Cities consider ban on 'beer bike' tours Special

Munster - Vehicles for city tours such as multi-person bikes offering free-flowing beer are beginning to irritate both motorists and pedestrians in Germany, leading some cities to consider banning them. While in the U.S. the popularity of the PedalPub increases.

It goes without saying that the best means of transportation in a city is very often a bicycle. They're quiet, producing very little noise, there is no exhaust fumes to breathe and they're flexible, you can park almost anywhere. There is no doubt the exercise is good for. With these thoughts in mind, bicycling should provide some advantages in big cities as a means of transportation. Our European neighbor's, not quite satisfied with all that cycling has to offer, have added their own spin to pedaling, by taking it up a level and building a bike for adults only. In Germany, Amsterdam and the United Kingdom the theme is "party while you pedal." When you climb on one of these tour bicycles, that guide you through the busy cities and the heavy traffic in foreign countries, you'll find a bartender waiting for you. The European "bierbikes" also come equipped with sixteen seats, all with corresponding pedals and a driver so you can sit comfortably and pedal while enjoying a pint of your favorite brew. While some tourist's may think these are best invention since sliced bread, pedestrian's feel threatened by the wide, multi-seat beer bikes and the conference bikes, which are often converted to a “beer bike” with a keg in the middle. The bikes create traffic jams on narrow streets, according to Berlin's daily Der Tagesspiegel. The beer bikes, which allow for passengers to imbibe while a sober driver guides them on their tour, are particularly controversial, the paper said. The rolling keg parties have been visible on most German city streets for some time, but local's are complaining about the “indiscriminate peeing” and noise that accompanies the beer bike tours. Some municipalities have tried to have the vehicles banned last year with a successful case in one German city’s administrative court, but failed to convince an appeals court. The state’s top administrative court in Münster will now address the case in October, and the nearby city of Cologne plans to model their regulations accordingly, the paper said. Officials in the German capital have also decided to wait for that ruling. “Then we’ll discuss it,” Mathias Gille, spokesperson for the Berlin city government’s traffic control office, told the paper. “There are no motions to ban them in Berlin. but the do need regulated, the beer bikes and rickshaws are not to be overlooked, though.” But deputy leader of the Berlin Free Democrats, Klaus-Peter von Lüdeke, told Der Tagesspiegel that he wants the vehicles banned. “These rolling beer bars take up the width of a car and are real traffic impediments,” he said. Beer bike drivers are required to remain sober while they guide the tours, but Lüdeke said they still could not be trusted to negotiate traffic. Green party state parliamentarian and member of the committee for traffic and development Claudia Hämmerling rejected a ban on the vehicles. “There’s also a danger from regular bike riders and nobody is trying to ban them from bicycle riding,” she told the Local, Germany's English newspaper. So where can you find one of the adult oriented bicycle tours in the United States? Try the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. "PedalPub has been providing rides to the communities for four years and currently have six tour bikes in operation." said Beth Williams of PedalPub. The PedalPub™ is a party on wheels said Williams. Pedal-powered by three to sixteen people, with a maximum speed of five miles per hour - you'll find it just the right speed for sharing good times with friends as you tour scenic routes. For $160. to $190. per hour you can rent one of these multi-seat tour bikes and have a event you can plan yourself. You may choose your route, within reason, and bring your own beer or wine, said Williams. There is a two hour minimum. PedalPub, LLC is looking to expand in premier locations throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. If you are interested in a fun and profitable business opportunity contact their office for more information. PedalPub is the only licensed dealer in the United States and North America, and so far have sold these multi-person bike for use in Kansas, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee. The PedalPub season is from April 1 (no fooling!) to October 31 in Minnesota, with dates still available for the remainder of this season, said Williams. Contact PedalPub for all your corporate, family or private party events at 952-703-9000 or at info@pedalpub.com. Don't forget to sign your liability waiver. Riding the PedalPub can be a dangerous activity, just like riding any bike. You should have a reasonable expectation that you could possibly fall off and scrape your knee. They offer bike helmets because it’s prudent. You don’t have to wear one—that’s totally up to you. But you do take responsibility if you bump your noggin’, says PedalPub's website.