Starting in June, BicyTaxi NYC will be providing pro bono pedicab rides to Harlem residents within 20 blocks of 125th Street.
BicyTaxi, whose three-month-long pedal-powered philanthropy will be fueled by advertisements, is piggybacking off a similar event run by Safe, Healthy, Affordable and Reliable Energy (SHARE). SHARE set up a pedicab stand on Earth Day, giving free trips on 125th St. in an effort to promote eco-friendly sustainable transporttion.
Harlem is plagued by poor air quality due to excessive automobile and truck exhaust, and as many as one in three residents suffer from asthma. Pedicabs provide an environmentally superior alternative to a taxi or personal vehicle.
In light of subway fare hikes and taxi surcharges, pedicabs are also a more economically sound option. Recent legislation passed in 2007 by the City Council placed the pedicab industry under greater scrutiny and regulation.
Either way, who's going to turn down a free ride?
For more info: Gearing up for new business, pedicab company offers free rides (NY Daily News)