Pedicabs: Work or Workout?

Pedicab drivers zip around on what appears to be a “super" bike and pull tourists and pedestrians through this great city. Even on the hottest days, they are out on the streets pulling their eager passengers. I've always wondered if Pedicab driving was really the workout it appeared to be. So I went straight to the source. Melissa Von Ludwig has been a New York City Pedicab driver for a number of years. We met up in Central Park where she gave me a crash course in Pedicab driving.

The bikes have several different gears to adjust resistance and lighten the load of the passengers. Regardless, at the end of the day, drivers can end up pulling up to 400 pounds of extra weight! After talking for a bit, Melissa took me for a ride through Central Park! I could see how driving one of these Pedicabs was not only a leg workout, but an arm and back one as well. Melissa admits that it is not always easy, especially with her small frame, but she credits her active lifestyle for her strength. In addition to pedicabing, Melissa is also an avid biker and runner. She will even be running in the Human Race on August 31st!

Sure Pedicab driving is a job… but this job will keep you in great shape!

-Brittany