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I'm not a big fan of black cabs but these would be a nightmare for cyclists, especially this bit:
Even at its sedate top speed of 15mph you feel whisked along - using cycleways to bypass traffic jams, legally permitted to travel the 'wrong way' along many City one way streets, and able to go through the cycle gaps provided in road closures.
Imagine trying to get past one of these doing a top speed of 15mph as it blocks the cycle lane. I reckon they'd get very unpopular very quickly.
Rickshaws are already a badly ridden (driven?), dangerous pain in the arse and I can't see why these would be any different.
Fox-
Imagine trying to get past one of these doing a top speed of 15mph as it blocks the cycle lane. I reckon they'd get very unpopular very quickly.
Rickshaws are already a badly ridden (driven?), dangerous pain in the arse and I can't see why these would be any different.
rickshaws are overpriced novelty rides for tourists, are too wide, too slow, and not properly regulated. It's an obvious comparison but I think this project avoids the problems with rickshaws.
As for dealing with lots of cycle traffic travelling at 15mph: I already deal with slow boris bike riders, cargo bike riders, parents with trailers and child seats. Normalising cycle traffic at a moderate speed is a Good Thing. If I want to do 20+ mph I don;t use the cycle lane.
For a long time I was annoyed at cycle infrastructure, segregated lanes catering for slower cycle traffic. Then I realised it wasn;t for me. It's to encourage new cyclists. I've ridden in London my whole life, can keep up with traffic, can deal with busy junctions. I'd rather deal with a slow moving bike than stinking taxi gridlock.
William.
Cross posting from e-bike thread. I think it would be great to replace our badly driven, polluting, oversize generally shit black cabs with these. Interested in what people on here think. I've just donated.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/quicab-e-assisted-cycle-taxis-for-london
"Quicab's extraordinary 'taxi-cycle' has the potential to revolutionise door-to-door serviced travel in our congested cities whilst making better use of space, reducing air pollution and providing employment.
Everything about Quicab suggests 'taxi' - its appearance and then the sense of being chauffeured swiftly along city streets to arrive at your destination fresh faced and unruffled in your best business outfit.
Yet the difference is this - Quicab is, well, Quicker. Even at its sedate top speed of 15mph you feel whisked along - using cycleways to bypass traffic jams, legally permitted to travel the 'wrong way' along many City one way streets, and able to go through the cycle gaps provided in road closures. Permeability is key to Quickness, and Quicab takes full advantage. Quicker journeys completed, more passengers carried. The taxi has come of age.
With rising awareness of climate change, air pollution and the effects of congestion in expanding cities, the Quicab offers the prospect of a revolution in personal taxi travel. This includes, of course, employment opportunities for riders and maintenance staff. Passengers are not the only customers - With anchors for cargo-nets, Quicab is able to carry freight, too."