'The Purple Perry' of Seattle Purple Cabs takes people all around downtown during football and baseball season but also provides passengers with a safe and entertaining ride around West Seattle...during school hours.
Headed south on Delridge Way s.w. on Nov. 28 "The Purple Perry" was pushing himself. His pedicab had no passengers but that was because he was on his way home in West Seattle.
He works for Seattle Purple Cabs. "I have a truck that we run five cabs out of in the downtown area," he said, "and I've got a new electric pedal cab that I'm working right now."
He works the Morgan Junction to the Alaska Junction and points south to north of those areas. He's been in the pedicab business for close to 5 years but this is the first time he's had his own business. He started it on opening day for the Mariners season this year.
With his new electric wheel he can transport people up (and down) hills with less pedal power required. That all depends on the load he's carrying of course. "I tell my guys no more than 600 pounds. That's two cheese eatin' Wisconsinites," he said laughing.
Perry, who is 46 years old pedals nearly all day and, "my legs and cardiovascular system are great but it does nothing for my belly. I got a tire that just won't go away."
The pedicab can carry two people and costs a dollar a block downtown, with gamedays being more expensive at the beginning of the game. He can also charge a buck a minute, it's your choice.
Purple Perry tries not to ride when it's raining (the cabs have no covers), but he takes his son to and from school every day the weather is clear but he's available in West Seattle, Monday through Friday during school hours and he "seriously going to get it going this winter."
Weekends, he's downtown working the game days during the season.
Perry pointed out that calling a pedicab means you don't have to drive your car, or pay a regular taxi and it's better for the environment.
You can find his company on the web at www.Seattlepurplecabs.info and you can call about a ride to 206-432-1764.