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.