Pedicabs Could Ease Getting Around in City

DECATUR, Ga. - Getting through traffic in downtown Atlanta can be a nightmare.

Now a new plan could help ease the pain and help you get around a little easier.

It's kind of like riding a bike but you don't have to do any of the work.

Mike Gerke has been operating a pedicab for 16 years. He says it's the one thing Atlanta is missing when it comes to its tourist industry.

"Atlanta is small enough but big enough to be beneficial to pedicabs," said business owner Mike Gerke.

They're not just for tourists. He says it's an economical way to let someone else do the work, when it's a little too far to walk but a little too close to call a cab.

Gerke operates his pedicab business in Decatur. But there may soon be many of these three wheeled passenger bikes in downtown Atlanta.

"We've been so car-centric in Atlanta we need to break out of that mode," said Councilman Kwanza Hall.

Atlanta city Councilman Kwanza Hall introduced legislation that would allow pedicabs to operate on the streets of Atlanta. He says it would be good for the environment.

"We're trying to focus on alteative modes of transportation. Everybody is going green, trying to get people out of their cars," said Hall.

And it's good for business, letting visitors see the city from a whole new perspective.

"It would make a difference if you were coming from the hotel district, see it at street level. This is the way to do it," said Hall.

Gerke says there are so many positives to pedicabs -- from saving the environment to convenience. But the thing that is most appealing to first time riders -- they're fun!

Currently there are no provisions regulating or allowing the legal operation of pedicabs on city streets.

The Public Safety and Legal Administration committee will likely take a look at Councilman Hall's proposed legislation at its next meeting Tuesday.