Coquitlam office supplies business finds a transportation niche
By Gary McKenna – The Tri-City News / Photo – Craig Hodge – The Tri-City News
For the delivery drivers at Coquitlam office supply business Costless Express, the introduction of dedicated bike lanes in downtown Vancouver was not welcome news.
But while others complained about snarled traffic and depleted parking, Costless CEO Calvin Johnson decided to look for an opportunity and, eventually, he found one.
Since last fall he and his colleagues have been working on the EcoYIKE, a solar-electric hybrid pedicab the company hopes will help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. Because the motor is electric the city permits the vehicles to be used on the bike lanes, enabling delivery drivers to move quickly through the traffic-clogged downtown core.
“Being environmentally friendly, we are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon emissions,” Johnson said. “Here we have a super highway for bicycles right downtown.”
But while others complained about snarled traffic and depleted parking, Costless CEO Calvin Johnson decided to look for an opportunity and, eventually, he found one.
Since last fall he and his colleagues have been working on the EcoYIKE, a solar-electric hybrid pedicab the company hopes will help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. Because the motor is electric the city permits the vehicles to be used on the bike lanes, enabling delivery drivers to move quickly through the traffic-clogged downtown core.
“Being environmentally friendly, we are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon emissions,” Johnson said. “Here we have a super highway for bicycles right downtown.”