A 16-seater covered bicycle capable of carrying a group of pedalling passengers from place to place in the city could soon become commonplace. The concept was one of the winners at the Galway Start-Up Weekend, held at GMIT from Friday to Sunday.
The unusual vehicle can carry a driver and 15 passengers, and could be a key transfer option for people using the car parks around the city. It is envisaged that commuters will use it to hitch a ride from the car parks to their place of work in the city centre. The Pedal Power bikes are also available for groups for events they are a success in some cities across the globe.
Pedal Power Galway was launched at the ‘Start-up Weekend’ at GMIT, which ran from Friday, 2nd of October. Pedal Power Galway was one of the winners on Sunday night after a marathon 54 hours of activity, developing ideas, costing which culminated in a round of presentations to assembled judges.
Team leader Paul Murray said that the fun city tours are on comfortable 16-seater pedal-powered bikes.
“Pedal Power Galway is hoping to launch the bike at this coming St Patrick’s Day Parade, on March 17th, 2016. The bike is also available to be hired for two hours to tourists, large groups, hens and stag parties, birthday parties, and corporate (team building ). “
Lest anyone think they will be ferrying loud groups around, Mr Murray reiterated that no alcohol can be consumed on board the bike.
“The route will be a 2.8 Km loop from Monroe’s Tavern to Cross St to Abbeygate on the Cathedral down Dominick St back to Monroe’s. “These bikes will be the Gondolas of Galway, and we are hoping to have three other routes around the city, Salthill to Spanish Arch, Dyke Rd to Eyre Square, Corrib Village to the Quad. Early bird tickets will be available to buy via PayPal on www.pedalpowergalway.com .
Early bookers can become the first to pedal power these bikes around Galway when they are launched.
Prices will range from €2 for one journey, hop on hop off at €6 from 9 am to 6 pm. Private hire will be available after 6 pm till 12 pm, for large groups at €300 (€20 p/p ) for a private hire.
“Our pedal power tours are aimed at giving our visitors a memorable, novel, and unique tour, where they will see, taste, and feel the best of Galway,” said Mr Murray.
“Whilst cycling on our tour, you will be given a historical tour of Galway, stopping along the way to sample the best culinary dishes in Galway. We are also looking at adding a variety of different themed tours that can be achieved across the city.”
At the StartUp Event sponsored by Bank of Ireland last weekend, the Pedal team outlined that they are also looking to trial the 16-seat bikes along the Wild Atlantic Way and that the concept will be available to franchisees.
The group is also looking for sponsors for the concept, and already, Monroes Live has given their backing to the project.