A New Tranist Option In Downtown: Pedicabs

[tags]downtown, los angeles, pedicab, cycle rickshaw, transit, ralphs[/tags]

Eric Green and his “Green Machines” bring pedicab’s to Downtown LA.

A few nights ago when walking to the new Ralphs Fresh Fare in Downtown I noticed something that made me do a double take: cruising slowly down 9th Street was a pedicab crowded with happy riders. My gaze followed the odd sight as it made its way to Grand Avenue where it slowed and the happy passengers disembarked. I looked over to my friend who was with me and asked, “Where are we?”

Proof that what I had seen wasn’t an apparition was provided the next night as I was leaving Ralphs (yes, I spend a lot of time at Club Ralphs). The pedicab was there, dropping some passengers off in front of the store. Determined to find out what the hell was going on, we approached the driver and were provided with the full story.

The pedicabs are a new venture by entreprenuer/bicycle commuter Eric Green, and his venture is called Green Machines. He was surprised to hear that we were already aware of the pedicabs as he had just started riding around a few days prior. Spurred by the Downtown renaissance and the current “green” craze, Eric sees Green Machines as an opportunity to offer residents and tourists in Downtown an alternative to driving, taxis, and longish foot treks when it comes to getting around the relatively compact Downtown area. Cars are seen as unecological and cumbersome, taxis are expensive and typically drivers Downtown aren’t excited at the prospect of taking people a few blocks, and some parts of Downtown are still perceived as dangerous after dark - all making the pedicabs seem a friendly, convenient, and possibly fun, alternative.

As it stands now, Eric is the only one riding around on his single pedicab. He plans on purchasing more and leasing them out to indepent contractors who will set their own rates. Currently Eric works for tips only. I didn’t get a chance to ask what areas he would be serving, but it seems like it could be a good way to connect the Historic Core and South Park, especially for those Historic Core dwellers who might find the walk to the new Ralphs a bit long.

Personally I find the prospect of the pedicab’s in Downtown to be exciting and a sign of the times. It seems to be no coincidence that Green Machines appeared with the opening of the Ralphs. I can see these becoming a great way to get around the various bars and clubs Downtown and really creating a true “urban” feeling to the area. I’ve yet to take a ride in one of the Green Machines, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find myself taking advantage of them in the future.