NAME: Tim Wilhelm

LOCATION: Akron, OH

OCCUPATION: Pedicab Driver

Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?

I live in Norton, OH but I ride my pedicab in Akron. I’m the only pedicab in town so I get special treatment. Everyone in town seems to like what I’m doing. The bus drivers and cab drivers all wave to me like I’m one of them. The store, bar and restaurant owners regularly stop me on the street and talk with me. I don’t charge for my rides but am always happy to get a tip.

What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?

I never really rode in a city since I lived in Houston, TX way back in 1979, so I guess you can say my other favorite city to ride in would be Houston. I would love to live in a city where biking was a normal mode of transportation.

Why do you love riding in the city?

I love riding in the city because I really like the downtown atmosphere. I like everyone knowing who I am. I get stopped all the time so people can have their picture taken with me. Everyone in town knows me as Rickshaw Willie. I put on a show for the people. I try to make it fun. When you work all week and you get a chance to get out you want to have fun.

Or just say whatever you want about riding in the city…

“You can’t lose when you take a cruise on a Rickshaw.” There is another saying that I really like but I don’t know who wrote it, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” 

Check out www.rickshawwillie.com