The Capital City BrewCycle is coming to Schenectady. What’s a BrewCycle? It’s a giant bicycle — with food and drinks. Like Troy, people in Schenectady will now be able to hop on the 16-passenger, pedal-powered BrewCycle to get around the city. The BrewCycle now offers two-hour tours in Troy for $25. The bicycle hits bars and restaurants in the city during the tour. The BrewCycle has been operating in Troy for about two years.
The BrewCycle would operate similarly in Schenectady. It will have its fi rst Schenectady tours on Aug. 19 and Aug. 26.
People are required to register for a spot on the BrewCycle at www.capitalcitybrewcycle . com.
“We just got approved to operate in Schenetady,” said Joe Maddalla while standing next to the BrewCycle Wednesday evening outside Bombers Burrito Bar on State Street.
Maddalla is a partner in the company along with Anthony Ali, Jon Keville, and Greg Teresi.
“Schenectady is good for it because there is a lot of level ground,” he said. “We got the OK from City Hall, the police and fire departments to operate here.”
The BrewCycle tour in Schenectady will ride across Erie Boulevard, down to Water’s Edge and stop at Clinton’s Ditch, Pinhead Susan’s and other local venues. The Brew-Cycle will also make its way through the Stockade neighborhood and Upper Union Street.
“We want to hit a variety of bars,” Maddalla said. “They will hopefully get more business at the bars.”
Maddalla said he believes it’s a great time to launch in Schenectady with the addition of bars and restaurants downtown and the casino coming in the next two years.
“There is no drinking on the BrewCycle while on city streets, but people can bring soft drinks and food,” he said.
The BrewCycle resembles a portable bar with a giant umbrella. It has a designated driver and also includes onboard sound and lighting systems. It can also be rented for private parties or special events.
“There are 16 passengers and the driver is employed and paid for by the company,” Madalla said. “We’re excited to get started in Schenectady.”