Politics & Government

Bikeshaw Sean's Human-Powered Taxi Service Rolls into Downtown Royal Oak

A three-tired pedicab takes the too tired to walk on a leisurely ride from one place to another.

A bicycle taxi cab service rolled into downtown Royal Oak last weekend taking visitors on leisurely rides to restaurants, bars and other attractions without having to worry about parking and traffic.

Bikeshaw Sean Paraventi, owner and operator of the new service, says Royal Oak now joins the ranks of "cool" cities from New York to Portland in offering a truly green pedicab service.

"Saturday night was my first night," said the 45-year-old Redford resident who bought his pedicab online. "I wasn't sure how it was going to go but I did very well. I had a bunch of riders in a row."

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Paraventi, an actor and playwright (you may have seen him last summer in ) said couples enjoying a night out and brides-to-be were particularly enthusiastic about taking a spin.

"I think there must be a Michigan law that says bachelorette parties have to take place in Royal Oak," he said.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As a marathon runner, Paraventi says he rarely gets tired and the heat doesn't bother him.

"I have noticed that Royal Oak isn't completely flat though. If you are just walking around it looks flat, but try pedaling two people around and it starts to feel hilly," he said.

And what do the police think of this new service?

"Currently we do not have an ordinance to regulate bicycle taxis.  Our taxi ordinance specifically exempts them," said Royal Oak Police Chief Corrigan O'Donohue.  "This has been a successful concept in other communities.  So far so good."

If everything works outs, Paraventi plans to add anouther cab. "I am learning as I go, but I think weather is going to play a role. As it gets colder, I think it will become a practical thing to want to use a bike cab."

Need a ride?

  • Who: Look for Bikeshaw Sean and his green pedicab if you are downtown and need a lift.
  • Where: If he's not pedaling a couple of people around town, try looking for him in front of or , both on Main Street.
  • When: Paraventi said he usually arrives downtown at around 6 p.m. and leaves at 1 a.m.
  • How much: Paraventi said he works for tips. Customers pay what they feel the ride is worth. "I did a lot of research and it's a model that works. People tip me well," he said.


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