The BicyTaxi of New York City

I saw these and my jaw dropped open! What a funny and smart thing to do!

It’s called a pedicab, and these models in New York City are called “BicyTaxis.” Others are called “EcoCabs.” It’s touted as a “green” was to get you where you want to go. The BicyTaxi units are manufactured in Germany. Aren’t they adorable?! My son wants one, ha ha. He can get one and take me around in it!

I glanced through the BicyTaxi website and could find no history of the idea behind the invention or the company. But I did find this video about it. Interesting! The video also details the turf wars and the political pressure from yellow car-taxi lobbyists to get the pedicabs off the streets.

I think these things are really, really neat… but to be honest, we have winter weather 6-7 months of the year. New York City does not get as much snow as Upstate, but it does get some, and it is freezing and windy in the winter. Would most patrons would prefer the subway or yellow auto taxis then?

Nonetheless, I think the pedicab is really cool! I would take one, even in winter if it could get through the snow… and I hope the pedicab eventually takes over the taxi services in NYC! And just think– the pedicab takes no gas! People could buy their own, use them themselves…. !

Photo courtesy of BicyTaxi.com.