by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The rickshaw first appeared on the streets of cities in India in the late 1800s, marking the entrance of human-powered mechanized transportation. Since then the technology has improved and the terminology has changed to “pedicab.”
Milton and Kristen Torres and son Ricky are the owners and operators of Pro-Motion Pedicabs, a venture that started appearing at events at the Sports Complex and has expanded to transport people from office to lunch and back again.
“We pick people up next to their cars in the parking lot and take them right to the gate,” said Milton Torres, who added that unlike a motorized taxi cab, Pro-Motion doesn’t charge for its service. “Our motto is ‘short trips for generous tips.’”
The business quickly found its niche at the Sports Complex, especially when the stadium or arena was sold out. Many people decided to ride instead of walk from their vehicles to the venue. Then another concept came into play.
“Ladies go for cute shoes, not comfortable shoes,” said Kristen Torres. “By the end of the evening, we are tired of walking in those shoes and that makes women, and their husbands or dates, some of our best customers.”
The company has expanded its operations into the urban core as a service for people who’d like a ride from their office to Downtown eateries during lunch hour. The pedicabs run a route on Hogan, Monroe, Laura and Bay streets that makes a circle from the Landing to Hemming Plaza.
“When you see us, just flag us down,” said Milton Torres.
While there are no regulations concerning the operation of pedicabs on Jacksonville’s streets, Pro-Motion’s 21-speed three-wheeled passenger vehicles are street-legal and safety equipment is standard.
“We have seat belts, turn signals and brake lights. There’s even a speedometer so I don’t get a ticket,” said Milton Torres. “We wanted to raise the bar for the local pedicab industry and offer safe transportation.”
Torres is also enjoying some health benefits from the job.
“I like to say I get about 50 miles to a cheeseburger,” he said. “I used to be one of those people who would go to the gym after work. Now I’m getting paid to work out. It’s also eco-friendly and a lot of fun.”
With an expanded schedule and a hard-to-miss presence in the high-traffic area, the marketing value is also being used. Beginning next week, a Downtown business will be advertising on the pedicabs.
“We’ll have signs on the pedicabs and pass out flyers. We’ll even wear uniforms from the business if that’s what they want,” said Milton Torres.
Landing General Manager Janice Lowe remembers the first time she saw Pro-Motion in action.
“I looked out my office window and got on the radio as soon as I saw it. I called our security staff and told them to chase it down,” she said.
“The person on the pedicab probably thought we wanted to run them off the property, but I was thinking that it looked like another attraction for Downtown. What a fun way to get from the Hyatt to the Landing, and we’ll have them here for Art Walk to bring people to our Off the Grid galleries.”
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