P.E.I. entrepreneur plans to start pedal bus service

A P.E.I. entrepreneur is hoping to see a new kind of tourist vehicle on the streets soon, one already popular in Europe and some parts of the U.S., called the pedal bus.

So far, he has Summerside on board, but not Charlottetown.

It's a large bike with lots of seats, that allow tourists to travelaround at a relaxed pace.

"You're in the open air and you're pedalling along, visiting different historic locations and different restaurants to sample the local food and things like that," explained Steve Arnold of Ride Solar, who wants to bring in one of the big bikes.

"It`s a different way to explore the Island, it`s green, it`s clean, it`s fun, tourists are always looking for something new."

Solar help

Arnold even wants to use a solar-powered model, so the pedallers don't have to do all the hard work.

"We've got solar panels on the roof of the pedal bus, and those will charge an electric assist motor which will make it very easy for the pedallers to pedal," he said. "Some people are fitter than others and some people might need a little assistance."

The problem in Charlottetown is alcohol, and Arnold's proposal to include a brewery tour as a stop on the bike tour.

In Europe, the bikes are often called pedal pubs, as some do go on brewery tours with a keg on the bike as well.

Arnold said there wouldn't be a keg, and no one can drink on the bike.

He had planned to partner with a local brewery in Charlottetown, stopping off at three different restaurants, but the police committee said no.

Charlottetown says no

"We`ve looked at the proposal and at this time there`s really no appetite for the proposal," said committee member, Deputy Chief Gary McGuigan.

The committee had concerns about riders drinking at various hop-off points on the bike routes, asthere are no regulations and standards under the province's Highway Traffic Act.

"They are the primary authority when it comes to regulating things for that nature so we wouldn`t take it upon ourselves to approve a vehicle like that," said McGuigan.

Summersidefavourable

Arnold is still optimistic though, as he`s been talking to Summerside, and so far officials there say the idea is a good fit, although there are still questions about how the bike would be regulated.

There are 50 operating through the U.S., as well as the many European locations, and Arnold feels they are proven to be safe, and good for tourism.

"A little disappointed, we need to make Charlottetown feel comfortable," said Arnold. "Even though we can show many other cities felt comfortable, and that the traffic really isn`t different anywhere in North America. But we`re happy to be going to Summerside."

Summerside officials say it will up to city council to give final approval forthe pedal bus.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS|Cyclists, drivers must follow rules of the road to prevent collisions, police advise
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS|Pit bull gets flight to P.E.I. after Ontario ban complicates journey home