Seaside Heights to Permit Pedacycle Operations in Town

A pedacycle owned by “The Pedacycle” business in Asbury Park. (Credit: The Pedacycle / Facebook)

Seaside Heights officials agreed to permit pedacycles to operate in town following a request from a prospective business owner.

A growing attraction in some cities across the country, a pedacycle is a pedal-powered buggy that moves between 5-8 m.p.h. and stops at a number of bars around town. There is no alcohol allowed on the cycle itself, but food and soft drinks can normally be brought on board.

Bicycle seats line both sides and passengers sit opposite each other and work together to pedal the vehicle through town. A trained operator is in charge of starts and stops, and steering the cycle. The pedacycles planned for Seaside Heights will fit 15 passengers.

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“You pedal up the Boulevard and make stops,” said Councilwoman Penny Graichen, who said she enjoyed a pedacycle ride on a recent trip to Nashville, where pedacycles have taken off in a big way. “It seems like it will be a nice attraction that will add to things. They have it in Nashville, I did it there and it was a lot of fun.”

Pedacycle rides were proposed in 2018 in Seaside Heights, but the idea never materialized. The name of the new business was not announced, but it is expected to begin this summer. The council voted to permit the operation of pedacycles through Dec. 31, 2022 as a pilot program to gauge how such a business fits in Seaside Heights.

“We can take it back if things don’t go as expected,” said Mayor Anthony Vaz.

In some cities, pedacycles are outfitted with mobile bars, however the Seaside Heights ride will feature a “pub crawl” at local bars and restaurants. Pedacycle businesses have sprung up in other locations along the Jersey Shore, including Asbury Park and Long Beach Island. One such business, “The Pedacycle,” charges $40 per person or $500 for a private rental, often used for corporate team building exercises, birthdays, bachelor parties and other special occasions.