KPLU Local News
(2009-11-24)
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Flickr photo from Pacifica Pedicabs
The family says faulty breaks were to blame -- for the death of the 60-year-old father of four who was killed in a crash on his 25th wedding anniversary in Seattle last year. The pedicab company's founder says the driver was at fault -- for taking the trike down a hill that was too steep for its load.
Ryan Hashagen founded Cascadia Pedicabs a couple of years ago. But he's been passionate about this alternative mode of transportation for more than a decade. He started an independent company in Seattle when he was still in high school and says pedicabs are a great way to get people to leave their cars at home and walk more.
"...to expand their walking distance, of a pedestrian. It's also a great way to experience the city."
But he's also a stickler for safety - and says no one was allowed to rent a pedicab from his Bellingham company unless they took written and driving tests and signed off on a meticulous list of procedures that went above and beyond anything required by the city of Seattle. It limited the load to 500 pounds and advised operators never to go down hills they couldn't pedal up. He says the driver that got into the accident last August violated both of those rules. He also signed paperwork saying the breaks were fully functioning.
"Every time one of the pedicabs left the shop, they would have to sign a check in check out form," Hashigan says. "And the driver would have the opportunity at that time to talk to the mechanic if there were any questions about the pedicab. We always want to be able to provide a safe form of transportation."
Hashagan says he's looking forward to resolution of the lawsuit for all involved. He has closed his Bellingham company and re-launched it in Oregon. He says Seattle still needs to implement safety standards - because this ecological and convenient transportation alternative isn't going away. Bellamy Pailthorp, KPLU News Seattle
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