Greenway Pedi-cabs Debut
By Wil Weldon

Greenway pedicabs are rapidly making a name for themselves around Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Pedicabs are bicycle taxis that cost a few bucks per person, depending on where riders are going. The service was started by members of SURGE, Students United for a Responsible Global Environment as a clean alternative to automobiles in the community.

SURGE director Dennis Markatos-Soriano is the manager of Greenway.

“For all the new drivers, we have a little training, where we try to give them some experience, before they go out in the road, with customers. And we have insurance. So, we’re out here ready to serve,” he said.

Markatos-Soriano got the idea for pedicabs from time he spent in India, where they have lots of rickshaws in the streets. But the Chapel Hill version is equipped with lights, turn signals and bells for added safety. They cost about $4000 each, so they’re an investment.

“We're not here to make a lot of money. We're here to provide a service and we're here to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so we want to be giving people as many rides as we can,” said Markatos-Soriano.

Greenway has already seen a small profit and people are taking notice. The fun trikes fill a niche in the community by providing a local and reliable service. The bonus is the drivers operate on burritos instead of gasoline. Plus, as most riders will discover, it can be fun riding in the open air and a pretty stylish way to arrive at your favorite restaurant or bar.

Many customers have given good responses so far. Some of the first riders found the pedicabs to be a romantic addition for a summer evening out. Driver Tim Yarborough recalled his first riders.

“They really enjoyed it, especially the downhills, getting the breeze in your face, and, everything, it’s a lot more relaxing way to ride than a taxi would be,” said Yarborough.

Pedicabs should prove practical in Chapel Hill, where taxis are not always easy to come by.

Carrboro resident Harry Halpin noted, “People get caught drunk driving here left and right, and the fact of the matter is taxicabs are really expensive and they’re gonna get more expensive. So it seems like that’s another place where the pedicabs will be useful.”

So, the next time people are thinking about how to get somewhere, they might consider pedal power instead of horse power.