Can I drink alcohol on the Pedal Party?

Actually, yes AND no.  With certain provisions, current alcohol laws allow drinking on the Pedal Party on routes not traversing Houston’s Central Business District.  We are seeking an amendment to include the Pedal Party in the exceptions for other areas of Houston, but currently for Downtown and the very upper part of Midtown, its straight drinks only on board.  Depending on the exact locations for Custom Routes, it is possible that alcohol may be permitted.  We only allow beer or wine (no hard liquor) in the original, unopened packaging.  We do not allow glass containers on board, so wine must be of the boxed variety.

Does the Pedal Party supply food or beverages?

No. You may bring their own food and drinks.  Alcoholic beverages are allowed on some routes.  You may  bring coolers with canned beverages to put in the center aisle.  Glass containers are NOT ALLOWED in any form.  Muchies are a great idea on the Pedal Party as well, just plan as if you’re going on a windy picnic.

Does the Pedal Party have music?

Yes the Pedal Party does have tunes. We have worked many hours crafting what very well may be the PERFECT playlist designed specifically for pedaling. It consists of a mix of current pop music and classic party hits. Don’t take our word for it, check out the Pedal Party Playlist on Grooveshark!

How many people ride? How many pedal?

The Pedal Party can accommodate a maximum of 16 people:  12 seated on the sides (10 pedaling, 2 non-pedaling), 3 across the bench on the back (all non-pedaling) and one in the center as Your Bartender.  In total, that’s 10 pedalers and 6 non-pedalers, making the Pedal Party the only 16 person bike in town.

What if it is cold, rainy or windy the day of the tour?

The Pedal Party operates rain or shine.  Although all the seats on the Pedal Party are under the roof, rain can still get you if its windy.  The purchase of a cheap rain poncho is the best strategy for keeping dry on a rainy day.  Because of the close proximity of riders AND the logistics of keeping up with multiple small objects, umbrellas are NOT recommended for your Pedal Party tour.  Pedal Party reserves the right to issue rain checks in case of severe or dangerous weather conditions.

Who is in charge of the Pedal Party?

Your Captain, ultimately, is responsible for the safe operation of the bike.  If you act in a manner contrary to our Ground Rules or in a way that endangers you or those around you, you’ll be asked to get off and find you own way home.

For everything else the renter (the person who payed for your Pedal Party tour and will be charged any fees such as late return fees); This person tells Your Captain where the cruise is going to stop, how long its staying and who’s getting left behind.  Logistically, it is impossible for Your Captain to take direction from 16 people, so the renter will call the shots.

What if our Cruise returns late?

You will be charged a late fee if you do not return the Pedal Party to the starting point on time. The time it takes to complete a Cruise is up to the people pedaling, as they are the ones providing the speed for the Pedal Party.  During the tour, Your Captain will be in close communication with the renter, keeping them abreast of their progress and time remaining.

We have test-pedaled all routes and know how long they take.

Do you provide a driver?

Always.

Who should rent the Pedal Party?

Being a 16 person bike the Pedal Party is perfect for all social outings, including:  birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette parties, Church outings, singles mixers, company parties, conventions, sports teams, pub crawls, picnics, family reunions, or just friends getting together. The Pedal Party is also a great idea for corporations interested in unique team building, group rewards, and promotional opportunities.

Who should not rent the Pedal Party?

People opposed to fun or anything that remotely resembles exercise.

Who can’t ride the Pedal Party?

The Pedal Party has a minimum height requirement of 5’3″ and a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds for each person on the bike seats. The bench in the back is perfect for those who don’t exist within the height and weight limitations.

All riders must be at least 18 years of age (21 on tours where alcohol is served) and provide valid identification.

What’s up with the liability waiver and offering bike helmets?

Just like riding any bike, riding the Pedal Party can be a dangerous activity.  Your Captain will do everything he/she can to provide a safe and secure Party environment, but you should have a reasonable expectation that you could possibly fall off and scrape your knee.

We offer bike helmets because it’s prudent. You don’t have to wear one that’s totally up to you and your tolerance for ‘helmet hair.’

Have there been problems in the past with people falling off?

We have never had a problem or anything close to it. In the 10 years that Zwier and Henk have been running 15 bikes around Amsterdam AND in the three years our sister company, PedalPub, has been running in Minneapolis, there has only been one fairly significant injury in each location and they were exactly the same circumstance. In each case, a person decided to jump off while the bike was moving, fell, and got a broken ankle as a souviner.  The moral of the story?  DON’T GET OFF THE BIKE WHILE MOVING!

When do I pay? How do I pay?

The renter pays when the tour is booked, regardless of how far in advance. A tour is not reserved until both the payment and the Pedal Party Tour Reservation Request are received and you receive a confirmation from Pedal Party.. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.  We do not accept checks or cash for reservations.

What if I want to cancel or reschedule?

The refund schedule is as follows:

Does the Pedal Party run all year long?

You bet!

What’s the earliest / latest I can rent the Pedal Party?

Hours of operation are generally between 10am and 12:30am, unless by special arrangement.

What’s the fewest number of people required to operate the Pedal Party?

Although it can be done with as little as 3 people, its really more ‘work’ that ‘fun’ with less than 6-8 people pedaling.

What’s the fastest the Pedal Party can go?

On a flat smooth surface, the Pedal Party travels at a maximum pedaling speed of approximately 10 miles per hour.

Can the Pedal Party go up hills?

Little ones. The Pedal Party was invented in the Netherlands, where it is very flat. Routes with grades greater than 5-6% for any extended distance may require riders to get off and push.

Can I make my own route for a Pedal Party cruise?

We are not currently offering custom routes.

Should I tip my driver?

Your Captain greatly appreciates your gratuity but tipping, by nature, is never required.  Standard etiquette puts tipping for ‘drivers’ at betwen 15 – 20%, but please feel free to use your own judgement when tipping Your Captain.