Chatter: Wanna Ride?

Just as the city unveiled its first-ever licensed bicycle-propelled cabs — a.k.a. “pedicabs” — the website CabCorner, already established in NYC, San Francisco and Tokyo, made its Philly debut, allowing riders to cab-share their way across town. Yes, they’re cool ideas, and yeah, they’re green, but will you use them? We asked.

Kathy Romano, co-host, Preston and Steve radio show: “I might use the guys on bikes, yeah. I think it’s a good idea, as long as the drunks aren’t getting on and being mean to them.”

Sam Katz, documentarian, Philly Mag columnist: “Anybody who rides a bike in Center City is braver than I am. The streets are completely destroyed from potholes. Plus, there are drivers text-messaging — it’s not a pretty place, in my mind. And I already do ride-sharing every day. I take SEPTA.”

Bob Brady, U.S. Congressman: “No.”

Pete Ciarrocchi, owner of Chickie’s & Pete’s: “I love pedicabs. It’s a great city, and there’s a lot to look at. What are you in such a hurry for?”

Michael Smerconish, radio talk-show host, author, columnist: “I used pedicabs in NYC and might do so in Philadelphia. But nothing would entice me to get in a Philly cab if I had an alternative. Who can fit in those backseats?”