Chicago suburb to have bike-powered taxis

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NAPERVILLE, Ill., April 3 (UPI) -- The Illinois town of Naperville is preparing to become the second Chicago suburb to permit the operation of bicycle-powered taxis.

The Naperville City Council will vote next week on a proposal to allow a pedicab firm to conduct a one-year trial, The Chicago Tribune reported this week.

Naperville resident Brett Dingeldein pitched the idea of allowing his GreenStreet Pedicabs to conduct a trial run in the suburb.

Dingeldein says his firm's focus will be on short trips such as downtown destinations from Naperville's train station, city parking garages and remote parking lots.

Each pedicab costs about $4,200 and can carry two passengers.

Dingledein plans to operate the service with his son, Matthew.

He told the city council he can have three vehicles on the street by mid-May.

Oak Park has had pedicabs operating since 2005 and a restaurant in Joliet, Ill. recently started offering the service.