Beginning the second week of December 2013, Fort Myers will offer their first bicycle cab business. Created by a teacher and a nail salon owner, Tropical Express Carriage Company will soon begin shuttling tourists and residents by bike in the Fort Myers downtown area only. Last December, city officials opened two trolley routes to free up parking and allow downtown workers to commute to work. While the trolley is free to ride, some residents believe it is too slow for commuting to work.
Tropical Express hopes their business will be the answer to Fort Myers’ quick transportation needs. The Fort Myers News-Press said a goal of the business is to help people who have to transport materials back and forth from the court house to their cars by biking them in between. Downtown Fort Myers businesses and even the Mayor have shown support for the startup company, which also promotes green living.
As a bicyclist and cycling safety advocate, Jim Dodson supports the idea of Tropical Express Carriage Company to promote the use of bicycles as a safe, downtown travel alternative. For more information about how to bike safely in Fort Myers, request a free copy of Jim’s book, The Florida Bicycle Accident Handbook.
