NAPERVILLE, IL – Bus drivers have the wave. Pedi-cab drivers have the bell.

Every time Brett and Matt Dingeldein pass each other while operating one of their pedi-cabs, they salute each other by ringing the bell.

“We’ve got both hands on the handlebars when we’re pedaling,” Brett said. “The bell is right there by your thumb, so it’s a good way to say ‘Hi.’ And we ring the bell at everybody downtown.”

Since Memorial Day, the father and son have operated Green Street Pedicabs, which offers pedi-cab service around downtown Naperville. Brett, 57, got the idea for the business two years ago. While working out, he was listening to Marketplace on National Public Radio. As host Kai Ryssdal talked about being in the Far East and using pedi-cabs as a method of transportation, inspiration struck. (more…)

Tags: bicycle, bicycles, Chicago, downtown, Drivers, Main Street, naperville il, passenger, pedi cab, Pedicab, pedicab driver, pedicab drivers, Pedicab News, pedicabs, rickshaw, street pedicabs, traffic, transportation

By: Sandra A. Swanson August 10, 2009

Chicago – The city is contemplating a new set of rules that one entrepreneurial duo says would wreak havoc on its fledgling pedicab business.

For one thing, the proposed ordinance would forbid pedicabs from displaying advertising, “the largest form of income I have available,” argues Julia Samuels, 24, who operates Chicago Rickshaw LLC with partner Rob Tipton.

Chicago Rickshaw owns 20 pedicabs, which it rents to drivers. Those pedicabs now can display ads at a rate of about $150 per day, per vehicle — “real money I can count on,” Ms. Samuels says. “The legislation they have proposed can easily put us out of business in a matter of months.” (more…)

Tags: advertising, bicycle, Cabs, Chicago, downtown, Drivers, entrepreneur, fleet, Julia Samuels, Mr. Tipton, Ms. Samuels, Pedicab, pedicab business, Pedicab News, pedicab operators, pedicabs, rickshaw, Rob Tipton, Safety, traffic

Student’s Chicago-based pedicab now on campus

Like many students on St. Patrick’s Day, senior Brendan Blume was up all night splitting time between Brown Street and the student neighborhoods. But unlike anyone else, instead of walking it, he was flagging pedestrians down asking if they wanted to ride on the back of his bike.

As a co-owner of Blume Brothers Pedicab, based in Chicago and less than a year old, Blume brought the pedicab to campus in March. He works Thursdays to Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., when he’s not on duty as an RA in Stuart. It’s just him and a 21-gear bicycle with a carriage-like seat attached.

“When (passengers) get on it they think they’re kings of the world,” Blume said. Entire parties turn and cheer when they see his bike and passengers go by. “It’s like chariots of fire.” (more…)

Tags: bicycle, bikes, blume, Brendan Blume, Chicago, entrepreneur, Environmentally, fun, passenger, pedestrians, Pedicab, Pedicab News, ride, Transport, transportation

Over 20 pedicabs were involved for 2003 featuring vinyl wrapping in Festival colors such as orange and pink with Festival sponsorship decals such as Altoids, Citibank, Delta Airlines, Grand Marnier and the Intercontinental Hotel. In addition, this year’s clothing sponsor of the Festival was Eddie Bauer with its Explore Your Environment campaign. “Eddie Bauer is a brand with strong links to the outdoors and it’s our goal to encourage all people to get outside and enjoy nature,” said Fabian Mansson, CEO of Eddie Bauer, in a statement. And that commitment was demonstrated in the sponsorship of a fleet of wrapped Eddie Bauer khaki and denim-themed pedicabs providing complementary service to Festival attendees at venues around town.

The perfect advertising platform for the modern metropolitan area is a Pedicab. Main Street Pedicabs is the only company offering national level marketing on pedicabs. We will customize a campaign that will put you in front of your customers. Visit Pedicabvertising to learn more.

Main Street Pedicabs™ is the market leader and the largest manufacturer of pedicabs in North America. Pedicabvertising from Main Street Outdoor offers turnkey national and international level marketing on our Pedicabs and advertising opportunities in Denver, Chicago, Orlando, New York, Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Houston and San Diego. We also help companies advertise abroad and can cover any market with our traveling advertising team.

We also manufacture the Billboard Bike. Having the billboard in such close proximity to people on foot makes it a unique “point-of-sale” type of media. The same places where pedicabs are the most successful are the places where your business advertising will be most effective. Now you can have the exposure you need by advertising on a Main Street Pedicab!

Content provided courtesy manhattanrickshaw.com.

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