View Full Version : How open is this forum
Hi, as the question goes. As you have or are possibly todo with the Velo's in Barcelona, was wondring. If this is a completely industry neutral ground & as such happy to host other 'options', a friend setting up a company there etc.
Though, one mutualy benefitial is that of international rider/operator & manufactorers disscusion/meeting point.:)
As I'm in/on with both London Association of Rickshaw Drivers (LARD) & the London Pedicab Operators Association (LPOA), this may be of future interest.
So for now tata
Trixi.com
04-04-2005, 11:24
Very good question. I can say that I really try to be "independent". I am just one operator of thousands worldwide. I tried out other pedicabs (Velocab, Maximus, Main Street Pedicabs etc) and I have to say: These are also good products. They are different in design, but also good quality. The fact that I am working with Velotaxi does not mean that I am not "independent". I am not paid by nobody. The cost of this server is paid with the Google Advertisement at the top of each page. Here you can see different manufacturers.
On the other hand I think that there is nobody involved in the pedicab buisiness really independend.
I am and our forum is open for all operators and manufacturers. One example: At the mainpage etc. you can not find any “overweight” of my pedicab provider Velotaxi. Surprised?
I invited for example Main Street Pedicab, Maximus, Velotaxi and Velocab to participate here and to post information about their products. Most of us know well the manufacturers, but any newbie starts at zero. All manufacturers should use this platform to promote their products and to give information. I am in a good contact with the most important manufacturers and it seems that they give www.pedicabforum.com (http://www.pedicabforum.com) a future. I know: They do not post at the moment, or just few of them, but they all read here ;-))))). Some of the manufacturers told me that the will use this place to post some information in the near future.
I would also like to ask all pedicab drivers: Could you please do a review / test of the pedicab you drive everyday ?
What I really like at Rickshawforum.com: You can read all articles without beeing registered. No obligation at all. But this forum lives from the contribution of its readers.
The forum is growing. We started on the 22nd of December 2004 and we have already 150 registered users and between 70 and 150 unique visitors per day. No pressure, no entrance fee :p There was really a need for a forum like this.
London is going the right way with the London Association of Rickshaw Drivers (LARD) & the London Pedicab Operators Association (LPOA). It is always better beeing fair competitors then “enemies”. The small world of pedicab and the clients can only win with “a round table”, standards for security etc. I believe and hope, that maybe in the future we will have an European Pedicab Federation or even better a World Pedicab Federation, defending the interests (legislation, insurance etc.) on a bigger stage. Even a round table of pedicab manufacturer (to mark standards of quality) or operators could be a way to get closer. But I think that we are all going the right way: The forum at Yahoo, this Rickshawforum, LARD & LPOA etc shows that we are all “Connecting People” ;-).
But I am still missing an international association. An association fighting for the industry: Once again - insurance - legislation etc...London is the beginning in Europe, but for Barcelona this association is "too local". My dream would be seeing an International Pedicab Association, independent and working for the whole industry!!!
But this is a natural process. It will come or not.
If you are interested: This forum was born because of the world wide need. And for 2000 to 4000 people a month it is already the "starting point" when they beginn to research "How to set up a pedicab business".
You could help to garantee that this forum will stay as independent as possible. Post here. Help the newbies. Discuss the news. Share your Know-How.
I am also looking for somebody who could give me a hand as Co-Moderator or
Moderator of some forums.
This is not my forum. This is our forum and meeting point. And this forum is open for all people interested in pedicabs, newbies, veterans, operators and manufacturers.
Ah, and a final word: I believe in the market and that competitors are important. This is the truth of economy.
All the best
Yes, I like the sound of that & your round table! I would like to be involved with this site & might be able to suggest this to a few friends.
I think your right from what we have been shown in london, as when the forces of darkness come to take the pedicabs away it would be nice to have a fighting fit little group of riders & operators. The fight here was mostly fought by a firm called Bugbugs but with the formation of the LPOA, the standards of the lights & even the riding practesses have improved a lot.
London is moving towards regulation & we have now through discussion & lots of clever paper work managed to hold back pedicab killing laws & stared the ball rolling towards a place in Londons streets with the blessing of the councils. It has also started the discussion about a self insuring industry (though this is quite a road to go as yet) but insurers have started to open there doors to third party insurance to members (members do have to follow certain rules).
The future is bright & new technology & smart pedicabs are being made, with each having a role to play.
So as the saying goes 'giss a job mate!':)
Trixi.com
06-04-2005, 01:21
TDAYUK:
You wrote:
"Yes, I like the sound of that & your round table! I would like to be involved with this site & might be able to suggest this to a few friends."
Bugbugs (http://www.bugbugs.co.uk): I think that there are just few companies on earth which fought so much for the pedicabs! I wonder that they are not yet pissed off. They do their work with power and "a good heart". They have all my respect!!!!
They are not just fighting for the Cent. There is a much more...a vision.
I will send you an email tomorrow.