake installed.

In the United States, the right hand brake is normally used to stop the rear wheel of a bicycle or pedicab, and the left hand lever is traditionally used to stop the rear wheel(s).   Both pedicabs pictured have a parking brake lever.  It appears that the parking brake lever actuates a band brake mounted to the rear axle of the pedicab.  Other differences that are evident include the front fork and tires.  The front fork on the pedicab involved in the accident appears to be a “springer” type fork that does not have a disc brake mounted to it.
Image

While reviewing the pictures of the pedicabs pictures on the cascadiacabs.com “Seattle” page all of the cabs pictured have both right and left hand brakes and suspension forks with disc brakes mounted to them.

The fork and brakes mounted on the pedicab involved in the accident appears to be similar to the one found on this pedicab: http://rickshawseason.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/rickshawseason2008.jpg

The owner of the above pedicab has a blog talking about it and the improvements he has made to it found here:

http://www.rickshawseason.com/

The cab in the accident looks agreat deal like a stock Chinese import cab, with out any improvements to the drive train or brakes to be able to deal with the steep hills of downtown Seattle.

Comments Comments | Categories: Seattle Accident | Posted by: Ken Cameron




Seattle: 1 killed, 5 injured in pedicab collision

Story taken from the Seattle intelligencer website:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008097642_webpedicab07m.html

The damaged pedicab lies on its side in the intersection of Western Ave. and Cedar St in Belltown Wednesday evening.

The damaged pedicab lies on its side in the intersection of Western Ave. and Cedar St in Belltown Wednesday evening.

Seattle Times staff reporter

 One person was killed and five injured when a pedicab collided with a van shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday at a busy Belltown intersection.

Seattle police spokesman Jeff Kappel said preliminary witness statements indicated a pedicab with two passengers may have suffered an equipment failure and was coming downhill westbound on the sidewalk of Cedar Street when it entered the intersection with Western Avenue against the red light. The pedicab, a tricycle-like vehicle which seats passengers behind the rider, collided with a white van.

A scooter also traveling in that direction “entered the intersection and collided with the overturned pedicab,” said department spokeswoman Reneé Witt.

Police have impounded the pedicab for inspection. Officers do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash, said Sgt. Sean Whitcomb.

A 60-year-old male passenger of the pedicab died at the scene. A female passenger, also 60, and the male pedicab driver, 23, were transported to Harborview Medical Center. A hospital spokeswoman said today that the woman remains in satisfactory condition and the male driver is in serious condition and is likely to be moved out of the intensive care unit. The male scooter driver, 57; the male van driver, 20; and his female passenger were all treated at the scene.

Ryan Hashagen, the owner Cascadia Cabs, which operated the pedicab involved in the crash, said this morning that he is working with their insurance company and preparing a statement about the incident.

When asked how he and employees are doing, Ryan Hashagen said “It’s not about us right now.”

Vinnie Brassesco, who lives in an apartment building at Western Avenue and Cedar Street, saw the aftermath of the accident.

“I was sitting in my apartment, and I heard a boom. Really loud. I looked out. One guy was under the van, the other guy was pressed up against the front tire, and the lady was laying in the road,” he said.

Another witness, Deborah Hudlow, who was sitting on the 11th floor deck of her condominium, said “The first thing I heard was a scream. It sounded like a woman. And as I turned my head I heard the impact. And then I saw the pedicab pretty much up in the air.”

Jack Broom: 206-464-2222 or jbroom@seattletimes.com

Comments Comments | Categories: Out of Town news, Seattle Accident | Posted by: Ken Cameron




July 15, 2008

“The Great Rickshaw Race” (India)

This is a short movie filmed in India, and contains pro-feminist themes. It also has some nice footage of the modern Indian made pedicabs in action.

Comments Comments | Categories: Pedicab Culture, Video | Posted by: Ken Cameron




July 14, 2008

Make it safe, fun, fast, and affordable - Overcoming potential pedicab passenger’s concerns.

Pedicab drivers are in it for the money. Have no doubt about that. While we may like all of the benefits that go along with our occupation, we would not do the work if it we were not paid.

Getting a fare is more than about being in the right place at the right time. If you find a location that has potential customers passing by, you then have to present a more attractive option than what they are considering or currently doing. The other options are generally walking or taking a taxi.

In my experience the most common concerns that potential customers have when deciding whether or not to ride a pedicab include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Do I like the look of this pedicab driver?
  2. Do I like the look of this vehicle?
  3. Will I have a good time?
  4. Will I be safe?
  5. Can I get to my destination quickly?
  6. Do I have enough cash?
  7. Will I be embarrassed to ride a pedicab?
  8. Is my destination too close / too far / too steep?
  9. Will I pay a fair price for the service(s) offered?
  10. Will my fellow passenger(s) enjoy the ride?

Each of these are complex decisions that a potential customers must make when determining if they will take a ride from you. Maximizing your income will have a great deal to do with helping your customer feel confident that each of these and any other concern they may have will be alleviated.

1. Do I like the look if this pedicab driver?
Sometimes I think female pedicab drivers have a distinct advantage in alleviating this concern. This may just be my male prejudices at work, but women tend to be well groomed, and less stinky. They also tend to be cuter. But I imagine that female customers may tend to enjoy male drivers for the similar reasons. None the less, appearing tidy, not stinking to high heaven, having situationally appropriate and non-intimidating attire, presenting yourself as having a positive mood that will improve your customers situation all go a long way toward helping your customer feel good about you as a service provider.

2. Do I like the look of this vehicle?
David Lettermen is infamously quoted as saying:

Don’t get in those things. Those things are dangerous. For people around the country, these are like folks who bought old bicycles, and just hammered a milk crate on to them, and are driving people up and down the streets.

First impressions are a lasting. I tend to think that a pedicab should be clean and tidy, it’s upholstery in good repair, have bright working lights, it’s visible mechanical systems should leave no doubts, and present a unified impression of safe functionality. Further, I think that advertising should be appropriate to the service that you are rendering and not dissuade your potential customers. (For example: Brain Injury specialists might not be a good choice of advertisers, and strip clubs might lend a impression of seediness.)

3. Will I have a good time?
Few people enjoy getting a service from a provider who is not enjoying giving the service. Other mood spoilers may include the areas that you are traveling through (smelly alleys, scary and or slow traffic or passing scary or slow people.) Will this be comfortable? The driver’s gracefulness traffic, knowing the best routes to travel, keeping up enjoyable conversation, and providing essential information go along way to helping your customer have a good time.

I think that when people have negative “good-time-experiences” they will be less likely to use a pedicab again. However I have given a ride to a Harley rider and his wife who received minor injuries from a pedicab accident, and have given rides to people who feel like they were ripped off previously, so exceptions do exist.

4. Will I be Safe?
The primary safety systems of a pedicab are it’s brakes, steering, drive train, lighting, seating. Even more important than these are the driver’s good common sense and awareness of his or her surroundings and the risks involved in the actions about to be undertaken. The driver’s confidence that he or she can safely deliver passengers to their intended destination will show.

It is important that all of the pedicabs safety systems be working optimally. Again even more important, the “drivers safety systems” must be operating.

Impaired vision, hearing, or judgment obviously make your passengers less safe. Less obvious, but a major consideration that all pedicab drivers should pay close attention to is their level of exhaustion and alertness. When I have low blood sugar levels, or am dehydrated, I do not make as sound decisions than if I feel sharp, well fed and have had plenty of liquids.

The most dangerous time for this is during a peak time of business, often when bars are closing. In this situation you may have been working long and hard and have expended all of your “fuel”, your passengers are likely to be drunk and may distract you, and many of the drivers you are sharing the roads with will be drunk. Maintaining your alertness, and keeping your wits about you while negotiating traffic is essential for your safety and the safety of your passengers. If you have allowed yourself to become obviously overtired, your potential customers are more likely to steer clear.

5. Can I get to my destination quickly?
Thankfully, most folks are not in that much of a hurry. If I get the impression that they are in a hurry I will ask. Passengers often want to make a mad dash to another bar before it closes, catch up to some friends, or close a tab they forgot about at a previous bar. Knowing your way around and how to bypass traffic is essential knowledge. Being generally fit (as most pedicabbers are) is also important.

6. Do I have enough cash?
I don’t have any cash” is one of the most common concerns I hear.

The most common refrain to this objection is to offer to take customer to an ATM machine. I think that a better approach is to suggest that their friend pay for the ride and the person with no cash pay for the drinks at their next destination. This saves you some time and gets you ready for a new ride faster.

Of course a customer may ask to be taken by an ATM machine. I never object to this, as the ATMs usually only give out $20’s, and I often get one of them.

The largest tip that I have ever received was in the form of a check. I was dubious as to whether it would bounce, but I took it to their bank and cashed it the following Monday. Chaa-Ching.

7. Will I be embarrassed to ride a pedicab?
I tend to hear about this concern from younger folks. Girls sometimes will ask if they are too heavy. I generally tell them about the time I carried 4 UT football players. Guys sometimes will comment about how “gay” it is to be setting next to their friends and getting pulled around by a man. Usually I just, ask them how well they know each other and suggest they will know each other even better by the time the ride is over. (It’s a male bonding experience.)

Some passengers don’t want to be dropped off directly in front of their destination. I usually try to get my passengers as close as possible to where they specified wanting to go, and end my ride by asking “How is this for you?” Of course if they do not want to show up sitting in each others laps, I will stop where they specify.

8. Is my destination too close / too far / too steep?
In my mind, no destination is too close. Quick money adds up.

Determining if a ride is too far is about weighing your opportunity costs. “If I take this ride for X dollars, how many rides am I likely to not be able to take.” To know what your break even is, it helps to keep track of your average hourly income per clock hour. Thus if between 1 am and 2 am you average $50, and your passengers are offering you $25 at 1AM for what will amount to 1 hour of your time, the ride is not worth taking.

However if it is 3 AM, and they offer you the same $25 for an hour of time and your average income between 3AM and 4AM is 10$, the fare is a good one at that time.

Is the destination too steep? The answer to this question will come down to how durable your machine’s driver train is, how heavy your passengers are, how strong you feel at that moment, how long it will take to recover before you can take another fare, how long you generally have between fares at that time of night, if your passengers are willing to have you drop them off at the point that you can’t or do not want to go further, and how much you expect to make by taking them to the destination. I generally say that I will take them as far as I can go. Generally I get an above average tip for taking folks up steep hills.

9. Will I pay a fair price for the service that is offered?
This is actually one of the simplest concerns to overcome.

Answering this questions for yourself is a bit harder and comes down to how “hungry” you are at that moment. We all have to pay rent, and feed ourselves and maybe our family. But not taking a fare means forgoing any income at that moment.

Opportunity cost is your driving consideration. If you know that you make on average $30 an hour during a given clock hour (12AM to 1AM for example), it will not be worth taking a fare that will absolutely pay you less that that amount. Fortunately there are few absolutes when it comes to driving a pedicab. I have often taken people to far off destinations where I did not think I would have a return trip, only to end up picking up back to back rides for several destinations.

If a customer asks how much a ride is, I know they want the service, but are price sensitive. So I ask how many are in their party and where they are going. This will tell me how much time it will take, and how much effort I will expend. If the ride is moderately long (about 1 mile) I generally quote the standard Austin price of 5$ per person. If the ride is significantly shorter than 1 mile and I perceive my passengers to be price sensitive, I will say they can tip me what ever they think is fair.

If I quote a price that the customer objects to, I will generally come back and say: “How about this, I’ll take you to your destination and you can pay me whatever you think is fair.” Most often I will get what I quoted them originally if not more.

10. Will my fellow passenger(s) enjoy the ride?
This has got to be the hardest objection to overcome, as it requires complex communication and negotiation skills.

In general people going out together are friends and consider themselves equals. In this situation consensus (unanimous agreement) is usually required in order to change the agreed upon mode of transportation, or activity. (walking or taxi) One person in the group may have a single objection that you will never hear about that will prevent them from getting in your pedicab. In this case there is no harm in asking: “Hey guys / ladies / folks, can I help you change your mind?

One or more person(s) in the group may not have any cash, may worry about being overcharged, safety, being uncomfortable, or having a bad time. When asking directly what is making them say “No”, they may not to expend the time, effort, or break their mood in order to respond. None the less, overcoming this objection is the holy grail of profitability.

If one person is wanting a ride, you have a natural ally in overcoming the objections of others in the group. They are more likely to know what the objection is, and how to approach the person objecting in a persuasive manner. The person wanting a ride may have a special concerns that overrides the normally politically correct consensus decision making process. Their feet may hurt. They may be celebrating their birthday or anniversary and be willing to pull out this as a trump card to coerce they friends to indulge their desire to ride in your pedicab. Your ally may have $100 in their pocket and just want to give it to you.

The person wanting to take the ride may be willing to spend more money than the other(s). Encouraging your passengers to agree upon who will pay and how much they will pay ahead of time may help overcome this objection.

I believe the key to getting a group into your pedicab where some may object is to help steer the group in deciding to go with you. The following steps may help you get a favorable outcome.

 

  1. Initiate conversation. (”So who wants to ride in my pedicab?” You already know the answer to this question.)
  2. Ask the objecting person to identify themselves. (”Does anybody not want a ride?“)
  3. Ask what their objection is. (”I know he/she wants a ride, so why don’t you?“)
  4. Address their concern (cost, safety, time, fair price, distance, no cash, “gayness”, too heavy, too steep, too short, too far, previous bad pedicab experience, etc.)
  5. Develop new consensus. (”If I get you guys/girls/folks to “X”(their destination) while making sure that “X” (fear/concern/objection) is avoided will that work for you?” -or- “If I get you to Club DeVille with out maiming or killing you folks will that be OK?”
  6. Deliver the service that you agreed to and collect you fare.

Being a successful and profitable pedicab driver is a job not easily mastered. Being fit, approachable, personable, knowing your area, it’s destinations and attractions, knowing when and where traffic will be backed up and how to get around it all go a long way toward increasing your income. However, these skills are not all there is to it. Getting passengers into your cab is requisite to earning any money at all.

Understanding your customer’s concerns, addressing and overcoming their objections, developing allies, persuading, bypassing or overriding gatekeepers (money spenders) and knowing your product (you, your pedicab, and your city) are salesmanship skills will put extra passengers in your cab and money in your bank, and just might allow you to take a couple months off in the winter.

Article written by Ken Cameron. If you have any concerns feel free to comment below or email ken (at) austinpedicab.org

Comments 1 Comment | Categories: Pedicab Culture, Rider Reports | Posted by: Ken Cameron




July 9, 2008

“Pedicab Race” December 31, 2007

This is some footage just before the start of the 2007 - 2008 Austin First night parade. 15+ of Austin Pedicabbers had a race from 7th and congress to Cesar Chavez and ended in front of city hall.

Comments Comments | Categories: Pedicab Culture, Video | Posted by: Ken Cameron




July 6, 2008

“Things that click” short documentry about Jo Ann Santangelo

The following is a short film by UT students Katy Stafford & Sarah Campbell on Austin, Texas documentary photographer & pedicab driver Jo Ann Santangelo.

Comments Comments | Categories: Pedicab Culture, Pictures, Rider Reports, Video | Posted by: Ken Cameron




June 28, 2008

New pedicab and taxicab registrations

The ground and transportation office regularly updates the contact information  as well as number of vehicles for pedicab, taxicab, limousine, charter bus, and horse carriage companies.

You can find their updated document here:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/publicworks/downloads/limoadd_5.8.08.pdf

In it you will find that there are currently: (as of May 8, 2008)

93 pedicabs
669 taxicabs
17 horse drawn carriages
118 limos
54 airport shuttle vans
81 chartered vans and buses
1 touring /sightseeing vehicle

There are currently 9 operating pedicab companies (8 if you do not count “Not Your Usual Bikes” and their conference bike.  Portland Pedicab with their 1 registered vehicle, and Power Bike Tours with their 7 registered pedicabs are no longer on the list.

The currently registered Pedicab companies are listed below:

ATX Pedicab
Mr. Dana Schoebert
3 pedicabs
(512) 445-7126

Capital Pedicab
Mr. Greg Foulkes
44 pedicabs
(512) 448-2227 fax (512) 220-4524

Dikes on Bikes
Seth Bounds
4 pedicabs
(713) 870-4523

Heart of Texas Pedicab
Mr. Steve Smajstrla
23 pedicabs
(512) 930-8791

Lone Star Cyclery
Mr. Bruce Swan
3 pedicabs
(512) 740-3711

Metrocycle
Mr. Nathan Lipson
10 pedicabs
(512) 825-1276

Not Your Usual Bikes
Mr. Wesley Stone
1 conference bike
(512) 740-7504

Roadkill Pedicab Co.
Mr. John Fisher
3 pedicabs
(512) 563-2437

Triciclo Pedicabs
Ms. Shannon Montgomery
2 pedicabs
(512) 590-0545

Comments Comments | Categories: Business News, City News | Posted by: Ken Cameron




June 15, 2008

How to start your own Austin pedicab comapny, AKA “Going Indy”.

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.”

From several conversations I have had with City of Austin employees, here are the basic requirements for starting a pedicab company as I understand them:

  1. A business name registered with the state. Also known as a “DBA” or Doing business as.
  2. An general liability insurance policy that will cover you passengers against injury, property damage, or other mishap for up to $300,000.
  3. A federal tax identification number issued by the IRS. (This may be optional.)
  4. A pedicab that will pass their inspection. It may be a Trike or a Trailer type cab.

When it comes to starting a pedicab business, reinventing the wheel is not necessary. When considering how to go Indy one can simply copy the successful small companies that are currently operating. Consider Roadkill, Metrocycle, Dikes on Bikes, and Triciclo. None of these companies has more than 8 cabs. All have been operating for several years.

Here is a simple recipe:

  • Get together with a few other pedicabbers that you trust. (Or go it alone if you prefer.)
  • Pick a name for your new company. Go to the county clerks office and register your name as a DBA.
  • Call a few local insurance companies and ask for a few quotes. Pick a policy that has the coverage that you want at a price that you like. (Do you want insurance to cover you bike against theft or fire as well as the liability coverage for your passengers that the city requires? Do you want coverage that will pay for your doctor bills if you are injured on the job?)
  • Contact the City of Austin Public works and Transportation Department. Tell them of your intention and meet with them to go over your paper work. They will make sure that you have met all the requirements. They will issue an “Operating Authority” when all of their requirements are met.
  • Get you bikes inspected and registered.
  • Hit the streets as an independent business person keeping all of the money that you earn. You just got a raise!!

Another business decision that you and your pedicab collective might want to look into is forming a Limited Liability Corporation, (LLC) or some other legal entity to shield any one person from total responsibility from acts concerning your business. Further, you might want to get some business training from Big Tree Pedicab Management or from the City of Austin Small Business Development Program.

The cost of going Indy has scared many people away. The biggest initial expense is going to be the purchase of your pedicab. While there are ways to get cabs cheaper, the most obvious method is to buy a new one from Mainstreet, Fuse imports, or Cycles Maximus, Pedaltek.

Mainstreets start at $2900 and go to $3700 before adding any accessories. Fuse imports is charging $2800 for a pedicab with a lights, canopy and rain cover. Pedalteks start at $1995 as a bare trailer type pedicab. A canopy will add between $300 and $500, and space for an advertisement will add between $175 and $300 dollars. Pedalteks of course require that you have your own bike to pull the cab. A new mountain bike sturdy enough to pull a trailer will likely cost $400 to $1000 or more from a bike shop. From what I can tell off of the distributor’s website (Revolution Rickshaw) they are selling the Cycles Maximus with pedicab body for $5645, (plus $165 for a rain cover, if wanted.)

Pedicabs are large items and will not be cheap to ship. Ask the seller about the cheapest way to have it delivered.

Insurance expenses are a bit more nebulous. It may not always be true that you get what you pay for, but the more coverage you get, the more you will have to pay from any given company. Minimum liability coverage will cost less than a policy that covers theft, damage from flood or fire, and pays for an injured pedicab drivers doctor’s bills. From talking to several independent riders that have grouped together to purchase a policy that covers them all, the costs have ranged from $150 and $450 dollars per year, per rider. Again, the type of coverage provided may be quite different for each of these policies.

The process of getting a DBA in Texas is spelled out here. It costs about $14.00.

Getting a Federal tax ID number, also know as an Employee Identification Number is spelled out here. It is free. You can even apply online.

Renting a space to store your pedicab may be necessary, and will add to your operating cost. Storage units near downtown are available. While they may not have the most convenient location they seem to be the cheapest option. Renting commercial space east of downtown is being done by a few companies. Eastside locations tend to be more convenient but also more costly. I have heard from pedicabbers paying between $30 and 60$ per month each to rent a space that is shared with other pedicabbers for storage.

If you happen to live close enough to downtown to ride your pedicab from your home, and have some storage space, you can of course save money on this expense by keeping you cab at your home. Another option for storing your pedicab(s) is using a van, enclosed trailer, shipping container, old tractor trailer, or a school bus parked in a secure location.

So here is a rough break down on the total per person cost for the first year of operation assuming that a new pedicab is purchased and you go for a fairly expensive insurance policy and storage:

  • Fuse imports pedicab ~ $2800
  • Insurance ~ $400 per year
  • DBA (can be divided with other riders) ~ $14
  • Storage at $50 a month ~ $600 per year
  • Pedicab registration - $50 per quarter or $200 per year
  • Bike repairs. ~ $200 per year

This totals up to $4214.

When considering that pedicab companies are charging between $30 and $50 dollars on a normal night to rent a pedicab (average of $40), it will take approximately 105 nights to break even over the cost of renting the cab during your first year. Of course then your cab is then paid for. You own it. If you tire of being a pedicab driver, you can sell your cab or rent it to another driver.

In your second year of operation, if all your other expenses remain the same, you will break even on operating costs in approximately 31 nights as compared to renting. After these 105 or 35 nights of riding in your first and second year you are “riding for free”. Ain’t it grand to own the tools of your trade.

The above figures do not take in to account the much higher rates that are generally charged during special events. (Football games ~$65, SXSW ~$60/day, ROT Rally, ~$50/day, ACL ~$70/day, New Years Eve ~$70, Halloween ~$60, etc) It also does not take into account a natural tendency of larger pedicab companies to charge more to their riders when demand for cabs is greater than their supply of cabs.

Other perks of being independent include additional revenue or barter of goods and services available from advertisers (think massage therapists, etc.), being able to charge a fixed rate to customers instead of operating on the “Just Tips” policy that most companies employ, and being able to decorate you pedicab to your hearts content, etc.

While most Austin Indy riders have a year or more experience under their belts, and thus have learned how to better maximize their income, most have reported earning significantly more than “Indentured” riders report earning.

Just ask a local Indy rider how much he or she makes. Talk to the big guy on the giant green trike. It might surprise you.

Comments 7 Comments | Categories: Business News, City News, Pedicab Culture, Rider Reports | Posted by: Ken Cameron




May 29, 2008

Austin Pedicab Flickr page

Joanne has set up a flicker group entitled “Austin Pedicab and the unmotorized revolution“. There are some great photos of many familiar faces. Mmmm, all those pretty pedicab ladies.Ashley, female pedicab driver in Austin during the winter 2008 

Comments Comments | Categories: Pedicab Culture, Pictures | Posted by: Ken Cameron




May 20, 2008

Film student, pedicab driver # 2

This is a movie shot in Austin Texas. I think it was done by Matt Kordelski. Good work Matt.


Bike Taxi Driver

Comments Comments | Categories: Pedicab Culture, Video | Posted by: Ken Cameron




Film student, pedicab driver.

This is the movie that you might expect a film student to make if they drive a pedicab. Funny none the less.

“The Great Pedicab Race” Part 1:

“The Great Pedicab Race” Part 2:

Comments Comments | Categories: Pedicab Culture, Video | Posted by: Ken Cameron




May 19, 2008

Additional bloggers wanted.

Hello all,

I was surprised today to see that austinpedicab.org is at the top of Google’s search results for the search term “Austin Pedicab”.  In celebration of this small accomplishment, I would like to open this blog up to pedicab drivers and business operators in the Austin area.

I have always intended this site to be a community resource.  I have worked to make the site usable and visible to wider world.  Now I am hoping that folks in the in the community will offer up there “2 cents” about the issues that our community deals with: regulation, on the spot inspections, tickets, insurance, making a living as a pedicabber, staying in the money making zone, avoiding and over coming burn out, going independent, dealing with customers, finding advertisers, etc.

I intend to maintain editorial control over the blog so that it stays positive and presents the Austin pedicab community in an accurate manner.  Personal attacks, character assignations, etc. will not be allowed.

I ask that all interested parties who would like to become submitters to the blog give me a call (512-584-9233) or talk to me when you see me pedaling on the streets.  I’ll set up an account with publishing rights for you and we can go from there.

I’m also thinking that a good photo would help readers identify the bloggers who are writing the post.

I will be happy to meet with folks who have never used word press blogging software before to give some training on its quirks.

Comments Comments | Categories: Pedicab Culture | Posted by: Ken Cameron




May 16, 2008

Building better pedicabs?

http://www.hiddencity.org/div/ws/lab.hppt.htm

Proposed Lab

One effort at building a sustainable alternative transportation infrastructure is the Pedicab - a human powered taxi.

The “Main Street” Pedicab shown below is a good example of the tricycle design predominant in the market today.


Main Street Pedicabs, Inc.
http://www.pedicab.com

Weighting in at 160 lb., approximately 50 inches wide and 110 inches long, a Main Street Pedicab has a base price of $3,400.  The addition of lighting system, sun canopy, electric drive and other accouterments can push this quickly to $4,500 to $5,900.

The successful design, testing, manufacture and commercialization of this technology would make a significant contribution to the socioeconomic well-being and general quality of life for inner-city communities of the tri-state region.

Here is a design concept that makes good use of current materials science and bicycle technology.

HPPT PediCab PrototypeThis is an artist conceptualization of a Pedicab incorporating contemporary design and materials science.  The use of structural analysis software tools; advanced composites in the passenger module;  light-weight, high-strength frame; and state of the art drive-train components provide enhanced safety, performance and system durability.

Environmental effects such the Luminex fabric illuminated canopy and rider clothing increase visibility, reduce operational risk and aid in market distinction.

Operator support features: Voice Communications, GPS/GIS System, Dispatch and Tracking, ETA and Fare Estimate software.

Theater of Service: Community Taxi, dry goods and food delivery.

Comments 1 Comment | Categories: Pedicab Culture | Posted by: Ken Cameron