Pedicabs will be a new sight at Quilt Show

Quilt-lovers tired walking around at this Saturday’s Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show can hop on a bike “rickshaw” and leave the driving to John Flannery.

Flannery, owner of Bend Cycle Cab, is bringing his two hybrid pedal electric pedicabs to Sisters for the first time.

He is a familiar sight in downtown Bend and at events where he maneuvers through gridlock where cars and shuttles can’t go.

“It’s meant for a large event to get people around,” said Flannery. “It also has that novelty effect.”

Flannery said his “wacky contraptions” will provide a practical service as well as entertainment.

He is flexible about where he’ll take quilt show passengers.

He can take them to their cars, to lunch, or simply to view the quilts.

Flannery said Quilt Show goers can hail a ride as they would a taxi.

“It’s a catch-us-when-you-can business model.”

Flannery is arranging sponsorships so the rides are free. Flannery said it will be nice to see the quilts and have it qualify as work.

“I like quilts too!”

Flannery started his business about five years ago after moving to Bend to hike.

He has been hired for weddings and has even heard proposals in the back of his bike. He offers scenic tours and provides safe transportation to bar hoppers.

“I’d never been a biker before this,” said Flannery.

He likes providing transportation in an energy-friendly way.

Flannery has expanded his interest in smart-energy transportation with a second business called Green Energy Transportation and Tour. He has a 12-person shuttle that runs with biodiesel which will also help reduce quilt show traffic.

Biodiesel is a cleaner burning fuel manufactured from vegetable oil.

The morning of the show, his shuttle will leave Redmond with visitors from the Family Motor Coach Association so they don’t have to bring their big rigs into Sisters.

Flannery hopes to bring his pedicabs back to Sisters in the future.