11 observations about pedicabbing downtown Austin
Overview:
Riding a pedicab during the Livestrong 5K for the last 2 years led me to the idea that I should give it a try as a part-time weekend job. Last month, after kicking it around for way too long I finally caved in to my curiosity and got started. Early this morning I finished my first full weekend, riding both Friday and Saturday nights from 9 PM to 3 AM.
Observations:
1) You can't just start pedaling down 6th street looking for tired pedestrians. The city regulates both the companies and the riders. If you want to get started as a rider, it means spending about $45 for certified records and administrative fees. It also means spending some time getting it all together. Eventually you go downtown, present your completed stuff to the city, take a 20-question multiple choice test, and receive your chauffeur's permit. The whole ordeal seems to weed out those who may not be that serious about it in the first place.
2) As with any new work environment, there's still plenty else to learn, mostly about where things are and various procedures for operating the pedicabs. Much of this was introduced my first night out, when I rode under the supervision of one of the more experienced riders.
3) Riders must provide some basic equipment, (pump, tire levers, adjustable wrench, folding hex key tool) along with six hours worth of water, energy food. The tricycle pedicabs have a storage area underneath the seat for your stuff and the battery that powers the lights.
4) As with other kinds of riding, be reasonably hydrated, fed, and rested by the time you ride. This is an endurance event lasting five or six hours.
5) Get to the pedicab garage early. You'll probably spend about 15 to 30 minutes preparing your 'cab for the evening's work. For everyone, this means installing the battery, confirming that all the lights work, and checking tire pressures. For some, it may involve swapping out pedals or installing other items, such as a bell or horn.
6) Once you're underway, you'll probably have a two or three mile ride to downtown. This gives you a little more opportunity to become familiar with your particular pedicab before you carry passengers.
7) Urban environments mean looking everywhere for all kinds of things. This includes things to be avoided (faster, larger vehicles) as well as things to be found and brought with you (customers). Making some noise can help with both. Keep your head on a swivel. Communicate your intentions and use eye contact.
8) Sometimes it's good to stop and wait in line with the other pedicabs where there are lots of people, and sometimes it's nice to ride around here and there and find people who are happy to pay for a ride to where the other people are. When waiting in line for fares, always refer customers to the cab at the front of the stand, even if they've already sat down in your cab. While you were riding empty, you may have discovered that you could pedal somewhat easily on the big ring. Now that you're taking on passengers, however, this probably won't work too well. Remember to get back on the middle ring before accepting passengers.
9) Some people are nice. Other people aren't so nice. Some people are drunk. Other people are very drunk. Some people tip well. Others don't. Such is life.
10) When it's 2:45 or 3:00 and there are no more rides to give, go back to the garage. Take out the battery and reconnect it to the charger. Don't forget your pedals or whatever else you've installed. Put your 'cab away, count your earnings, finish the paperwork, and pay the company its share of the evening's take. Keep a record of how much you made as well.
11) Sure, you're tired, and it's nearly 3:30. If you're driving, bear in mind that you're probably one of a handful of sober, reasonably alert drivers out there. Take a shower, perhaps take some ibuprofen, and get some rest.
Riding a pedicab during the Livestrong 5K for the last 2 years led me to the idea that I should give it a try as a part-time weekend job. Last month, after kicking it around for way too long I finally caved in to my curiosity and got started. Early this morning I finished my first full weekend, riding both Friday and Saturday nights from 9 PM to 3 AM.
Observations:
1) You can't just start pedaling down 6th street looking for tired pedestrians. The city regulates both the companies and the riders. If you want to get started as a rider, it means spending about $45 for certified records and administrative fees. It also means spending some time getting it all together. Eventually you go downtown, present your completed stuff to the city, take a 20-question multiple choice test, and receive your chauffeur's permit. The whole ordeal seems to weed out those who may not be that serious about it in the first place.
2) As with any new work environment, there's still plenty else to learn, mostly about where things are and various procedures for operating the pedicabs. Much of this was introduced my first night out, when I rode under the supervision of one of the more experienced riders.
3) Riders must provide some basic equipment, (pump, tire levers, adjustable wrench, folding hex key tool) along with six hours worth of water, energy food. The tricycle pedicabs have a storage area underneath the seat for your stuff and the battery that powers the lights.
4) As with other kinds of riding, be reasonably hydrated, fed, and rested by the time you ride. This is an endurance event lasting five or six hours.
5) Get to the pedicab garage early. You'll probably spend about 15 to 30 minutes preparing your 'cab for the evening's work. For everyone, this means installing the battery, confirming that all the lights work, and checking tire pressures. For some, it may involve swapping out pedals or installing other items, such as a bell or horn.
6) Once you're underway, you'll probably have a two or three mile ride to downtown. This gives you a little more opportunity to become familiar with your particular pedicab before you carry passengers.
7) Urban environments mean looking everywhere for all kinds of things. This includes things to be avoided (faster, larger vehicles) as well as things to be found and brought with you (customers). Making some noise can help with both. Keep your head on a swivel. Communicate your intentions and use eye contact.
8) Sometimes it's good to stop and wait in line with the other pedicabs where there are lots of people, and sometimes it's nice to ride around here and there and find people who are happy to pay for a ride to where the other people are. When waiting in line for fares, always refer customers to the cab at the front of the stand, even if they've already sat down in your cab. While you were riding empty, you may have discovered that you could pedal somewhat easily on the big ring. Now that you're taking on passengers, however, this probably won't work too well. Remember to get back on the middle ring before accepting passengers.
9) Some people are nice. Other people aren't so nice. Some people are drunk. Other people are very drunk. Some people tip well. Others don't. Such is life.
10) When it's 2:45 or 3:00 and there are no more rides to give, go back to the garage. Take out the battery and reconnect it to the charger. Don't forget your pedals or whatever else you've installed. Put your 'cab away, count your earnings, finish the paperwork, and pay the company its share of the evening's take. Keep a record of how much you made as well.
11) Sure, you're tired, and it's nearly 3:30. If you're driving, bear in mind that you're probably one of a handful of sober, reasonably alert drivers out there. Take a shower, perhaps take some ibuprofen, and get some rest.