Bicycle Cab Services Coming to Patchogue Village

Bicycle taxi cabs will begin operating throughout Patchogue Village starting this weekend at the after the village board of trustees approved an amendment to village code allowing the business to start operation.

Patchogue Pedicabs, co-owned by Edward Shine, Stephanie Smith and David Space requested approval to operate throughout the Village of Patchogue, which was granted at a Village board of trustees meeting held at Village Hall on Monday.

The idea for the company came to Smith and Space one night while having dinner on Main Street.

“We all work in the area and we know that there are major parking problems. We figured that this would be a convenient way for families, shoppers and patrons to get around,” Smith said.

Space described how they believe their business will contribute to the village’s identity and help curb parking and drinking problems.

“We really think that it will bring character to Patchogue Village,” Space said. “It will cut down on drinking and driving and it will help people get around and come to the various festivals. They won’t have to worry about walking a mile from their car or how they are going to get to the ferry.”

The amendment was unanimously passed by the board.

Currently operating as a roving business, the company hopes to move into a storefront when business increases. Each pedicab costs an approximate $3,500 and can hold two or three passengers. The rides will cost $1 per minute plus gratuity.

Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri felt that it was a "fantastic idea." According to the Mayor, the Village will be the first on Long Island to utilize this type of service.

“I think it’s neat. We see people walking up and down River Avenue, going back and forth to [all the bars and restaurants]. I think it will give people the opportunity to get around easier, very inexpensively and safely. I also think that this will be a way to connect the downtown with the places along the river,” Pontieri said.

Trustee Lori Devlin said, "It's a great idea. I can't wait to see them come straight from the train station right down Cedar Avenue to the ferries. I think it will be excellent and better than some of the speeding taxis that I see now."

The taxi service is expected to begin immediately and will be debuting at the .