Project Pedicab provides experiences with the most joyful, effecient, earth friendly, smile inducing way to travel.
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June 29th, 2025
It is fun being back in Portsmouth! I’m a bit addicted to meeting new people and learning their stories. Friday night I took two hospice nurses for a ride who shared a lot about how they find joy and peace in their jobs. I met two musicians who were deeply commited to spread positivity through music and dance, and helped two visiting tourists from Texas trying to get an Uber—i eventually drove them (in my car) to their place in Rye listening to their inibreiated commentary about why so many curved roads and trees? Love the rich fabric of characters that land in Portsmouth and my excuse of a pedicab to get to know so many stories.
June 14th, 2023
THIS POST
The Positive Pedicab has been out for 7 days in Portsmouth, 3 days in Durham. A high point of the the evening:
An older woman was walking and I offered a ride. She was walking towards city hall/police department that used to be the local hospital. She did not want a ride, but we got talking. It was the anniversary of her daughter’s death, she died from cancer 4 years ago and she wanted to look at the window of the former room where her daughter was born.
I finally convinced her to get in the cab and I rode her up the hill. We parked outside the window and she told me stories of her daughter. We had some laughs, she had great stories. Then she said “Let’s go for a longer ride.” I took her for a ride all around Portsmouth, up and down the strip, around the park and she told stories the whole time. We rode for a hour. All I had to do was listen. At the end of the ride she said “I am so grateful God sent you, you lifted my spirit and answered my prayer on a difficult day.”
I was gifted to be with someone who was vulnerable and honest/real.
I had some great passengers. I enjoy the discussions, and always love the “oh wow, this is great” once people get in the pedicab, the best is when a ride lifts a spirit.
May 29th, 2023
13 Hours of cycling. What a great day/evening in Portsmouth.
A highlight was meeting Jen S., an instant friend, shared a long ride talking about the many ways she infuses the world with positivity.
Later discussed the history of Prescott Park, the different characters in history in a rough and tumble seaport town with a lovely woman who’s dissertation on Portsmouth history is on this weeks reading list.
Had fun driving Greg, a local busker. Who played guitar and sang as I peddled him through Portsmouth.
Todd Rundgren was opening for Daryl Hall. Reviews were mixed, but I have always loved TR. I tried to hang out to hear “Hello it’s me” that led to meeting some more new friends.
I’m reminded how much I just enjoy being out in the world.
June 16th, 2023
Thursday 4-11pm. Both Michael & I rode. Great to have two pedicabs and see each other during the night.
I am learning the power of social media. I shared a story about giving a ride to an older woman grieving the passing of her daughter. Yesterday as I rode through the neighborhoods I was met with a lot of “hey, It’s you from Facebook.” Not something I ever expected to hear. It is nice to be so welcomed and hear of peoples enthusiasm for the The Positive Pedicab Project. A lot of enthusiasm. We need a cheer aka Roy Kent. Let me know if anyone has an idea.
The ride of the day was bringing a young man to Sagamore Ave past the cemetery. A long ride. At one point I miscalculated shifting and did not make the hill by the tennis courts, he quickly jumped out and pushed me. Yes, pushed me up a hill. I was grateful for the assist, he kept telling me that he could not believe I would take him all the way home, but we were a team. Maybe this is a new model of operation—I bring the pedcab and people can pedal me???
I reunited with some old friends last night. It is so great to reconnect with Scott, Maggie, Joan and others who are shocked and want to know “what the hell are you doing?” What I say is “what I’m not doing is buying a sports car.” This is my cyclist mid-life crisis.
I thank everyone for supporting the project. This week we expect to have a sponsor who will wrap the pedicabs. We hope this will defray our costs and we know we will provide excellent advertising for a local business. I can’t wait to share who we eventually partner with, but yesterday the feeling of partnering with the community was evident-thank you all for the waves, the nods, the high fives and especially those who jumped into Phillup (the name of my pedicab).
Next week you will get to hear directly from Phillup. Let’s do this!
June 20th, 2023
Meet Phillup the Pedicab: Phil’s parents Main St. Pedicabs are from Colorado. Phil is a 18 speed, 3 wheeled human powered machine. Phillup does not like electrical assists, but he does ride with a heavy, non-working, noncompliant front wheel. He is looking to get that removed soon. Phil lived in Plymouth, MA before coming to Portsmouth.
What you need to know about Phil is that happiness is when all seats are filled, or Philled. When Phil is empty, Phil is a sad ride. Phillup rattles, shakes, vibrates and is just annoyed and angry, but when passengers are in the seat, Phil is smooth, quiet, and geared perfectly. The way to make Phil happy is to take a ride. Soon we will share more about Phillup, like favorite music (classic rock) and favorite hobbies (long rides on smooth paths along the beach). Come and meet Phillup.
June 21st, 2023
I love introducing people to Portsmouth. Last night two young women from Utah, here for a summer internship, jumped in Phillup the pedicab—a perfect way to see the city.
We began in Market Square, the Music Hall, The African American Burial grounds, discussed the history of Prescott Park where dress rehearsal was also taking place for Little Shop of Horrors (it’s gonna be fantastic), the Gundalow, Strawberry Bank, the Memorial Bridge, Seacoast Rep, tugboats, the 1776 Chestnut tree and back to Market Square. Enthusiasm for Portsmouth increased at each stop. It is so much fun to show off this place, it is so rich with community.
As I ride around in town I’ve either been collecting stories or sharing them. If you have a story to tell, please take a ride and share, and if you want to introduce a friend to Portsmouth, Phillup is an excellent way to see the city.
Lastly, One great use for a pedicab is to give workers rides. It is the “workers are royalty program.” Growing up in a restaurant, I know that end of the night feeling of exhaustion, yet also feeling wired and needing time to decompress. Bringing workers to their cars at the end of a shift is one of Phillups favorite things. Last night I got to bring these two folks pictured for an after work decompression ride getting them off their feet and delivered to their car. If you have someone who could use an end of the shift ride, let us know and we can show up.
June 22nd, 2023
Yesterday was a great pedicab day. The weather was great for The Plates for Change fundraiser at Strawbery Banke Museum. Phillup dashed back and forth between different parking lots in Portsmouth to deliver folks to Strawbery Banke.
After the rush settled down I met a high school history teacher and her young daughter near the African American burial ground. They were visiting from MA and wanted a ride to get some ice cream. Phillup gladly volunteered. During the ride We discussed the idea of pay it forward campaigns: How do they start? How long do they continue?
We decided to do an experiment. I bought them ice cream, in exchange they agreed to buy ice cream for someone else. I predicted that it may start a chain reaction. They found a man ordering ice cream and the young girl lept into action “I’m paying!” He told her how nice she was with a big smile, but it did not set in motion a chain reaction. He left and we discussed more about the theory of reciprocity. One emphasis is that it is fun to give gifts. We recognized how fun it is to GIVE a gift, sometimes more fun than receiving a gift.
The moon/stars were perfect. At the end of the night I rode 21 miles/over 30 rides. I used my bike pump to fill a flat tire on a Toyota, helped a few folks get home safely who were not ambulating efficiently, helped two people get to work on time, and connected with some friends.
Those inclined to reciprocate were creative, I was provided pizza from a couple who thought I looked hungry (it was true) and another couple gave me a case of craft beer from a great brewery. I love the conversations and most of all—riding with a full pedicab.
June 24th, 2023
They say extroverts get energy from groups of people, introverts get energy from taking breaks from people. Yesterdays rides demonstrated this principle.
I piloted Phillup the Pedicab beginning at 9:30am with a meeting with Stroll Café —(some exciting ideas to be shared soon). I was so tired from the evening before getting home at 2am, but energized by the meeting. Then by 3:30pm I fell asleep eating my early dinner. I literally woke up with a plate in front of me and had to take a minute to orient myself to my surroundings. I figured a short night was at hand, but I wanted to make sure to be at Prescott Park for the opening of Little Shop of Horrors. I have dreamed that bringing people to and from Prescott Park. I have always loved ‘The Play’ it is one of my favorite things—theater for everyone.
The long and short of yesterday:
—no pedicab rides to or from Prescott Park. Somehow people were all happily ambulatory, and Phillup sad. Got to get people to take advantage of Phillup during intermission, on the way to the park, way home.
—I saw the play from my pedicab seat—a great way to watch.
—As I started to go home at 10pm I started getting rides.
The extrovert in me perked up during these late rides. I had multiple that extended down Islington St., but the extrovert in me also felt extreme fatigue when I had to turn around and bike back alone. I would decide I was on my way home, but then the pattern repeated— someone would ask for a ride, I would energize, I would bike back to downtown. My short evening ended in the early morning (2am).
Having ridden a whole day really put into perspective the different rhythms of the city. It feels like three different cities. Three different cultures based on time of day. I’m going to try to define this in my writing, but let me know what you think. Do you see cultural shifts by the time of day?
Positivity highlight from yesterday was interacting with potential sponsors and giving folks rides. I’m so excited to have partners on the project and look forward to announcing these supporters. This extrovert needs the collaboration, but now I’ll sleep.
Do Good, Have Fun
June 25th, 2023
OK Portsmouth friends, citizens—we need to finish naming the pedicabs. Michael had the great idea of making our cabs and we could post stories from the pedicabs perspective.
I thought of the name Phillip in honor of one of my favorite students. Phil Kreycik. He passed away 2 summers ago and I want to honor him, remember him, and know he would LOVE this project. The idea that Phillup was a nice play on words, because the pedicab truly rides so much better full than empty.
After watching Little Shop of Horrors in Prescott Park, I thought that the other pedicab could be named Seymour, but like Phillup, changed to SeeMore. In a pedicab you really see more.
Anyone else have some name candidates? Someone we should honor? Something Punny?
At the end of the week I will send out a poll.
Thanks for the support.
Here are some of the ideas
Reba McEn-tires,
Al Pedchino,
Bikael Douglas, Bikael J. Fox, Bike Tyson,
Ricksha-shank Redemption, Pedolivia Newton-John,
Cycle Jackson
Cycle Bolton
Roamin the Pecicab
Ryder
Tireah Banks
Happy 4th of July, 2023
Today was a special day for Phillup the Pedicab. We got out early this morning to help deliver neighbors to the citizenship induction ceremony at Strawbery Banke. A celebratory Pedicab ride around Strawbery Banke was in order for many after the ceremony. People waved their flags for the first time as citizens while riding a Pedicab.
Before the event we enjoyed bringing people to the ceremony from distant parking lots. I’m grateful to all those people who chose to travel to the event (including the Mayor) via Pedicab.
If you have not participated in this ceremony before, please put it on your bucket list. Phillup may have been crying a little, I definitely was. It is absolutely the best way to celebrate the 4th of July, welcoming new citizens.
July 6th (part 1)
What a great time in Portsmouth! Had great conversations with so many people and lots of commitments to do surprising acts of kindness. Have you been surprised by an act of kindness lately? At the fireworks a person came up to me and said “ I love what your doing” and gave me $5 to support the next ride.
Someone is getting some free ice cream tomorrow.
July 6th, 2023
I love this story.
At Strawbery Banke on July 4th, I gave two young girls a short pedicab ride and asked them if they would be willing to do a random act of kindness to pay it forward. What happened after I left was that they decided to personally thank Linnea Grim, the President of Strawbery Banke for hosting the citizenship event.
While waiting to thank Linnea Grim they got into a conversation with Governor Sununu who wanted to meet them and give support. They had no idea they were talking to the governor, but by setting off to give a kindness they were appreciated and I am guessing brought some joy to all the observers.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. I’m smiling thinking of this scene (one of the two sisters in picture below).
July 8th, 2023
Yesterday I felt beaten down. I was tired, it was hot, and for the first time I was not looking forward to getting Phillup See More out on the streets. But then I started working on the two pedicabs and realized that the large disc brake on the back of the pedicab was rubbing. Not a little, a lot.
After some adjustments and a little sheepish embarrassment, WOW. Phillup is so much easier to pedal. I felt like I was flying around Portsmouth last night. Phillup is singing. I cannot stop smiling.
I wonder about the life metaphor here. I felt beaten down and tired, and suddenly a friction is released/adjusted and wow the world looks different.
We all face metaphorical friction points in our life. I wonder how we can release them, adjust them, create a space where we sing.
Look forward to riding later today. Phillup is flying.
July 10th, 2023
“Isn’t ironic, don’t you think, it’s like raaaain on your pedicab day.” Alanis Morrissette is stuck in my head.
Sunday I parked outside the Unitarian Church and gave rides after the service. Of course this led to all kinds of philosophical discussions which I LOVE. I’m really been taken with the idea that KINDNESS motives are untrustworthy & SELFISH motives are perfectly understandable. Unfortunately we know that sometimes selfish motives hide in behind a kindness, keeping us on guard, but I hope we never get so cynical to believe that Kindness doesn’t exist.
I parked myself at the information booth in Market Square and gave some great, long rides to tourists. I made new friends with two women visiting from Tampa Bay, Florida who fell in love with Portsmouth. We spent 2 hours visiting sites including a stop at the farmers market at Strawbery Banke (where I shopped with them). Lots of laughter and discussion (Why is this ride free? What do you mean your a professor? Are all people in Maine like this? So this is NH? How far to Maine? Yes, I’ll pay it forward and let you know about it). I feel confident my new friends are now leaning Wildcat. Looking forward to helping celebrate at the Stroll Cafe on Wednesday—-come and see Phillup.
July 13th, 2023
Great Rides the last few days. I’m meeting a lot of tourists and proud to represent Portsmouth. Tonight I met a couple that needed a quick ride to their hotel room to grab something they forgot and then back to town for dinner. We talked about the pay of forward campaign and they got excited. They had a friend who once paid for a strangers dinner and they always liked the story. Tonight they decided was the night they would try it out. They were off to dinner to find a family and secretly take care of their bill. It was so fun talking about how this might go down.
I also gave a ride around Prescott Park to a little girl who says she is going to do “two surprising kindnesses” with such conviction I am sure she left an impression on someone at Prescott Park. If anyone receives a surprise let me know.
Two days ago we were sponsored by the Stroll Cafe. They are such great supporters of the project. We gave over 40 people rides for free. If you want to go to Stroll for coffee, maybe think about buying a stranger a coffee and seeing what happens. Report it here if you like.
July 16th, 2023
Pedicab Day #23 — The kindness economy.
I’ve been thinking about how the economy works best when money is both earned and spent. If you do a service for someone, then the $$ given represents a marker for the favor that you can then use for a service/favor from another. The more money that circulates, the more services and exchanges take place. The better the economy.
What about the kindness economy? In the kindness economy everyone is rich, insofar that you can generate kindness. The more kindness circulating the more services and exchanges take place.
We should not need to save up our kindness. Financially it is possible to go broke, but I wonder if we can go broke with kindness? I’ve certainly have felt my generosity being taken advantage of and have had to establish clear boundaries, but that is about a specific person not the world, not society, not Portsmouth.
In my research the #1 kindness that you can do for another is to listen to them. LIstening has magical qualities, but a free pedicab ride also is a good thing.
Looking forward to listening.
July 23rd, 2023
I want to share a story about this corner in Portsmouth.
This story begins having a great day giving rides sponsored by the BRGR Bar. People exclaimed again and again how much they LOVE the BRGR Bar. Not just the food, also the BRGR Bar commitment to community. So when I got hungry last night had a BRGR Bar burger and it did not disappoint.
I took my burger and stopped Phillup the Pedicab at the corner in the picture and ate at a picnic table. While I was there a young man came by walking in circles and muttering to himself. He went to the green box in the bottom of the photo which contains advertisements for real estate and grabbed a big pile of magazines and threw them into the street. Over 200 magazines. He threw them and yelled angrily and fled.
I observed the occurrence while I ate. I did not get up and respond. I just observed. Some cars tried to drive around the magazines, some drove right through them. Pedestrians walked by and ignored them. I thought about a story about Kurt Hahn the famous educator.
Kurt Hahn says that in life’s “voyage” you are either a “passenger” or “crew.” Passengers focus on their happiness and try to enjoy the ride. Crew members look around and see what they can do to help. I was silently hoping for “crew” members to show up. I watched people pass. I kept hoping like I hope at my TV during a NE Patriots game.
Eventually I finished eating and went into the street to pick up the mess. Then something beautiful occurred. A young women who was walking by stopped to help. Then another person, then people in stopped in the street and asked if they could help. Suddenly help was all around us. It just needed a start. People just needed to see someone trying to help and they were keen to help too. If you have never seen the video about the first follower, I strongly encourage you to watch the video.
This post would be improved with a before picture, but I did not think this was what I would write about until after it occurred. I also would love to find the young woman who was my first follower and celebrate her for joining in and legitimizing someone in the street picking up magazines. For all the cars that stopped, people who offered to help, Thank you for being CREW. That was a beautiful moment in pedicabbing yesterday.
The Pedicab Singers
The Pedicab Singers
Jan and Kristen
July 24th, 2023
The Longest bestest Pedicab Ride
On Saturday evening I gave these two best friends a ride. They were visiting Portsmouth for the weekend. After a little skepticism about riding in Phillup the Pedicab they took to the mission to spread kindness and have fun.
After relinquishing control of the pedicab’s Bluetooth speaker they searched and played 70’s/80’s songs while singing together. This then morphed into my stopping the Pedicab in front of groups of people who would join in with some spontaneous singing, dancing, laughing. It was such a joy to watch these two catalyze fun. We did this for hours.
Our ride included stops to dance on the street to live music at the various outdoor music venues, they engaged with patrons at outdoor restaurant spaces who cheered them on as they belted out another Aretha Franklin/Earth Wind and Fire/Elton John song as the Pedicab passed.
As the evening grew longer I was taken by the people approaching them and thanking them for getting the fun started. One woman shared how no one was dancing at one venue until these two jumped out of the Pedicab and started to dance on the street ( and yes the Pedicab driver joined in too). People were reuniting with them like they were long lost friends when in reality they had shared a song/dance together 30 minutes earlier. They were known that night and the subject of lots of photos, hugs, high fives, and laughs. So many laughs.
I woke up Sunday morning missing my new friends. They were an excellent example of how two individuals can spread positivity.
July 27th, 2023
July 28th, 2023
What a week for Phillup the Pedicab. Phil went to his new “physician” Billy Hagerty at Gorilla Bicycle Works, who did a great job getting Phillup back on the road for our multi-day sponsor “Monkey Mind Escape Rooms.” Billy not only got Phillup on the road, he also gave his some needed tune ups. Phillup is the picture of health.
So excited to be working with Renée at Monkey Minds. Renée was one of my very first supporters when the pedicab idea was forming, she immediately signed on.
Tomorrow (Friday) is a big day with a sponsored pedicab for Monkey Minds Escape Rooms and a second pedicab riding at our good friends at the Stroll Cafe.
Hope to see you on a pedicab ride tomorrow.
Pedicab Stories
Pedicab Stories
July 28th, 2023
I have so much to share from my pedicab experiences and I am sending a second post this morning. I keep thinking about a man I met yesterday on Parrot Ave. He was curious about the pedicab, but I could not get him to take a ride—he wanted to walk.
We engaged in a conversation about humanity, his life as a farmer, etc. I told him the story of giving a ride to the woman who wanted to visit the old hospital and see the room where her daughter was born to grieve her loss. As I told this story he was moved to tears and he said “I’m doing the same thing.”
He shared how he lost his wife two years ago to cancer. He walks Portsmouth because that is what they used to do. They loved Portsmouth and would visit every chance their farm would allow. They even retired nearby.
Now he comes to Portsmouth to take a walk “with his wife.” He remembers her best while walking the areas they enjoyed just a few years ago.
I’m struck by how important a sense of place can be, and how important it is to create those positive memories, important to have beautiful things to look at to give us a reason to do something with our loved ones so a return can be a comfort.
Hopefully we can all help each other create important memories. Let’s do it today!
(Photo of a couple from NY who made great memories in Portsmouth.)
July 29, 2023
Friday was our first two sponsor day. Began in the morning offering rides for Monkey Minds Escape Room. It was HOT outside and after 4 hours of riding I went to Monkey Minds on the Vaughn Mall and visited the office. I can attest that they have GREAT air conditioning. I got a needed rest in the Monkey Mind lounge.
I was joined by Renée J. to give out rides. Renée and I have known each other since her first day of college. Her mom and I went to high school together, so I was their to say hi to her mom when she moved into UNH. Renee asked me if I knew of any jobs, the next day she became my work-study/research assistant /babysitter and adopted family member for the next four years and beyond. When I explained the idea behind Project Pedicab, she was all in for spreading kindness. I am so heartened to know their are people like Renée in the world, happy, humble, kind, and selfless. She lifts spirits.
We ended the day giving rides for the Stroll Cafe. What another great organization. If someone asks me what is Stroll I say “It is a coffee/wine bar, basically my wife’s two favorite things.” The staff their were great in giving us the best lemonade of our lives.
The heat is tough. Yesterday I rode over 20 miles. The hills seemed bigger and slower, but what we heard again and again was “that breeze feels so nice.” Glad to create a breeze for people on a hot day. Let’s do it again! #positivity #pedicabs
August 1st, 2023
Stories of positivity from Project Pedicab.
Yesterday I got a text “Can Phillup the pedicab meet us outside a restaurant at 6:45pm and take birthday girl Katie Morrison to Bela Fleck?” I quickly answered “ABSOLUTELY.”
By the time 6:45 rolled around Phillup the Pedicab was ready with a new iTunes Katie M. playlist consisting of some Aretha Franklin and upbeat birthday music.
Katie’s surprise was perfect.
She and her friends rode in Phillup through Market Square singing “Think” and having the whole of Portsmouth seemingly wish Katie a happy birthday. People along the streets shouted out to her. It was a mini-birthday parade. The laughter and joy in the back was great (their video to follow).
We ended up at Prescott Park pedaling into the crowd where I paused iTunes so the crowd could join together to sing Happy Birthday. It was spontaneous, it was joyful, it was fun best summed up by Katie “my jaw is hurting from smiling so hard.”
Phillup gave a lot of fun rides last night. Love the intense smiling.
Reach out if you want give someone a special ride. Maybe Portsmouth could become the city where you go to get a pedicab ride on your birthday. #newtraditions #birthdayparty #pedicab
Katie's Birthday
Katie's Birthday
Stories of positivity from Project Pedicab.
Yesterday I got a text “Can Phillup the pedicab meet us outside a restaurant at 6:45pm and take birthday girl Katie Morrison to Bela Fleck?” I quickly answered “ABSOLUTELY.”
By the time 6:45 rolled around Phillup the Pedicab was ready with a new iTunes Katie M. playlist consisting of some Aretha Franklin and upbeat birthday music.
Katie’s surprise was perfect.
She and her friends rode in Phillup through Market Square singing “Think” and having the whole of Portsmouth seemingly wish Katie a happy birthday. People along the streets shouted out to her. It was a mini-birthday parade. The laughter and joy in the back was great (their video to follow).
We ended up at Prescott Park pedaling into the crowd where I paused iTunes so the crowd could join together to sing Happy Birthday. It was spontaneous, it was joyful, it was fun best summed up by Katie “my jaw is hurting from smiling so hard.”
Phillup gave a lot of fun rides last night. Love the intense smiling.
Reach out if you want give someone a special ride. Maybe Portsmouth could become the city where you go to get a pedicab ride on your birthday. #newtraditions #birthdayparty #pedicab
The Pedicab Widow
The Pedicab Widow
August 4th, 2023
The Pedicab Widow.
My wife has been jokingly telling her friends this summer that "Yeah I'm available, I am a pedicab widow."
Our past summers have full of tandem bike rides, travel, and hikes with friends, while this summer I have piloted a pedicab 39 days and spend those other days working on the many extra "behind the pedals tasks" that arise.
Last week I was so happy to have Beth join me in Portsmouth and we spent time watching a concert from the pedicab, but what has left me a bit speechless and grateful is Beth turning to me and telling me she was so proud of what I was doing. She loves seeing that the pedicab is making a difference. Some dust or pollen must have immediately flew into my eye, as is the case sometimes, and my eyes got a little watery. I certainly have been carrying a bit of guilt over my neglect and in some respects how much fun I am having with out her. How lucky am I to have her full support? As they say in NH, "wicked lucky."
This weekend we are hoping to do the most normal thing for us in the summer, go to the Eastern Tandem Rally and bike with our bestest of friends. Phillup will be out in Portsmouth on Friday and Saturday piloted by some of great volunteers (please say hi to Rob and Andrew) and our returning sponsor The BRGR BAR.
I am so grateful for the growing list of volunteer pilots, sponsors, the growing interest in pedicabs in Portsmouth, and for all the new friends I am collecting through this experience. I am seeing the semester approach and I am hopeful that I can still give a pedicab ride to every person in Portsmouth before the summer ends, but sadly the summer will end.
#support #mywifeisawesome #pedicabs #pedicabdriver
PS: We have a new website www.projectpedicab.com
I do not ride a bicycle to add days to my life. I ride a bicycle to add life to my days
I do not ride a bicycle to add days to my life. I ride a bicycle to add life to my days
August 8th, 2023
I love the above quote
In a similar way, I encourage people to not think of the pedicab as a vehicle to get you to where you are going, but a joy machine getting you to where you want to be.
This week rides are sponsored by MacEdge. They have been big fans of Project Pedicab and they jumped at the chance to sponsor a week of rides for Portsmouth. I am so grateful to continue to meet people who want to support this project and support positivity. People who want to get us to where we want to be. Big thanks to Dan and the staff at MacEdge.
Look for the Pedicab tomorrow afternoon for FREE RIDES that will help you remember where you want to be (and get you where you are going).
August 10th, 2023
Day #40 free Pedicab rides sponsored by MACEDGE
Beautiful weather in Portsmouth. I met up with a visiting Kristian Whipple from D.C. and brought him to the Museum of Dumb Guy Stuff where we reminisced about our GI Joe’s, and then to the William Whipple chestnut tree planted in 1776. Kristian has some deep roots in NH.
Discussed questions about the challenges of accepting kindness. Why are people generally bad about accepting gifts? Margaret and Milree are sisters visiting Portsmouth who were up for an adventure in Portsmouth. They challenged themselves in the morning to be open to any kindness (something they both told me they are not particularly good at doing). When the Pedicab came around Margaret immediately told me she could not accept a ride, she would feel too guilty. Milree reminded her about their challenge. They got in and we had a great ride to Prescott Park, through the gardens, out on Southern Pier to wave at the sailing Gundalow all while discussing the importance of accepting gifts. If we want more gift givers in the world, we need gracious gift accepters.
So many stories of positivity yesterday. Great people, great weather, in a great city. Back out today. Come see me in Portsmouth and take a free ride if you dare.
August 11, 2023
Today will be day #42 of Project Pedicab. That is an important number for cyclists: It is the number of days it takes someone to bicycle across the United States. Anyone who bicycles across the U.S. is changed by such a journey. I was changed by my trip in 1986. I learned people are basically, at their core, kind. My journey was a string of human interactions predominantly featuring generosity. It changed the way I look at humanity.
When I set out to pedicab, I wondered if 42 days of pedicabing would change me in a similar way? I plan to answer that in the next few days, but I really hope so.
A few updates from day 40 and 41:
After a very busy Day #40, day #41 filled Portsmouth with walking/walkers. Even after making my argument on FB about the importance of accepting gifts, it was a slow day for rides. With my time to pedicab running out, I realize my humorous goal to give every single resident of Portsmouth a free pedicab ride this summer means that I will need to give more than a thousand rides each day. Maybe in my desperation I’m starting to come off as the overly eager junior high kid at the school dance asking everyone to dance. ”Ya wanna dance? Ya wanna dance? Ya wanna dance?” My version is “I’m offering free pedicab rides sponsored by MacEdge” or “would you like a free pedicab ride? I have a sponsor.” This often gets into a conversation about how sponsorship works, or a “I love MacEdge” from a passerby, but I’m not making a dent in the 11,000 rides I need to provide . We will see how today goes.
Humor aside, I’m sad to know that this experiment will come to an end. I only have so much time I can dedicate to this research before I need to teach, advise, and provide my cherished opinions in faculty meetings . I will need time to understand how/if this experience changed me. I do know that I do not want it to end. I want to keep going. I want to hear a little bit about everyone. I really do want to give every person in Portsmouth a ride.
August 12th, 2023
Hanging with this member of the ABBA Tribute band before his show at The Music Hall. He was impressed that I’ve been to Gothenburg, Sweden his hometown and home to many of my distant relatives/cousins. Joked about Project Pedicab expanding to Europe, but I might not be joking.
August 13th, 2023
Pay it forward day.
Yesterday was a double shift with double sponsors. Rob provided rides in the afternoon 1-5pm for the BRGR Bar and I rode 5-10pm sponsored by MacEdge. While Rob was out in the afternoon I worked on some Pay it Forward Campaigns around town.
Pay it forward #1 Stroll Cafe: I bought a coffee for the next customer in the cafe. It was fun to observe. The next six customers all decided to continue to pay it forward and then a young woman accepted the coffee as “just what she needed.” After she left, I bought another cup of coffee and customers paid it forward until 7:30pm. When I arrived to check in at the end of the day I was able to get a croissant since people had continued to pay forward. Lesson—Kindness CAN be economical.
Pay it forward #2 Starbucks: I realized how structurally challenging it is to pay it forward at Starbucks. The only solution was to purchase a gift card, rather than a future coffee for someone. I purchased the gift card and left it with a barista, but realized that 1. People at Starbucks want their coffee quickly 2. Using a gift card is time consuming. 3. The staff are working quickly, and not inclined to discuss the nuances of paying it forward with others. It was a structural poor fit for a pay of forward campaign, but a place to get a coffee quickly. Efficiency over relationships.
Lesson #3 I went to some other bussinesses (3) and realized that they are too busy to engage with such a campaign. I think for a pay if forward campaign to take hold the business needs to have a conversational space between the employees and the customers. When the employee are working straight out, offering a pay it forward proposition just adds work and complexity
I’m curious to know other peoples thoughts and suggestions on good places to start pay if forward campaigns. Please let me know your thoughts. Having such fun spreading positivity and leaning a lot.
August 20, 2023
FORTY FIVE DAYS of PILOTING a PEDICAB—The Post I don’t want to post.
Project Pedicab has been a passion project for the last 16 months. I began by renting and beta-testing the idea in Portland, ME (free rides) and spent 9 intense months setting up this experience for Portsmouth. In the process I met Michael G. & we became business partners. Together we have started to spread a new model for pedicabs. Michael is now launching a growing pedicab business on Nantucket (Nan tuck tuck) best name evah. Project Pedicab is going great, but needs to change as I return to my full time job at UNH.
As of Wednesday, the two pedicabs will each be part of two new pedicab operations in Portsmouth. The first Pedicab was sold to The Press Room. They are planning free rides to and from their establishment. The second Pedicab is now owned by my most engaged operator, Rob T. (See photos below). Rob is committed to continuing the same free rides campaign and riding for daily sponsors. I will now be a consultant, an occasional driver, and definitely a rider.
I plan to keep on posting some positive stories from the pedicab experience as I reflect and write my paper, so stay tuned on Facebook. So many stories I have yet to tell.
On Wednesday evening as Portsmouth celebrated with the street fest, Rob was driving the pedicab and I was in the crowd. I eavesdropped on a few conversations as a random person in the crowd and heard great things letting me know this project has successful. “Oh, look the pedicab that gives out free rides, I love that we have these in Portsmouth”, “Let’s take a Pedicab ride” and the waitress who hurt her knee “If it hurts any worse I’m gonna try to take the Pedicab to my car.”
In the next few days I’ll share more stories and some of what I learned. I’m so grateful for all the support, kindness, and helping to make me a local Portsmouth Internet personality. I plan to volunteer for Rob this fall and on my free days next year. I’m not sure if I can be without a Pedicab now that I’ve owned one, but hoping to support more and more pedicabs sprouting up in Portsmouth that will provide people with a little kindness. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
See Rob photos below. Make sure to say hi to Rob and get your ride. More thank you messages to come.
August 21st, 2023
I want to thank Lisa Berman for hosting me on her Cup of Gratitude podcast. She shared the YouTube recording if anyone wants to hear some of The Positive Pedicab Project stories.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76gPsNaer8
August 24th, 2023
TRUST
In human relationships nothing is more important than trust. Like most things, you are likely not to find trust if you are not trustworthy.
As I approach people on a Pedicab I realize I’m asking for their trust. I have heard a number of responses from people as they think through the risk “where are you going to take me?”, “ what does it REALLY cost?”, “will you drive slow (safe)?” When someone steps into the Pedicab, I take it as an honor when I have the opportunity to be trustworthy. Project Pedicab is all about TRUST.
One exchange really haunts me is when i approached a tourist and asked her if she would like a free Pedicab ride, she said “Free? No that’s not true.” As I chatted with her she expressed fear that I was a serial killer and the Pedicab a front for something nefarious. I wish I could say nothing like that ever happens in the world, and because of this I could not say ‘you have to trust’
Trust is a beautiful thing until someone takes advantage of trust. Trusting others can get us into trouble, so we constantly are making trust judgments.
When trust in a community is high, the result is social capital. It means exchanges, sharing between people, and even acts of kindness increase. It is easier to say yes when you have trust. This maps onto economic gains through efficiency, gains in quality of life, and even impacts health.
I cannot say TRUST everyone, but I can say being trustworthy is vitally important. Hopefully the Pedicab is an expression of trust.
Plans for Rob and I to ride Saturday for our sponsor Monkey Mind Escape Room and potentially Sunday or very soon for a new sponsor SeaLove Portsmouth. Hope to build trust and bring joy to Portsmouth.
Please feel free to share your thoughts about trust.
September 2, 2023
First follower: if you have seen the video about starting a movement, hopeful ideas need first followers, those people who help to legitimize an idea and give it momentum.
I’m so honored and truly over the moon to see the Press Room Pedicab hit Portsmouth tonight giving free rides. The second pedicab being driven by Rob providing rides for a new sponsor—SeaLove. The result I hope is happiness, appreciation, and lots of laughs. Pedicabs are smile and laughter machines! Thank you so much for following.
November 5th, 2023
How to explain project pedicab to my peers? This past weekend we attended the Association for Experiential Education conference in Madison, WI. I presented my pedicab research to a group of academics. Even though I have presented over 100 academic presentations—this was my favorite. It was well received and led to great conversation.
I have found themes that both support and challenge the theory of reciprocity. Most importantly I have found evidence of a third type of relationship that is not exchange based (people only do things that benefit themselves) and not duty based (people do things because they should), but their is third type of relationship that is based in gifts. People give of themselves in the name of friendship, kindness, and a desire to being part of improving the world.
More to come.
July 3rd, 2024
The Positive Pedicab Project is back. First night out tonight. Looking forward to sharing the road with Rob and his pedicab to spread kindness.
Please hail us when you are in Portsmouth and take a free ride.
July 5th, 2024
It is great to be back with the Positive Pedicab Project in Portsmouth.
My goal is that everyone in Portsmouth experiences a free pedicab ride, which will make you smile, and then hopefully pass positivity on to others.
Had a great time at the fireworks and the July 4th citizen induction ceremony.
I had one of the most interesting conversations at the July 4th ceremony with Brooke Harrington, who rode in the pedicab. She is a professor at Dartmouth and I hope we get. chance to collaborate more about the ideas of reciprocity.
July 13th, 2024
I am so happy to be out with Phillup the pedicab in Portsmouth again this summer.
I am over the moon to partner with Portsmouth’s MacEdge who is the ENTIRE summer sponsor of FREE rides in Portsmouth. I love working with Dan and his crew. I smile when people recognize my MacEdge shirt and tell me how much they love MacEdge.
I will start sharing more observations of life in Portsmouth aboard a pedicab on this FB page and looking forward to continuing to work towards my goal of every person in Portsmouth getting a ride.
I also want to shout out to Rob, who is also operating a pedicab. We are independent of each other, but unified in giving free rides to spread kindness. More on the academic theory regarding kindness later.
Until then, C’mon and get a Free Ride.
July 15th, 2024
PEDICAB REFLECTIONS: The diversity of pedicab passengers I’m lucky enough to interact with is impressive. Being naturally curious, I wonder about a lot of things, but most relevant to the pedicab is trust.
Trust is essential, not only in human relationships, but in a healthy economy (social capital). Compared to other places I’ve been, Portsmouth is a place with evidence of trust and social capital, but Robert Putman has demonstrated that such capital is declining across the nation. Why?
Trust and kindness have a challenging relationship. They are strongly linked, so much so that if you want to take advantage of someone, then acting kind is your best way TAKE ADVANTAGE of their trust. BUT, being kind is also the best way to INCREASE and ESTABLISH trust.
So people who are full of kindness may not share it because they do not want to force people to make a risk assessment about their intentions. It is not enjoyable to not trusted by others. Have you ever offered kindness and been met with fear?
I think the lack of kindness is not because people are not kind, but that we create a world where try to become more independent and not need to trust. Why borrow a shovel when you can purchase your own and avoid needing your neighbor? Even when they have offered the shovel to you?
We know we are a stronger community when we SHARE shovels rather than ALL HAVE SHOVELS. My quaint way of saying that we need to accept more kindness to have more kindness, accept more favors so we can give more favors—what do you think?
July 27th, 2024
Pedicab wisdom: Just do it.
Today I met a mom and 2 young women visiting from New York on the Vaughn Mall. Asking if they wanted a ride —they immediately responded “No,” but we began to talk. During our conversation about kindness and reciprocity they wanted to know a suggestion for coffee and I mentioned the Stroll Cafe. About 30 minutes later I bumped into them again, at the Stroll Cafe. This coincided with them being offered a free coffee—the barista outed me as the “secret” coffee sponsor. Suddenly we were in a deep conversation about how unique Portsmouth is compared to NYC.
They still did not want a pedicab ride, but then I bumped into them a third time. This time they said YES to the pedicab.
As I pedaled them around they realized how much of Portsmouth they missed. They had not seen the tugboats, Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke, the Gundalow, etc.
The most interesting part of this ride was their conversation about ALMOST missing out in this experience. They were heading home and would have thought Portsmouth was the parking garage, Vaughn Mall and a great puzzle store, but nothing more.
I think about how many experiences, adventures, serendipities are missed when we habitually say “no, I’m fine” instead of “yes, I’ll try.”
When our ride ended they told me the pedicab ride was the highlight of their entire vacation and were profoundly moved by the experience, not only the tour, but the spirit in which it was given. I enjoyed our conversations about providing people with a surprising act of kindness and lnow they are going to continue to pay it forward.
I’m kicking myself for not getting a picture of them, but hopefully they will attach their photo to me later.
July 28th, 2024
For those of you who remember the television show Cheers, Norm comes into the bar each night and his beer is quickly poured waiting at his seat before he sits down. I have reached “Norm” status at the Durbar Square restaurant. When I park the pedicab, my Diet Coke is waiting. I enjoy the neighborhood feel of the place.
Last week I had a family emergency, one of those paralyzing phone calls when you need to immediately respond. The staff were just bringing out my meal. I tried to quickly pay, but they just sent me away—“Go, go, no problem.”
The owner and I had a long and wonderful discussion yesterday about kindness. He shared with me many stories of how he has supported and trusted others. I am not the only one, and I feel forever grateful to this restaurant. Most of all, this establishment is another example of a business supporting community in Portsmouth. I think there is something special about local businesses that I love—they are our neighbors.
July 31st, 2024
Pedicab Angels
Kristin and Jan visited Portsmouth last year as a friend's weekend getaway from their homes in Maine. When I asked them for a ride, Jan was skeptical, but the Kristin convinced her to give it a try. The whole story is long, but suffice I think of them as angels of fun.
Last year a highlight was them taking over my bluetooth pedicab speaker and singing to all of Portsmouth. If a group of people were walking by, I would pull the pedicab over and announce "Impromptu serenade!" as they would sing at them. People would join in, or dance, or laugh to "hits of the 70's. Then we would move on to the next unsuspecting group.
I noticed a fascinating pattern of behavior. The first time we saw a group, the group would be happy and laugh. If we came across the group a second time group members would wave enthusiastically about seeing us again. It was like we were good friends. If we saw this group a third time--it was like meeting beloved relatives. There would be squeals of joy, hugs, high fives, and expressions about how good it was to see each other again. How does that occur over the course of 90 minutes?
I think that a few things explain this phenomena. First the short encounter was enjoyable, second was the low expectation of seeing each other again, and third was the unexpected surprise of "the angels" appearing. If Shakespeare was correct that "absence makes the heart grow fonder," with low expectations that absence can be as short as 15 minutes.
Soooooo this summer....
I encouraged Jan and Kristen to return to Portsmouth and they were all in. We spent Monday evening listening to music as part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival and then pedicabed around the city singing. Once again it was magical, even on a Monday night. These two are so much fun and I love how they positively engage everyone they come across. They have a magically quality of inviting others into the joyfulness of their spirit.
If you asked them about their specialness, I am sure they would try to convince you that they are absolutely not special. I think they may be correct--they were special because they allowed themselves to be playful. They brought with them a positive spirit and a sense of adventure to the city that is so infectious, and I dare say--NEEDED in our lives. We need infectious fun.
Thank you for visiting Portsmouth K&J, and I hope the positive pedicab can help inspire fun this summer (Thanks for our FREE RIDE sponsor-- MacEdge
August 2nd, 2024
I often say, a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
I love this idea because we can all think of a time in our lives when that the smallest kindness at the right time that had a major impact on us.
The challenge is that we do not know when and where this little act of kindness is needed. So the only reasonable answer to spread acts of kindness all over, knowing that someday, somehow, with just a little effort you will make a BIG difference.
Last night I was able to give two long pedicab rides to two couples visiting Portsmouth for the first time. I love sharing this spunky little city, especially the stories of the history, the place where things happened.
What I am convinced of is the memory these couples will have of visiting Portsmouth, where a stranger in a pedicab, sponsored by a local business (#macedge), gave them a positive welcome to Portsmouth. I expect that this little ride will influence their feelings about Portsmouth for years to come. Maybe, just maybe it will help the city in a big way. Maybe is enough for me.
I think we can all have confidence that our kindness will make a difference. Not every act, not most acts, but every once in a while we (the humans) make a big difference with a small act. I hope that thought can keeps us all pedaling forward.
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