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.