Partnership with "America's Largest Earth Day Action" to Encourage Volunteerism and Community Service
STRATHAM, N.H., March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Timberland today announced that it is a presenting sponsor of the nationwide Green Apple Festival and Earth Day Network events over Earth Day Weekend, April 17 to 19. The simultaneous national series of volunteer activities will be coordinated in ten U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
The weekend of activity and service will culminate on Sunday, April 19 with free nighttime "Thank You Concerts" for volunteers at popular music venues in each participating city. In Washington DC, "Earth Day on the National Mall" will be a free Festival, open to volunteers and the public that will feature performances and speakers throughout the day.
To encourage the use of alternative transportation in Washington DC, Timberland will also sponsor free pedicab rides around the National Mall area before, during and after Earth Day Weekend. Timberland-branded pedicabs will be free to Green Apple volunteers, tourists and pedestrians April 15 to 21. Timberland will also sponsor the Timberland Bike Valet at the National Mall on April 19, which will allow Festivalgoers and Green Apple volunteers to safely park their bicycles in a secure area. Bike riders will receive a complimentary tune-up while they enjoy the afternoon's live music and activities.
"Timberland encourages everyone to take this opportunity to make a difference on Earth Day, and every day," said Theresa Palermo, Timberland's Senior Director of U.S. Marketing. "We have always strived to be a part of the communities in which we work and do business, and we're proud to partner with Green Apple Festival and Earth Day Network, two organizations that have the same appreciation for their neighbors and the environment."
In concert with its Green Apple Festival activities, Timberland will be launching an interactive "Earthkeeper Contest" on March 30 at www.timberland.com/greenapple. Participants will be asked to submit online entries about their efforts to promote environmental sustainability, and two winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip and guided "eco-tour" through the forests of Darwin, Australia. Please go to www.timberland.com/greenapple on March 30 for a complete copy of the contest rules.
Timberland's sponsorship of Green Apple Festival is one example in a long history of environmental stewardship, both in its business operations as well as in the design of its products. Over more than 20 years Timberland employees around the world have used more than 300,000 hours of Path of Service(TM) time to take care of the environment through individual efforts or through global service events like Earth Day or Serv-a-palooza. The company has also developed an industry-leading product labeling initiative using a Nutritional Label and Green Index(TM) rating to help promote transparency for consumers about the environmental impact of the product they're buying. In 2008, Timberland launched its online Earthkeeper Network (www.earthkeeper.com), using social media to engage like-minded consumers in discussion and action related to preserving the environment. At the store level, all new Timberland(R) retail stores are built with the environment in mind, using recycled or reclaimed materials throughout; paints without harmful VOCs; and other environmentally-conscious solutions.
About Timberland
Timberland (NYSE: TBL) is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland markets products under the Timberland(R), Timberland PRO(R), SmartWool(R), Timberland Boot Company(TM), Howies(R) and IPATH(R) brands, all of which offer quality workmanship and detailing and are built to withstand the elements of nature. The company's products can be found in leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland(R) retail stores throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to "doing well and doing good" -- forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work. To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com.
About Green Apple Festival
Now in its fourth year, the Green Apple Festival began in New York City as an environmental and music event and has grown to become the country's largest coordinated and interactive Festival dedicated to observing and preserving the environment. From its origins in 2006 as a New York City event, through last year's expansion to eight cities with an overall attendance of 200,000, organizers now will present an impactful series of community projects in ten cities to unite individuals, families and civic leaders in making greener life choices and stemming the tide of climate change. Green Apple Festival was founded by executive producer Peter Shapiro and Zenbu Media, a music media company. Since 2007, Green Apple Festival has worked closely in partnership with Earth Day Network. Visit www.earthday.net and www.greenapplefestival.com.
SOURCE Timberland
Friday, March 13
Bicycle licensing short-sighted and discriminatory: Part II
By Meredith Sladek
NY Bicycle Transportation Examiner
This is a two-part article analyzing the necessity--or rather, lack thereof--for bicycle licensing in New York City.
Part I can be found here.
“#4 – Law enforcement officials adopt a formal initiative to write tickets to cyclists as aggressively as motor vehicles.”
Maybe the reason they've never been seen getting a ticket in Seattle is because they don't get pulled over for speeding. However, I can personally vouch for getting a ticket for running a red light this past October. I went to court in January and it was overturned.
Cyclists should be ticketed when they directly pose a threat to others' safety. Running red lights at minor intersections or crosswalks when there are no cars approaching does not pose a threat to anyone's safety. Cutting off cars that have the right of way does. Two concrete instances are when they bikes ride on the sidewalk, especially for an extended period, and when they go against the flow of traffic. Sidewalks are for the safety of pedestrians, and unless road conditions make it impossible for a cyclist to be on the road, bikes need to be in the street with the other vehicles. Going against the flow of traffic when not on the shoulder of the road or in a bike lane is most dangerous to both the cyclist and oncoming traffic; it hurts a lot less to be sideswiped than to be in a head-on collision. I also mention these two because cars are most certainly not allowed on the sidewalks or to travel the wrong way either. Bicyclists are not Hell's Angels with a death wish. We are commuters and workers, trying to get from point A to point B.
Cyclists may “get off the hook” not because they lack accountability, but because it's more prudent to reprimand dangerous drivers first, whose irresponsible actions pose an immediate and potentially devastating effect on others, as opposed to reckless cyclists, who will only hurt themselves. Which, I might add, is excellent motivation for bikers to cultivate good judgment about safety and self-preservation. The system works; it is merely prioritizing.
“#5 – And, of course, mandatory liability insurance requirements for bicyclists.”
Aww, poor Chevy...that horrid bike scuffed the bumper. Too bad for the bike—it's now folded in two. Guess that poor two-wheeled sap will have to pony up to get your bumper buffed. Let's hope he can spare the cash after his medical bills.
Cycles bear the burden of damage when collisions occur. Not only would liability insurance be a costly burden, it would also be largely unnecessary. Considering the humble income of most New York City messengers and pedicab operators, none of them are going to afford any kind of insurance. Neither can I, for that matter. I got a bike so I didn't have to pay car insurance. I'm saving a ton of money and I've never damaged a car. For those drivers who are complaining about bills right now, I suggest you try it.
For that matter, why shouldn't cyclists get a break on tabs and fees? Why shouldn't there be a monetary incentive to ride? When cars guzzle up nonrenewable resources and rip holes in the ozone layer and create a smog-filled environment, why not reward those who travel with zero carbon output and look after their health and well-being with regular exercise? It's the same argument that many use for the cigarette tax, which is undoubtedly in place.
* * *
I think my major argument to this question is if licensing cyclists is really going to earn riders the respect and consideration they ask from drivers. I don't think it will. By the arguments presented and the tone set by Mr. Myrick, it seems as though many drivers aren't after equality; they want to be unburdened. Many express concern about cyclists' safety, but at the same time neglect to look at their own behavior while operating a motor vehicle.
As the number of bicyclists increases at the rate it has been, it means people are choosing them over cars, which will feasibly lead to fewer accidents, not more. The notion that “in order to be taken seriously, to be treated as equals on the road, bicyclists’ street cred will be earned by strapping on the same yoke their fellow commuters don to enjoy the privilege of traveling on public roads” is insulting and patronizing. I would love to see Mr. Myrick ride even five miles to work every day—hell, two—for a year, or a month, or even a week, and have to deal with reckless drivers, jaywalking pedestrians buried in their Blackberrys, bridges, bumps, gravel, below-freezing temperatures, 30 mph wind, sunrises, light rain, catcalls, sunsets, grimy faces, and sweaty t-shirts, and then tell us in full earnest that we need to earn our street cred. We all must follow the rules and look out for each other while we share--yes, share--the road.
NY Bicycle Transportation Examiner
This is a two-part article analyzing the necessity--or rather, lack thereof--for bicycle licensing in New York City.
Part I can be found here.
“#4 – Law enforcement officials adopt a formal initiative to write tickets to cyclists as aggressively as motor vehicles.”
Maybe the reason they've never been seen getting a ticket in Seattle is because they don't get pulled over for speeding. However, I can personally vouch for getting a ticket for running a red light this past October. I went to court in January and it was overturned.
Cyclists should be ticketed when they directly pose a threat to others' safety. Running red lights at minor intersections or crosswalks when there are no cars approaching does not pose a threat to anyone's safety. Cutting off cars that have the right of way does. Two concrete instances are when they bikes ride on the sidewalk, especially for an extended period, and when they go against the flow of traffic. Sidewalks are for the safety of pedestrians, and unless road conditions make it impossible for a cyclist to be on the road, bikes need to be in the street with the other vehicles. Going against the flow of traffic when not on the shoulder of the road or in a bike lane is most dangerous to both the cyclist and oncoming traffic; it hurts a lot less to be sideswiped than to be in a head-on collision. I also mention these two because cars are most certainly not allowed on the sidewalks or to travel the wrong way either. Bicyclists are not Hell's Angels with a death wish. We are commuters and workers, trying to get from point A to point B.
Cyclists may “get off the hook” not because they lack accountability, but because it's more prudent to reprimand dangerous drivers first, whose irresponsible actions pose an immediate and potentially devastating effect on others, as opposed to reckless cyclists, who will only hurt themselves. Which, I might add, is excellent motivation for bikers to cultivate good judgment about safety and self-preservation. The system works; it is merely prioritizing.
“#5 – And, of course, mandatory liability insurance requirements for bicyclists.”
Aww, poor Chevy...that horrid bike scuffed the bumper. Too bad for the bike—it's now folded in two. Guess that poor two-wheeled sap will have to pony up to get your bumper buffed. Let's hope he can spare the cash after his medical bills.
Cycles bear the burden of damage when collisions occur. Not only would liability insurance be a costly burden, it would also be largely unnecessary. Considering the humble income of most New York City messengers and pedicab operators, none of them are going to afford any kind of insurance. Neither can I, for that matter. I got a bike so I didn't have to pay car insurance. I'm saving a ton of money and I've never damaged a car. For those drivers who are complaining about bills right now, I suggest you try it.
For that matter, why shouldn't cyclists get a break on tabs and fees? Why shouldn't there be a monetary incentive to ride? When cars guzzle up nonrenewable resources and rip holes in the ozone layer and create a smog-filled environment, why not reward those who travel with zero carbon output and look after their health and well-being with regular exercise? It's the same argument that many use for the cigarette tax, which is undoubtedly in place.
* * *
I think my major argument to this question is if licensing cyclists is really going to earn riders the respect and consideration they ask from drivers. I don't think it will. By the arguments presented and the tone set by Mr. Myrick, it seems as though many drivers aren't after equality; they want to be unburdened. Many express concern about cyclists' safety, but at the same time neglect to look at their own behavior while operating a motor vehicle.
As the number of bicyclists increases at the rate it has been, it means people are choosing them over cars, which will feasibly lead to fewer accidents, not more. The notion that “in order to be taken seriously, to be treated as equals on the road, bicyclists’ street cred will be earned by strapping on the same yoke their fellow commuters don to enjoy the privilege of traveling on public roads” is insulting and patronizing. I would love to see Mr. Myrick ride even five miles to work every day—hell, two—for a year, or a month, or even a week, and have to deal with reckless drivers, jaywalking pedestrians buried in their Blackberrys, bridges, bumps, gravel, below-freezing temperatures, 30 mph wind, sunrises, light rain, catcalls, sunsets, grimy faces, and sweaty t-shirts, and then tell us in full earnest that we need to earn our street cred. We all must follow the rules and look out for each other while we share--yes, share--the road.
Counting the driver, a pedicab is a bicycle built for three
From Naperville Sun
People think of different things when they ponder Naperville.
Some form a mental image of the Riverwalk. Others the Carillon. Still others of the bustling downtown.
The mental image I've been carrying around with me for the last couple of days is of a police officer commandeering a pedicab to chase a bank robber who is fleeing in a pedicab.
"Pedicab driver, follow that pedicab," the cop might yell.
I have to admit I'm sorry I missed whatever discussion the City Council had about pedicabs for the downtown.
I'd never even heard of a pedicab until we got a letter to the editor from residents Abbie Jane and Tom Williams complaining that "pedicabs that hold all of two passengers that will clog the downtown streets."
When I ran the term "pedicab" through The Sun's computerized library system, I came up with an episode of "The Apprentice" from 2004 in which they featured a typical "Apprentice" assignment -- the contestants were supposed to run a rickshaw stand in Manhattan and find innovative ways to get people of ride the pedicabs.
For that is what a pedicab is, a modernized version of the Chinese rickshaw.
The modern-day ones have the front part of a bicycle pulling a small carriage that holds a couple of passengers.
Think of the times you've seen a dad on a bicycle pulling a carriage with a little kid in it, then double the passenger capacity, and you've pretty much got the concept.
Apparently they use them in Chicago, Joliet and Oak Park, among other cities.
As the Williamses put it, "Transportation is not needed downtown. The farthest anyone would ever have to work to cover the downtown is four blocks in any direction."
The point is well taken, but one can see a certainly utility for pedicabs for people who are unable to walk several blocks. That, after all, is the best reason to have valet parking at the restaurants.
Both valet parking and pedicabs are a convenience for those who don't want to walk a few blocks, but much more than that for people who physically can't walk a few blocks.
The council, which usually can be counted on to disagree over almost anything, unanimously approved the drafting of an ordinance to allow these last week, and since the impetus for pedicabs comes from the company that would run them, you can bet you should be seeing them on Naperville streets pretty soon.
Incidentally, these will only run spring through fall.
The city staff has done its usual thorough job of vetting these things, so I guess we can assume Naperville will have safe, comfortable pedicabs. World-class pedicabs friendly to children and all that.
Maybe the Last Fling can have pedicab races.
Still, when the inevitable happens, we'll get to read in The Sun "Two pedicabs collided yesterday at the intersection of ..."
People think of different things when they ponder Naperville.
Some form a mental image of the Riverwalk. Others the Carillon. Still others of the bustling downtown.
The mental image I've been carrying around with me for the last couple of days is of a police officer commandeering a pedicab to chase a bank robber who is fleeing in a pedicab.
"Pedicab driver, follow that pedicab," the cop might yell.
I have to admit I'm sorry I missed whatever discussion the City Council had about pedicabs for the downtown.
I'd never even heard of a pedicab until we got a letter to the editor from residents Abbie Jane and Tom Williams complaining that "pedicabs that hold all of two passengers that will clog the downtown streets."
When I ran the term "pedicab" through The Sun's computerized library system, I came up with an episode of "The Apprentice" from 2004 in which they featured a typical "Apprentice" assignment -- the contestants were supposed to run a rickshaw stand in Manhattan and find innovative ways to get people of ride the pedicabs.
For that is what a pedicab is, a modernized version of the Chinese rickshaw.
The modern-day ones have the front part of a bicycle pulling a small carriage that holds a couple of passengers.
Think of the times you've seen a dad on a bicycle pulling a carriage with a little kid in it, then double the passenger capacity, and you've pretty much got the concept.
Apparently they use them in Chicago, Joliet and Oak Park, among other cities.
As the Williamses put it, "Transportation is not needed downtown. The farthest anyone would ever have to work to cover the downtown is four blocks in any direction."
The point is well taken, but one can see a certainly utility for pedicabs for people who are unable to walk several blocks. That, after all, is the best reason to have valet parking at the restaurants.
Both valet parking and pedicabs are a convenience for those who don't want to walk a few blocks, but much more than that for people who physically can't walk a few blocks.
The council, which usually can be counted on to disagree over almost anything, unanimously approved the drafting of an ordinance to allow these last week, and since the impetus for pedicabs comes from the company that would run them, you can bet you should be seeing them on Naperville streets pretty soon.
Incidentally, these will only run spring through fall.
The city staff has done its usual thorough job of vetting these things, so I guess we can assume Naperville will have safe, comfortable pedicabs. World-class pedicabs friendly to children and all that.
Maybe the Last Fling can have pedicab races.
Still, when the inevitable happens, we'll get to read in The Sun "Two pedicabs collided yesterday at the intersection of ..."
Sunday, March 8
Editorial: Bike-powered cabs idea worth peddling; If notion gets investors, we'll take a ride
by The Ann Arbor News
Monday February 09, 2009, 2:01 PM
Bicycle-powered taxicabs cruising around downtown Ann Arbor. Crazy idea? Or cool?
Put us down as thinking: cool.
It's a long way from happening. But local resident Barbara Annis wants to bring the idea, called pedicabs, to Ann Arbor. If and when she does, we want to go for a ride.
Annis is seeking funding and a partner for the venture. Under her vision, trips would be free; the service would be funded by sponsors and advertising.
There are plenty of logistics to be worked out, including whether it would work in winter. Our guess: probably not. But it's not a far-fetched concept; pedicabs are already in use in New York and elsewhere.
As Ann Arbor continues to investigate and invest in alternative transportation, private citizens with vision, like Annis, can certainly contribute to the goal. Pedicabs just might have a place in our future.
We hope they do.
Monday February 09, 2009, 2:01 PM
Bicycle-powered taxicabs cruising around downtown Ann Arbor. Crazy idea? Or cool?
Put us down as thinking: cool.
It's a long way from happening. But local resident Barbara Annis wants to bring the idea, called pedicabs, to Ann Arbor. If and when she does, we want to go for a ride.
Annis is seeking funding and a partner for the venture. Under her vision, trips would be free; the service would be funded by sponsors and advertising.
There are plenty of logistics to be worked out, including whether it would work in winter. Our guess: probably not. But it's not a far-fetched concept; pedicabs are already in use in New York and elsewhere.
As Ann Arbor continues to investigate and invest in alternative transportation, private citizens with vision, like Annis, can certainly contribute to the goal. Pedicabs just might have a place in our future.
We hope they do.
Saturday, March 7
Feature: London Pedicabs pedal for promoters
By Sales Promotion
Public relations agency Virgo Health PR was looking for innovative and relevant ways to support Reckitt Benckiser’s campaign to launch the new Nurofen Express last year. The key message of this campaign, which included £10 million of TV advertising, was that the new painkillers targeted pain twice as fast as standard Nurofen tablets.
The PR agency turned to London Pedicabs, the outdoor marketing services company with a fleet of bicycle-drawn vehicles. As part of a week-long “Fast Lane Frenzy” tour, a fleet of branded pedicabs were taken across the country providing free rides to get people to their destinations “twice as fast”. Starting with three days in London, it subsequently took to the streets of Birmingham, Manchester and Hull.
The agency’s director Lisa Rodwell says: “Virgo Health PR was tasked with delivering a campaign that would guarantee 360 degree noise around the launch of Nurofen Express. A crucial part of this was creating a memorable experience for consumers that would reinforce the brand proposition. London Pedicabs helped bring this to life with a highly visible campaign that ensured we really became the talk of the town.”
Three pedicabs can still be seen around the streets of London to promote the ISP Awards 2008, which are being announced at a ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane, London, on May 22. Liveried with the Awards creative work, the bicycle-powered cabs also hand-delivered the Call for Entries brochure to agencies in London in January.
London Pedicabs has helped to promote brands such as Tesco, Vodafone, O2, Volvo, Nurofen and Eon. It was established three years ago by Graeme Rivett as a specialist Outdoor Marketing Services company after he had been working with the bicycle-drawn vehicles as a promotional medium for five years.
Anthony Robertson, sales director at London Pedicabs, says: “The London Pedicabs media and promotional offering adds a new dimension to standard outdoor media. It engages with consumers, delivering the brand in a completely experiential way.”
With the increasing emphasis on carbon emissions caused by marketing, Robertson adds that pedicabs are a “truly green medium. By running a transport service with zero emissions, we are committed to the improvement of the environment particularly in city and town centres.”
More case studies and information at www.londonpedicabs.com.
Public relations agency Virgo Health PR was looking for innovative and relevant ways to support Reckitt Benckiser’s campaign to launch the new Nurofen Express last year. The key message of this campaign, which included £10 million of TV advertising, was that the new painkillers targeted pain twice as fast as standard Nurofen tablets.
The PR agency turned to London Pedicabs, the outdoor marketing services company with a fleet of bicycle-drawn vehicles. As part of a week-long “Fast Lane Frenzy” tour, a fleet of branded pedicabs were taken across the country providing free rides to get people to their destinations “twice as fast”. Starting with three days in London, it subsequently took to the streets of Birmingham, Manchester and Hull.
The agency’s director Lisa Rodwell says: “Virgo Health PR was tasked with delivering a campaign that would guarantee 360 degree noise around the launch of Nurofen Express. A crucial part of this was creating a memorable experience for consumers that would reinforce the brand proposition. London Pedicabs helped bring this to life with a highly visible campaign that ensured we really became the talk of the town.”
Three pedicabs can still be seen around the streets of London to promote the ISP Awards 2008, which are being announced at a ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane, London, on May 22. Liveried with the Awards creative work, the bicycle-powered cabs also hand-delivered the Call for Entries brochure to agencies in London in January.
London Pedicabs has helped to promote brands such as Tesco, Vodafone, O2, Volvo, Nurofen and Eon. It was established three years ago by Graeme Rivett as a specialist Outdoor Marketing Services company after he had been working with the bicycle-drawn vehicles as a promotional medium for five years.
Anthony Robertson, sales director at London Pedicabs, says: “The London Pedicabs media and promotional offering adds a new dimension to standard outdoor media. It engages with consumers, delivering the brand in a completely experiential way.”
With the increasing emphasis on carbon emissions caused by marketing, Robertson adds that pedicabs are a “truly green medium. By running a transport service with zero emissions, we are committed to the improvement of the environment particularly in city and town centres.”
More case studies and information at www.londonpedicabs.com.
Thursday, March 5
Council looks favorably on pedicab plan
By KATHY CICHON kcichon@scn1.com
Downtown Naperville visitors could soon add pedicabs to their list of transportation options.
The City Council gave preliminary approval to allow the operation of a pedicab service in the downtown area. With a unanimous vote Tuesday, the council directed staff to draft an ordinance allowing one company to operate up to three pedicabs for a one-year trial period.
"Pedicabs will provide a unique and environmentally friendly method of transportation in and around the downtown Naperville area, encouraging downtown patrons to the parking garages and remote parking areas, possibly making one small step in reducing the parking congestion in downtown Naperville," said Naperville resident Brett Dingeldein, owner of GreenStreet Pedicabs.
A pedicab is a bicycle-propelled two-seat passenger taxi which travels between 12 to 15 mph, Dingeldein said. Pedicabs are currently operated in several cities, including Joliet and Oak Park. Dingeldein's proposal calls for the service to begin in April and continue through November or early December. The cabs would travel around downtown and to the train station. They would not be allowed on Washington Street and Chicago and Aurora avenues.
Some councilmen expressed safety and traffic concerns. Among them was Councilman Jim Boyajian, who called the idea intriguing but said he is "worried about some of the effects on a very tight and cramped downtown."
Others though said pedicabs would bring customers to merchants and add to the atmosphere downtown.
"I think it's something that would add a different character here. I think it would be pedestrian friendly as well as helping as a calming device for traffic," Councilman Doug Krause said.
Downtown Naperville visitors could soon add pedicabs to their list of transportation options.
The City Council gave preliminary approval to allow the operation of a pedicab service in the downtown area. With a unanimous vote Tuesday, the council directed staff to draft an ordinance allowing one company to operate up to three pedicabs for a one-year trial period.
"Pedicabs will provide a unique and environmentally friendly method of transportation in and around the downtown Naperville area, encouraging downtown patrons to the parking garages and remote parking areas, possibly making one small step in reducing the parking congestion in downtown Naperville," said Naperville resident Brett Dingeldein, owner of GreenStreet Pedicabs.
A pedicab is a bicycle-propelled two-seat passenger taxi which travels between 12 to 15 mph, Dingeldein said. Pedicabs are currently operated in several cities, including Joliet and Oak Park. Dingeldein's proposal calls for the service to begin in April and continue through November or early December. The cabs would travel around downtown and to the train station. They would not be allowed on Washington Street and Chicago and Aurora avenues.
Some councilmen expressed safety and traffic concerns. Among them was Councilman Jim Boyajian, who called the idea intriguing but said he is "worried about some of the effects on a very tight and cramped downtown."
Others though said pedicabs would bring customers to merchants and add to the atmosphere downtown.
"I think it's something that would add a different character here. I think it would be pedestrian friendly as well as helping as a calming device for traffic," Councilman Doug Krause said.
Bike-powered pedicabs get a green light in Naperville
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff
Several entrepreneurs are looking to bring new businesses to downtown Naperville.
The city council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to a pedicab service and is also considering a proposal for a hot dog vendor.
GreenStreet Pedicabs would like to run a bicycle-propelled taxi service in the downtown area including the train station.
"Pedicabs will provide a unique and environmentally friendly method of transportation," said spokesman Brett Dingledein.
The pedicabs would run from April through early December, weather permitting. Proposed rates are $5 from the train station to downtown, $7 from the train station to Naper Settlement and $1 per block around downtown.
The cabs hold two passengers and typically travel about 12 to 15 miles per hour, Dingledein said. They would pick up passengers at designated locations as well as respond to phone calls for service.
Some councilmen expressed concern about the cabs tying up traffic in the already busy downtown as well as safety issues.
"It's an intriguing idea and adds really neat features but I am worried about some of the effects on the very cramped and tight downtown as it is," Councilman James Boyajian said.
Dingledein said the cabs would stay out of traffic lanes when loading and unloading. In addition, city staff discussed the cabs with other communities that have the service and found that crashes are rare.
The council unanimously agreed to give the pedicabs a one year trial run with a maximum of three cabs.
City staff will work out the details of the ordinance to minimize safety and traffic concerns. For instance, cabs will likely have restrictions on where they can run and may be barred from some of the busier roads. Staff will bring the final ordinance back to the council for approval.
Another venture proposed Tuesday is for hot dog carts in the downtown area.
"I think a well-operated hot dog (cart) would bring an old time feel to the downtown area and everyone I talk to loves a great hot dog," said petitioner Joe Hornbaker.
Councilmen tabled consideration for a month for more research and input.
Several entrepreneurs are looking to bring new businesses to downtown Naperville.
The city council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to a pedicab service and is also considering a proposal for a hot dog vendor.
GreenStreet Pedicabs would like to run a bicycle-propelled taxi service in the downtown area including the train station.
"Pedicabs will provide a unique and environmentally friendly method of transportation," said spokesman Brett Dingledein.
The pedicabs would run from April through early December, weather permitting. Proposed rates are $5 from the train station to downtown, $7 from the train station to Naper Settlement and $1 per block around downtown.
The cabs hold two passengers and typically travel about 12 to 15 miles per hour, Dingledein said. They would pick up passengers at designated locations as well as respond to phone calls for service.
Some councilmen expressed concern about the cabs tying up traffic in the already busy downtown as well as safety issues.
"It's an intriguing idea and adds really neat features but I am worried about some of the effects on the very cramped and tight downtown as it is," Councilman James Boyajian said.
Dingledein said the cabs would stay out of traffic lanes when loading and unloading. In addition, city staff discussed the cabs with other communities that have the service and found that crashes are rare.
The council unanimously agreed to give the pedicabs a one year trial run with a maximum of three cabs.
City staff will work out the details of the ordinance to minimize safety and traffic concerns. For instance, cabs will likely have restrictions on where they can run and may be barred from some of the busier roads. Staff will bring the final ordinance back to the council for approval.
Another venture proposed Tuesday is for hot dog carts in the downtown area.
"I think a well-operated hot dog (cart) would bring an old time feel to the downtown area and everyone I talk to loves a great hot dog," said petitioner Joe Hornbaker.
Councilmen tabled consideration for a month for more research and input.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
