Bike-based Shuttle Service?

[JohnBrooking]

I work near a mall. Needless to say, it gets crazy with traffic around Christmas. I just had the crazy idea of providing a bike-based parking lot shuttle service around the holiday. Just work up a passenger seat (2-3 people?) and a trailer for packages, add some sleigh bells, battery-powered Christmas tree lights, and a tip jar. Anyone ever done anything like this? Would I get in trouble with the mall if I didn't bother asking them first? (Is the parking lot considered their private property, or a public way?) Other comments?

[Roody]

The parking lot is private property. You can try, but I doubt if most malls would be crazy about this idea. Of course, I think it's a great idea! Maybe it would work better in a downtown shopping district?

[tuolumne]

Is this what you had in mind?
25513
Folks might as well contribute.

But seriously, a pedicab is a great idea. I read somewhere of someone offering free taxy service (with a tip jar) and doing pretty well. This link as all sorts of wonderful human powered vehicles to loosen up your imagination. Good luck.

http://webpages.charter.net/rcgilmore/Illustrations.htm

[cabana 4 life]

hey i have a pedicab, ive done pretty well with it. a mall parking lot is private property but also a huge liability. if you had a pedicab with insurance then they might let you do it. its a good idea and as a guy whos been in the pedicab biz for years once told me " it always easier to beg for forgivness than try and get approval" and hes right once the mall sees that you are making people happy they might let you do it. keep in mind that if something goes wrong (something breaks or car hits you someone trips getting out of you cab) your going to get sued, it sucks but thats the world we live in. hope i dont come off as a prick.