Can I drink alcohol on the PedalPub?: Yes.; Yes, while on private property with the owner’s approval. (Your driveway, your yard, while tailgating, restaurant/bar parking lots, campgrounds, etc.); Yes while riding on the PedalPub in Minnesota! A change to Minnesota State Law effective May 16, 2008 allows passengers aboard the PedalPub to consume alcohol while aboard the PedalPub.
Does the PedalPub supply food or beverages?: No. Riders may bring on any permissible food or beverages they wish. We’ve got LOTS of space in the inside roof rack.
How many people ride? How many pedal?: The PedalPub carries 16 passengers, plus the driver. There are 5 pedaling seats, on each side, plus one non-pedaling seat over the rear wheels. There is also a bench in the back of the PedalPub that seats three, plus one standee spot in the middle for the "bartender".
So how did the PedalPub get its name?: The original Dutch translates something like "Bike Café". We did an on-line poll of our friends and "PedalPub" came in first. What else could you call this contraption anyhow?
What are the differences between the routes?
Nordeast: By far the ugliest route (Al and I can say this - we grew up there!), this route takes an hour to pedal straight through. Flat as a pancake with no real views of anything interesting at all, except the old Grain Belt building on Marshall and Broadway.; So why take this route? It passes by 17 bars, including Elsie’s, Tony Jaro’s, Psycho Suzi’s, Shaw’s, and Mayslacks. And it is extremely easy to pedal.
Nicollet Mall: Starting at 12th and Hennepin, this route takes an hour and 15 minutes to pedal straight through. Meet at Eli's across the street before the ride. Pedal downtown and laugh at the "too cool for school" folks lounging at the outdoor cafes who look away as if they can’t see us.; Only slightly challenging, this route passes several downtown bars. Until we get to know some of them better, we can only recommend Brits on 11th and Nicollet.
What if it is cold, rainy or windy the day of the tour?: The PedalPub operates rain or shine. We’re Minnesotans - we can dress for the weather! If severe weather does occur, the PedalPub reserves the right to cancel the tour and offer the renter a rain check. There will be no rain checks offered for rides once begun.
What if our tour takes too long?: You will be charged a late fee if you do not return the PedalPub to the starting point on time. The time it takes to complete a tour is up to the people pedaling. The driver doesn’t even pedal.; We have test-pedaled all routes and know how long they take.
Do you provide a driver?: Always. Our insurance provider requires it.
Who should rent the PedalPub?: Corporations for team building, group rewards, and promotions. A property management firm booked us for an ice cream social/tenant appreciation party. We’ve been booked for parades. (We are an instant parade float.) We’ll be tailgating at a Saints game, too. Church outings, singles mixers, company parties, conventions, sports teams, pub crawls, AA meetings (you can drink coffee AND smoke on the PedalPub!), picnics, family reunions, you name it.
Who shouldn’t rent the PedalPub?: If you are allergic to the outdoors, hate even the slightest form of anything remotely resembling exercise, or don’t want to be seen pedaling a 16-person bike around town then don’t rent.
Who can’t ride the PedalPub?: The PedalPub has a minimum height requirement of 5’3" and a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds for each person on the bike seats. The back seat is perfect for those who don’t exist within the height and weight limitations.; All riders must be at least 18 years of age and provide valid identification.
Who’s in charge of the PedalPub?: The driver. If you act in a dangerous manner, you’ll be asked to get off and find you own way home. You can imagine the difficulty we had finding insurance for this thing in America. We need to keep it.; The renter. Only one person can be a renter and that person is the only person the driver answers to. Can you imagine 16 people arguing about when to leave the bar? We don’t want our drivers getting in the middle of that!
What’s up with the liability waiver and offering bike helmets?: 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.; We 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’.
Have there been problems in the past with people falling off?: We have never had a problem or anything close to it. In the 10 years that Zwier and Henk have been running 15 PedalPubs around Amsterdam, there was only one fairly significant injury. A woman tried to jump off while the PedalPub was moving and shattered her ankle.; A totally different attitude persists regarding personal responsibility in other parts of the world - if you do something stupid, it is your own fault. Her friends brought her to the hospital and she didn’t sue anyone.
When do I pay? How do I pay?: The renter pays when the tour is booked, regardless of how far in advance. A tour is not reserved until both the payment and the PedalPub Tour Reservation Form are received and you receive a confirmation from PedalPub.. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, or cash, of course!
What if I want to cancel or reschedule?: If for some reason you really need to cancel (we can’t imagine why!), the renter has the choice of receiving a 50% refund or a rain check valid for 3 months, if the cancellation is 30 or more days prior to the tour date.; Cancellations less than 30 days will receive a rain check valid for 3 months only.; Cancellations less than 14 days. Sorry! No refund or rain check.
Does the PedalPub run all year long?: The PedalPub season is from April 1 to November 30, unless by special arrangement. Who will be the first to take it out on New Year's Eve??
What's the earliest / latest I can rent the PedalPub?: The PedalPub has no lights, so hours of operation are generally between 10am and dusk, unless by special arrangement.
What's the least number of people required to operate the PedalPub?: The PedalPub requires at least three people pedaling, but it won't be much fun unless you have six or more.
What's the fastest the PedalPub can go?: On the flat, the PedalPub travels at a maximum speed of approximately five miles per hour.
Can the PedalPub go up hills?: Little ones. The PedalPub was invented in the Netherlands, where it is very flat. Routes with grades greater than 5-6% for any extended distance may require riders to get off and push. None of the hills on our regular routes have required pushing (thus far....)
Can I make my own route for a PedalPub tour?: Yes, if it is not too hilly and not to heavily trafficked. There is also a transportation charge for custom routes to get the PedalPub to the starting point.; Travel on custom routes is completely at the discretion of the PedalPub driver. Roads that are too hilly, too busy, or otherwise inappropriate may be refused.

PEDALPUB FAQ