Human powered cabs coming to Storm Lake

Monday, June 22, 2009, 2:20 PM
by Joel Hermann, KAYL, Storm Lake

Human-powered taxi cabs may become a familiar sight around Storm Lake this summer. City development director Mike Wilson says plans are underway to begin a rickshaw or "pedicab" service, something that's well-known in certain Asian nations, but not in Iowa.

"They might not know what a pedicab is because they're pretty unique around here but it's sort of a combination between a bicycle and a rickshaw -- a bicycle front and a seat on the back," Wilson explains.

Last month, the city council in Storm Lake changed the taxi ordinance to include pedicabs and last week the council issued a license for a company called "Paradise Pedicab."

He says the company will open soon to offer the rides around the lake and trails or call them to cart you around for your daily errands. The license issued by the city is for one pedicab, but additional units are planned.