The Rickshaw Rage at the Reichstag in Berlin

Velotaxis Are in Vogue in Downtown Berlin

Have you ever tried to hail a taxi during rush hour after visiting the Reichstag while touring Berlin? No, not one of those old-fashioned modern and motorized taxis; I'm referring to a cycle rickshaw - or a velotaxi, if you prefer. Berlin has joined the growing number of major non-Asian cities around the world which now offers its visitors the option of seeing the sights while seated upon one of the comfortable passenger seats of a chauffer-peddled tricycle. And no, it's practically never a problem finding and hailing one of these velotaxis down, either.

Some form of cycle rickshaw transportation is to be found in practically every big European city these days, as well as in a few American cities like New York and San Diego, where something like a mild form of human-powered transport craze seems to have broken out. It seems as if everybody is now interested in being both travel efficient and environmentally friendly at the same time, at least when it comes to getting around town. Oh yes, and I forgot to mention: Considering all of those big city traffic jams out there these days, cycle rickshaws are relatively fast, too.

Manufacturers for these vehicles now abound, and it is not at all uncommon to find these curious looking tricycles equipped with features like auxiliary extra motors (to assist the driver "in difficult situations"), hydraulic disc brakes, and ultra-lightweight fiberglass bodies. And as for the velotaxis you will find in Berlin, they are very nimble and aerodynamic-looking vehicles, as well. These colorful "CityCruisers" are not only unmistakable when you see one crossing your path (and they will cross your path), the drivers are openly proud of the German green tradition that has helped established their vehicle's popular reputation, striving as they do to combine ultra-modern big city transport and efficient ecological innovation.