Pedal Through the Gem City

 Pedal Through the Gem City

Add this fun and unique way to see Dayton to your spring to-do list

Don’t let cabin fever get you down. Spring is just around the corner and that means we’ll soon get to enjoy outside activities again. March 19 officially marks the first day of spring, and we can’t wait to see the sunshine and feel the warmth settle back in the Miami Valley. 

If you’re looking for a way to get out and about in a unique way this spring, check out Pedal Wagon Dayton.  

Jill Krieger wears the marketing and advertising hat at Pedal Wagon Dayton. She said that the pedal-powered, rolling celebration is a way to connect friends, family and even strangers as they uncover Dayton’s rich history, best-kept secrets, historic districts, breweries and so much more.  

The inspiration to bring Pedal Wagon to Dayton came from a passion for connecting and entertaining customers in a unique and novel way. It helps them explore downtown Dayton and the Oregon district. 

You can celebrate nearly anything while on a Pedal Wagon. “We love to host birthday parties, corporate team building activities, bachelor/bachelorette parties and family events while allowing the customer to choose their stops along the way, with suggestions from their seasoned tour guide and Captain,” explained Krieger. 

The team behind the Dayton branch is comprised of a small internal team of four who run customer service, finance, operations and marketing.  

“Our Dayton branch is run with the help of four fantastic locals who share the same passion for our unique tourism activity,” said Krieger. “Our drivers, or as we like to call them, Captains, ‘steer the ship’ along the route and are expert Dayton tour guides. We couldn’t do it without Tom Jagels, Chad Stebbins, Danielle Goodman and Allie Barnes.” 

No two tours with Pedal Wagon Dayton are the same. Although they may take you around the same area of the city, customers are essentially in charge of the stops they make.  

The current fan favorite at Pedal Wagon is the Oregon Hop, which Krieger says explores a combination of the Oregon and Downtown districts with stops at some of the best local establishments in the city. The Brewery cruise showcases some of the best local breweries and microbreweries. Additionally, Pedal Wagon offers a Bikes, Bevies & Brunch route on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  

“Our Progressive Dinner and Lunch is ideal for corporate team building events,” she says. “We also have a Trivia Trolley tour where customers can engage in a trivia battle with friends, family or strangers while exploring Dayton. And during the holiday season we offer a Polar Bear Express tour as well.”  

Krieger said it’s the bikes that make Pedal Wagon unique. “If you’ve never seen or been on a Pedal Wagon, these unique quadricycles really do catch attention on the roads,” she said. “Originally developed in the Netherlands, Het Fiestcafe developed the original party bike model, which is what you will see at Pedal Wagon Dayton.” 

Two of the bikes at Pedal Wagon are completely pedal powered, which means that each passenger must pedal for the bike to operate. There is also an electric assist Het Fietscafe that can help with pedaling in hilly areas or during parades and events when there may not be a full bike of riders.  

Ultimately, however, Krieger said it’s the Captains that are what make Pedal Wagon Dayton unique. “Each of them loves what they do and goes out of their way to make a special experience for our riders,” she added.  

As the 2024 season launches, Krieger said you can be on the lookout for new routes, tours, and new bar and restaurant partners along with advertising partners.  

You can learn more about Pedal Wagon Dayton on their website. You can also follow along on their Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates or contact Pedal Wagon Dayton directly by calling 937-388-3006 or emailing info@pedalwagon.com.

By Sara Sybert