A new mode of transportation is in use by the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center’s (WWRC) Physical Plant Services (PPS) Department; 3-wheel industrial tricycles. It is frequently necessary for PPS staff to traverse the WWRC campus to inspect daily maintenance work, construction projects and review facility issues. Since a number of vehicles within the PPS fleet are approaching 20 years of age with even older models already retired due to increased maintenance costs, and considering the current operating budget, it was determined to try a new method of transportation. Mr. Kerr Sloyer, Director of Physical Plant Services, conceived the idea and investigated the use of industrial tricycles which are of heavy duty construction and inherently safer than 2-wheel bicycles. Bids for two tricycles were solicited via the eVA quick-quote process, providing competitive bid pricing, and two yellow tricycles were purchased. PPS forces had collected scrap copper and aluminum for recycling and the proceeds from the sale of these metals were sufficient to fully fund the purchase. These tricycles are viewed as another component of meeting the Governor’s Green Commonwealth Challenge and will support on-going energy savings as required by Executive Order 82 (2009) Greening of State Government. This is another small step towards reducing the carbon footprint of WWRC. The physical benefits to users are in keeping with the CommonHealth initiative. The tricycles are viewed as a major success, and WWRC intends to increase the tricycle fleet. This concept could be applied at many other state government agencies as an alternate method of personnel transportation for state employees. I believe this is an awesome concept, with the benefits of multiple cost savings which include reduced fuel consumption, reduced need for replacement vehicle purchases, reduced vehicle maintenance & reduced vehicle insurance. In addition, it is a popular "green" initiative with enticing health benefits. Photographs, vendor sourcing, and tricycle specifications are available from me if requested.
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yes it's a smart ideea
They are very effective indeed. As far as i know riders use three-wheel bicycles for short distances, as well as for racing or for work. Since three-wheel bicycles are heavier than two-wheel bicycles, riders who wish to race often use specialized tricycles that are built to be aerodynamic and lightweight. In contrast, industrial or heavy-duty three-wheel bicycles work well for street vendors, who use the cargo compartment as a portable restaurant or merchandise display stand, as well as for rickshaw drivers, who transport people in the passenger seat of a three-wheel bicycle, much like a taxi service. Some three-wheel bicycles also feature umbrellas or sunshades.
The Rent a Car Association, www.rent-car.net