Bicycle taxies for Obama's huddled inaugural masses

FROM Examiner.com

It’s more than likely that some portion of the millions planning to descend on the National Mall for the inauguration, particularly older or out-of-shape folks, will end up doing far more standing, walking, and waiting than they anticipated. With cars banned and key Metro stops—including Smithsonian, Navy Yard—closed for security purposes, it’s no wonder that DC officials have been warning anybody that will listen that inauguration-goers should expect to do miles of walking if they show up for the festivities.

Still, as the day wears on, you can be sure there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of people who find themselves yearning to be free of the crushing crowds, the stench of more than 5,000 used porta-potties, and the surge of Obamania. Some advice for such people: consider calling a bicycle taxi. I stumbled across one this weekend in front of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and snapped this picture.

Though I haven’t ridden on one yet, they certainly look like sturdy vehicles capable of carrying three, if not more, people. The Associated Press reports that at least six will be on hand ferrying people about. Given the circumstances, however, I would encourage people to give precedence to people truly struggling to walk, particularly older folks dealing with disability.

The number to call to reach one company called DC Pedicab, which has been in the news and on blogs recently, is 202-345-8065. DC Pedicab keeps a useful page of photos on its website and a photostream on Flickr if you’re looking for shots of the taxies in action. Bicycle enthusiasts can also sign up as to be a driver. The pay is $15 to $20 per hour.