At the Urban Transportation Commission meeting last Tuesday, a tall guy in a suit spoke and requested his company be put on the agenda for April. His name is Chris Nielsen, and he is requesting a formal category for his vehicles, electric powered golf carts. His business, Capitol Cruisers, operates a “charter service” giving people rides around downtown and they have been for several months now.
What Nielsen wants from the city is for his golf carts to be specifically allowed as a category of vehicle downtown, just like pedicabs are now. In fact, his whole business model seems to compete with pedicabs. For the moment, his golf carts are operating in a legal gray area of sorts. Some comments at the Austin Pedicab Alliance website indicate he is breaking the law, and there have been accusations of his employees doing things like trying to steal customers right out of a working pedicab.
Right now, his company has no business presence on the web except this really bad MySpace page. Note their interests are “your money, their favorite books are “bank statements” and their “hero” is Benjamin Franklin. Glad they’re focusing on what’s really important. It’s hard to understand if this is a serious business or not – the feeling you get when all the pedicab comments and this page are taken into account is that this just looks like amateur hour.
I asked Ken Cameron of the Austin Pedicab Alliance about the situation and he said:
The long and short of it is that his vehicles do not fall in to any current category for a ground transportation vehicle. These categories include limousines, automobiles, vans, buses, pedicabs, house carriages, etc. The city requires that each company operating this type of vehicle get an operating authority. Qualifications for the operating authorities differ depending on the type of vehicle being operated.
Pedicabbers working SXSW 2009
For pedicabs we are required to carry a 2 million dollar insurance policy, register a DBA or LLC, have a federal tax number, and have our vehicle inspected by the city. After this each driver is required to get a chauffeurs permit, criminal background check, maintain a Texas drivers license. Our vehicles undergo a yearly inspection. The inspection process covers brakes, lighting, general appearance of the vehicles and several other points. The inspection process is subject to change and updating by the city to insure that our passengers are transported safely. We must register our vehicles with the city quarterly and pay them $50 for this registration.
Pedicab Drivers are required to carry their chauffeurs permit while driving their pedicab. Their cab must display the company name, company phone number, inspection sticker, registration sticker, Number of the pedicab, 4 rear facing safety lights, and a front headlight, and a slow moving vehicle triangle.
Thus far Chris Nielson has only placed a slow moving vehicle triangle on his golf carts.
Chris is legally allowed to give free rides to any one he wants. As soon as he or his employees accept any money at all from any passenger they are operating an gypsy taxi service. To get legal his company would need to comply with all aspects Austin City code section 13-2.
Whether or not Chris Nielsen’s Capitol Cruisers becomes legally sanctioned by the city, it’s important to look at what we would be getting. Right now we have lots of pedicab drivers who are either independent or rent their setups from one of several companies in town. They add character to downtown, and the barriers to entry in the business are fairly low. They are, of course, a cleaner form of transportation than electric golf carts (which are pretty clean overall).
Say, can we stop off at Little City before our tee time?
Pedicabs bring more character to downtown. They have youthful energy, are a bit quirky and weird (oh no that word again). Golf carts? Not really unless your idea of “character” is the look of most retirement villages these days. That’s not the image I would want for my downtown.
Related posts:
on Mar 20th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
pedicabs fighting golf carts is misguided. or, to put it in pedicab-speak, ‘f**king stupid’.
golf carts are a-ok by me, and they should be a-ok for anyone interested in more-livable streets. they don’t intimidate and kill like regular cars, and they’re going to be one of the most effective ways we can transition from the terror of our existing landscape to something a little less horrific. they, and similar vehicles, are ideal for hauling all sorts of stuff that are very difficult or near-impossible to do right now under human power alone. many of the newer ‘ecocabs’ in Europe (which are coming here) already use human-power, but are bolstered with small electric engines (‘electric-assist’) to handle heavier loads — for transporting humans, goods, whatever.
instead of fighting this greening initiative, we should encourage it and demand our golfing friends play nicely with humans — no speeding around, terrorizing people, which means they must stay at or under 15 MPH, etc.
cops and maintenance crews already use them or forms of them all over the bay area — we should encourage their use everywhere we can. they, like bicycles, pedicabs, and other human-powered transport, can go a long way towards ’shrinking’ our worlds in the best possible ways. the, like other forms of not-quite-as-brutal-as-cars transportation, help bring people together.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neighborhood_electric_vehicle
that is all.
on Mar 20th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Peter, I am not really against the concept if done well, but this particular business has “bad idea” written all over it.
on Mar 20th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Competition coming for Austin pedicabbers from… golf carts? http://tinyurl.com/cknmxd
on Mar 24th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Marcus, Peter, to be clear about this, I do not have a problem with electric vehicles. I have a problem with illegal taxi services.
Chris Neilson is operating an illegal taxi service. While his and his diver’s most aggressive behaviors has toned down a bit as of late they are still breaking the law every time they accept any money from any passenger. In order to accept money from any passenger the City of Austin must issue an operating authority to company that owns that vehicle. I have spoken to the ground transportation people on the point several times. They have been very clear on this point.
As for the merit of purely human powered transportation verses human / electric hybrids, you may want to refer to cities like London where there was a very recent crackdown on electric assisted pedicabs. Vehicles such as the “Velotaxi” have pedal assist motors that *might* remain legal there, but the vast majority of the London electric pedicabs are now off the streets. From a few anecdotal reports life is better for pedicabbers now that things are muscle powered again. There are fewer things to break, lighter weight vehicles have less where and tear, and less of a hot-rod mentality.
More info on the London electric pedicab situation can be found at the links below:
http://www.rickshawforum.com/forums/talk-talk-talk-english/1528-end-electric.html
http://www.rickshawforum.com/forums/news-posted-our-users-english/1930-london.html
As for the merits of Golf Carts being used as a licensed transportation service vehicle, I am skeptical that they would meet any sort of motor vehicle safety standard, even if that vehicle is operated at a maximum of 20 miles per hour. I am quite certain that most safety minded folks would not condone the use of rear facing seats where the passengers shins and knees become bumpers for the vehicle in the event of a rear end collision.
Soon there may be an electric or other “clean fuel” vehicle that will acceptably pass crash tests. I would applaud these vehicles being able to operate in the downtown area. I would also expect that like any other taxi operating as a ground transportation vehicle that it would be required to have a metered fare.
While pedicabs do not have a perfect safety record, their record is a far sight better than automobile taxis. The obvious reason for this is not that our vehicles have redundant built in safety systems, but that most of the time we operate between 8 and 12 miles per hour.
When pedicab accidents have occurred it is most often because of getting hit by and automobile. For example, it is now common practice for pedicabs to cross the Ann Richards (Congress ave.) bridge on the side walks. This helps us avoid being rear ended on the down-slope of the bridge. Like most accidents that occur due in part due to immutable elements in the environment (arched bridges), proper training is essential to avoid repeating these accidents.
To cover the argument of having pedicabs on the street verses golf carts, I want echo with some of the points made in Marcus’s article. The Austin pedicab industry currently employs 150+ people. Many of these folks, myself included, make the vast majority of our income from peddicabing. While very few are getting rich doing this, many are putting themselves through school, a few are raising their families or earning additional money for their families, using it as a intermediate income between more long term “career jobs”, using it as a funding source to help them further their art, or their entrepreneurial endeavors. Some of us are single mothers, some of us are conspiring to create the better Austin that so many people long for.
These people are dedicated cyclists. They are working nightly on their bikes, and help make downtown safer for other cyclists. It is not often you hear about pedicabbers running over people and sending them to the hospital. Where as this happens nightly with automobiles.
When asked how to value of one mode of transportation verses another, and the impact that it has on a community there are many intangibles to consider. I would suggest looking at the people involved with the various industry segments and see how they are impacting their community. Having 150+ working cyclists in the community can go a long way toward encouraging and promoting beneficial change that helps downtown Austin grow denser, culturally richer, and far more diverse. Bikes and pedicabs are the best solution to greening downtown Austin. We are the zero pollution solution.
Another point that has not been brought up is how pedicab drivers put a friendlier face on Downtown Austin. I cannot count how many times I have given directions, restaurant reviews, told people were fun stuff is going on that night, prevented fights, called the cops when violence breaks out, or an accident occurs. I have helped drunk people get home safely, Made sure drunks do not drive their cars home, returned lost wallets, phones, and cameras.
We are on the streets nightly. If you want to know what is going on in downtown ask a couple of pedicabbers standing around. There is no doubt that you will get different opinions, but from this conversation you will get a clear picture of our world as we see it.
-Ken Cameron
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 12:12 am
[...] http://austinontwowheels.org/2009/03/20/pedicabs-under-attack-by-marauding-golf-carts/ [...]
on Mar 30th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Personally, I think the insurance companies should require all pedicabs and golf cart drivers to have each individual driver/rider their own policy.
This will prevent exploitive pedicab companies and others ( carts ) from oversaturating our streets with cheap rolling billboards for crap nobody wants.
Also, requiring individual riders to maintain their own coverage will ensure only responsible mature adults are transporting people. The way it should be. No part time kids working under a blind insurance coverage for as many people as the company wants. “exploitive” to the insurance provider.
We have a cluster f*ck of irresponsible pedicab owners and garages that dont give a wink about people or their riders. Buying beer and pizza is the oldest way to soothe screwed over employee’s. Especially if your also charging them for said beer and pizza.
Its all money. To fill some nobodies pockets to buy bobbles and trinkets and a fix me up on the east side of town. these companies have milked the industry in every way possible and you are seeing more and more people go independent and say “nuts” to these exploitive companies.
Personally, im waiting for the insurance companies to make their voice. They are already raising rates and talks online here and there about rewriting coverage policies.
Golf Carts? please. Please take the cheap jerks that make my nights miserable away from me. The people who want cheap rides and cheap plastic fun. You can have them! Austin has plenty of people, some of wich prefer golf carts and 99 cent menu’s.
I get my kicks giving poeple a good time, not transporting them as quick as possible from point A to B. Pedicabs provide entertainment, to think of us as a legitimate transportation service is about as retarded as considering a golf cart entertaining.
And “that”, a golf cart will never ever ever be able to compete with.
Sincerely,
RomanZoo
Pedicabber/Owner Operator
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 3:28 am
As always Roman is well spoken. While I disagree on most points I do agree on a few. I too would prefer to see a much greater number of independent owner/operators such as him.
What makes pedicabs a legitimate transportation service is that we do bide by the rules and regulations set forth by the local authorities.
Yes there may be more efficient ways to get around, but there is no better customer service available. Door to Door transportation with current information about what is going on that night, good places to eat, drink, chill, etc. is invaluable. Most of my passengers are happy to pay a small premium over auto taxis to get that level of personal service. This too makes pedicabs “legitimate”.
On the other hand, Chris Nelson has been told that he is not allowed to operate his Golf Carts as a Taxi, or a shuttle or any other service where he accepts money from a passenger. If he were operating as a shuttle, he would need to have set routes that his employees follow, he were he would have to pay his employees an hourly wage. His employees would have to be “Employees” under Texas law, not “Independent Contractors”. He would have to have a set fare schedule. All that and his golf carts would have to magically turn in to some other type of vehicle, like a van, or a mini-bus or some thing capable of passing a motor vehicle inspection.
More information on the the rules that Chris Neilson is flaunting can be found here:
http://austinpedicab.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/austin-city-code-chapter-13-section-2.rtf
I have an additional blog post on this subject here:
http://austinpedicab.org/2009/03/28/austin-urban-transportation-commision-to-talk-about-golf-carts-city-hall-tuesday-apr-14-6pm-room-1101/
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Roman,
Exploitative company owners that don’t give a wink about people or their riders? To whom are you referring, sir? I came to eventually own a pedicab company because once upon a time I was a simple rider who loved my job and my community of friends… when the initial owner began getting involved in other things, I stepped up to keep the shop going OUT OF LOVE AND RESPECT. I didn’t want to see my shop disappear. And you know what, I became pretty good at what I did. So good that I bought the first guy out and took the company to an entirely different level. Through blood sweat and tears. And while sometimes the money comes in, sometimes its me paying out of pocket to keep things going. You’ll understand that someday if you’ve ever built something you really love. And yes, I’ve made hundreds of beer runs over the years too to keep the fridge well-stocked for after the shift because my friends APPRECIATE that. I’ve done so much for many of my riders as they’ve done for me. Its like a family. I don’t think you understand that. In fact, I’d rather you not come around my shop anymore with your negative vibes. Life would be better for you if you weren’t such a hater!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I must retire back to my east-side chateau, where upon the persian rug I bought with all that lease-money my harem of indentured bike-girls await to feed me grapes and fan me with palm leaves:)
-stevie
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 10:32 am
Stevie,
Only hating going on is with you to me.
Your not the only game in town anymore cheif.
Pedicabbing isnt a social blanket for me either, it may be for you.
OK.
You have ultimate say so in who gets to play with your toys.
Congratulations.
A comment upset you and your going to retaliate with social coercion?
ok big bopper. ( cool 50’s guy with big hair ).
If you consider people who rent a cab from you, so they can pay their bills and live their lives, your family, then you have severe control freak issues. Or you need to meet a nice girl and have kids and start your own family. The word Family will take on new meaning then.
Family? Ok Charles Manson….
Why would i want to work for someone who is prejudice anyway? Sounds to me like, if you dont like someone on a personal level, then you fire them or try to socially ban them. It doesnt work. Its called Martyrdom. Its louder then handing out juice to kids at football games.
As for the GOLF CART GUY….
Just another lame guy who stole someone elses idea.
Like me, Stevie and everyone else.
Then years from now, another golf cart company shows up, and they bicker about love and family.
But nobody cares because we are all living our lives and moving with the flow of the winds.
Romanzoo
Knight Owl Pedicab
“Native American Pedicabber taking the land back one block at a time.”
on Apr 4th, 2009 at 5:29 am
To all parties concerned, I have been nothing short of amazed at the way my company has been treated by “petty” cabs. I have put my blood sweat and tears into this business and it has quite literally cost me everything I have. I’m not about to walk away now. To set the record straight I have a llc filed with the secretary of state, commercial g/l and business auto insurance, my operators have passed criminal history/ mvr checks, and my carts have headlights, tail lights and seatbelts. I’m appalled at the slanderous, hurtful fabrications that have been spread about my company. Its true that I haven’t used the best judgement in the past when it comes to former drivers but come on guys so has everyone else. Im doing my best to make this venture work properly and I have befriended quite a few pedi cabbers along the way. Most of you are pretty decent people. I would greatly appreciate it if some of you would realize that you are not city employees, so leave it to them to regulate as they see fit. I have tolerated a great deal of abus fromquite a few of you and my patience is running thin. Grow up guys… whining gets nothing accomplished and I’m embarrassed for some of you at the lengths you go to to sabatoge my business. (Conducting “sting” operations?? Really?!) We are going to have to share the road whether you like it or not. I would appreciate it if some of you would find a new hobby rather than trying to “thwart” me. Its immature and reflects poorly on the rest of your community that are intelligent enough to realize that there is enough business for everyone. To quote paul from triciclo: “we live in an abundant universe”. Good luck and god bless. I’ll see you on the 14th.
on Apr 6th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Chris,
Any sabotage that has gone on has been at your own hands.
As for embarrassment, allowing your employees to operate a vehicle while dressed in a string bikini and steering your golf cart with her feet is an embarrassment. Claiming that city rules regarding ground transportation services don’t apply to your golf carts is an embarrassment. Demanding money from your passengers when it is illegal for you to accept any money at all from a passenger is an embarrassment. Going in front of the Urban Transportation Commission to ask them to begin the process of modifying Austin City Code to allow your gypsy taxi service, and all of the copy cat golf carts services that would follow to operate legally will be truly embarrassing.
Perhaps you don’t get that there are 120+ registered pedicabs in the city. Each quarter we pay $50 per cab to maintain our legal right to operate. In the time that you have been illegally operating we have collectively paid over $18,000 to the city. You have paid them nothing. While this may seem like a small issue, every quarter pedicabbers pay our money to the city. We work very hard to get this money. Perhaps you don’t understand how hard a pedicabber has to work to get $50. We then look at you and ask why the hell we should have to pay for our privileges while you get to operate for free.
As soon as we see a city inspection and registration sticker on your vehicles we will drop this issue. Until then expect our opposition.
on Apr 7th, 2009 at 3:26 am
Ken,
Simmer down a bit. . . I’m VOLUNTEERING to be regulated and pay the same fees you and your associates do. I have absolutely no problem with paying to play just like everyone else. I’ve even offered to do so before my permit is issued but Ground Transportation can’t accept my money. . . yet. I was around when the pedicabs first came on the scene in 1997 and I remember the traditional taxi cabs were up in arms too. If you do a little research you will find that pedicabs operated for 3 years without regulation. I’m doing the best I can to get on the same page with the city in under 1/3 of the time.
Can we cut this out yet? You have a problem with me and my vision of eletric vehicles for hire this is obvious. Following my drivers around with a video camera only makes one of us look silly, and it isn’t me. As far as saying my driver was operating my cart with her feet? You gave us a much needed laugh. We even tried to re-create your scenario tonight and it just doesn’t work. Maybe a contortionist could pull it off but I simply don’t see how it’s physically possible to do so. But again, thanks for giving us material to joke about.
I think it’s time you put this issue to bed. Your counterparts with other companies have accepted it, so should you. No one can that represents a company with the moniker: “Dikes on Bikes” can say anything about being embarrassing and be taken seriously. Pontification from a balsa wood platform is humerous though. (although I will begrudgingly admit that it is one of my favorite pedicab names, you have good marketing prowess, I will give you that)
The only person that should be embarrassed here is you. Just look at the vendetta you have against someone that does not affect your bottom line whatsoever. I’ll tell you what: WHEN I get my operations permit I’m willing to hug it out if you are. Let’s put on our big boy pants and deal with this like grown-ups. In case you haven’t noticed, a few copy cat golf cart “gypsies” have come and gone since I began. I was flattered in a weird sort of way to see them. Have you also noticed that they didn’t last very long? Did you ever wonder why that is? Think really hard and the answer might come to you, you seem like an intelligent guy. No, I won’t show all my cards just yet but we can talk about all of this when I meet with you and your counterparts at the Ground Transportation office.
To all the rest of the comments about my service on this blog: I appreciate your professionalism in this matter, even you Romanzoo. Back-handed compliments are still compliments all the same. I appreciate your candor, you are a well spoken guy and you keep it real. I respect that. Props. Thank you too Stevie for not lowering yourself. I remember meeting you my first week out and you havebeen nothing but professional in my presence. (yes all of us shoot our mouths off from time to time, but thats part of what makes us human beings. I was never offended) again, thank all of you for being adults about this.
I’m having my cart inspected and reviewed by Steve Grassfield tomorrow at 3pm and I invite any pedicabber to come to 1111 Rio Grande to give me their input, concerns, or (gasp) shake my hand and get to know me. It isn’t my mission to run you and yours out of business, I’m just taking a different approach than you are.
How about if I buy ALL of you a beer when my permit is issued? As I said before, can we just hug it out? I have never had “enemies” before, I don’t want to have them now. Be safe out there guys. If I can ever be of any assistance you all know where to find me.
on Apr 11th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Chris,
As I have said before, I have no problem with electric vehicles. I do have a problem with you operating an illegal business. The fact that your illegal business is taking money from me and my fellow pedicabbers ads injury to insult.
What I do not understand is why you have chosen the route you have take to establish your business. Why is it that you have choosen to operate illegally when the city has made it clear to you that your drivers are not allowed to accept money from passengers. It is clear to me that you could have taken your suggestion for a new for hire vehicle category to the Urban Transportation Commission before starting your business and avoided the opposition you have encountered.
For those who do not know Chris’s business model is as such:
He owns a few golf carts.
He rents those golf carts out to the people who drive them.
The drivers then pay Chris 20% to 30% of their nights earnings in nightly lease.
It’s a pretty simple business model and basically how most pedicab companies that rent out bikes to riders operate.
The obvious problem here is that his renters are prohibited from accepting money from any passenger. As a result he puts his renters in the position of having to participate in a criminal enterprise to make any money. I speculate that this is why he has had a hard time keeping employees around long term.
Chris may not know see the difference, but motorized for hire vehicles are held to a different standard than non-motorized for hire vehicles. The city expects that be designed to be able to protect passengers in the event of an accident. His golf carts are unable to do that. The City also expects that a for hire vehicle be able to operate legally on the road.
For more background on his vehicles see the following:
http://www.ezgo.com/golf/hospitality/shuttle_6.html (see the performance section)
Further information about how the State of Texas views golf carts and light electric vehicles can be found here:
http://www.txdot.gov/drivers_vehicles/golf_carts.htm
If you look in to the specs of his vehicle and you will see that it is manufactured to go a maximum of 13 miles per hour. If you look at the Texas law regarding golf carts you will see the following:
A registered golf cart may be operated on public streets if:
* it is manufactured with a maximum speed of 25 mph,
* displays a proper “Slow Moving” vehicle emblem, and
* is insured.
It is easy to see that his vehicle can not be legally operated on the streets at all.
Good luck on convincing the city that your golf carts should become licensed for hire vehicles.
-Ken Cameron
on Apr 11th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Ken,
You have the wrong model EZ-GO and My drivers aren’t paid the way you think they are. . . It’s ok though. This will all be over soon. Jeez.
Chris Nielsen
on Apr 12th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I was told about this site though a friend and I decided to check it out for myself. I can’t understand what the big deal is. The guy is getting his permit, he talked with the powers that be to get the ball rolling , why don’t you just leave the poor guy alone? I ride with Chris all time and the rides have always been pleasant and safe. He doesn’t drive like a bat out of hell like some of you people do! I have taken a lot of rides with pedicabs and am always uneasy at the way they cut people and cars off and haul ass through parking lots. Then they charge $20 for 3 blocks? Please…I always pay well for services rendered unless they are little sh!7s about it! You work hard, I get it but get off your high horse. We live in a free country, get over it man. If the big guy has had the stones to keep rolling after the crap he has been through I say he should be congratulated, not hated. If none of you noticed the guy is HUGE and all of you are lucky he has a good sense of humor! Give him a break.
Colt
on Apr 13th, 2009 at 4:02 am
The above comment with my name (albeit properly spelled) was not posted by me. Whomever it is that keeps misrepresenting him/herself as me: PLEASE STOP! It’s almost like my ID has another blog outside the realms of my ego and super-ego!! But that’s not the case. I saw a similar, though much angrier post on the the apparent “sister” blog to this site. That wasn’t me either. . .I guess I should be flattered? This is obviously someone that knows me and is either playing a joke or has issues. I thought the comments were amusing but ultimately counter-productive. Please cut it out. I have more on my plate than I could ever hope to say grace over as it is right now. . .
Who would have thought that having a good idea at the right time would evoke such controversy? Let’s all just take a step back and marvel at the things that have happened here shall we? I can’t help but laugh at all of this. I’m going to be at City Hall at on Tuesday the 14th of this week. I hope to see all of you there.
ps: Thanks Colt, you’re my boy! Good luck next season.
on Apr 13th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Being Huge does not intimidate anyone, though in the past, with his valet service, Chris HAS indeed tried physical intimidation.
on Apr 15th, 2009 at 3:29 am
Real mature buddy. . . Just like the “citizen communication” tonight. Find something better to do. . . I’m friends with EVERY valet downtown including those mentioned in my blog. Have you noticed I park in their lanes and you can’t? Can we put this to bed yet? You have already seen the inevitable tonight at the UTC, so suck it up and be a big boy and get over it already!
PS: learn how to spell guys!
on Apr 15th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Mature. Mature eh? I, and lots of others, have seen your websites Chris. Written by you. Aisde from the many shirtless photos of yourself, and the obigitory shots of you “par-tay-in” it up with hand gestures and the DRANK in yo hand, were your self-penned accounts of intimidating the “greenshirts” of another valet service by “ripping off your shirt and charging them, bellowing “MUTHERF****ERS!” …then there was the time you just got real close to their face and just blew smoke at them, saying that you were a somewhat “unsettling presence to say the least” Then there was the time you got thrown in jail all Easter weekdend for a DWI ! All bragged about by you on the web, on the space where you aggrandize yourself as “the VIKING”.
And dropping names…according to you mayor Will Wynn loves you, Colt McCoy thinks you’re the shit, and Brewster McCrakcen supports your business, though we have checked into this and know he does not.
Reality check dude. From what we have been able to tell about you, you are obnoxious. “Huge” and obnoxious. But maybe, just maybe you have realized that getting in peoples faces and screaming at them won’t get you anywhere. We all notice, too, that you have removed these accounts and made your myspace and website private…thought better of it, eh?
mature.
on Apr 15th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Take a breath guy. . . .You sure have a lot of free time to be a hater don’t you? What I put on my personal website is my business and my right. If it offends you don’t look at it. Grow up buddy.
Take a shower while you’re at it. . .
on Apr 15th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
The last ditch effort of someone who has been called on something that completely fits – they call you a “Hater”. Yes, it’s your right to be be a docuhe publicly, and no one else helped you do that, you do that fine by yourself.
Have any affliction wear?
Care to comment on your valet story? Everyone’s very interested if you’ve turned over a new leaf. And the easter weekend DWI vacation in jail? Happy anniversery! C’mon, don’t gloss over these things, we want to hear more about them!
on Apr 16th, 2009 at 6:15 am
I have already commented on the valet story. . . You an READ can’t you? The same valets I used to ” intimidate” I now do business with. . . They put their big boy pants on and they got over it. As should you. Are you really that desperate and scared that you resort to pety personal attacks? Shame on you
on Apr 18th, 2009 at 5:13 am
I hate to throw salt in the wound here but your actions and lies are despicable and I agree with Chris Nielson or “Niels” as he is also known.
Let the big guy live his life. He isn’t hurting anyone. You are a hypocrite for playing the safety card when you are far more dangerous.
on Apr 18th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
what actions, what lies?
Incredible that Nielsons actions – physical violence against another downtown business’s employees, and arrested on suspicion of a DWI are whitewashed and glazed over by him as his “personal business”.
That doesnt fly. People are RESPONSIBLE for their actions.
Safety? There are more than a hundred pedicabs in austin, and accidents over the past year are less than 5. Neilson only has two golfcarts, used to be three – becuase one – the Hummer – has already been wrecked in the 9 months he’s been operating.
But that’s not my main concern, honestly, this is:
People with a DWI arrest should not be carting other people around downtown. People that have displayed a tendency towards physical violence should not be dealing with the public in a service atmosphere. He has taken down these accounts becuase he knows this is damaging information. Along with Capital Cruisers Myspace site which displayed an image similar to a gangsta-rap groups fascination with money and bling. Now he wants his image to be “environmentally responsible” ? Well then Chris I guess you’re probably redesigning that website arent ya? That’s okay, the internet has a memory and these accounts live on. And the most damaging thing about them is that this is not slanderous rumor, he wrote them HIMSELF, in the braggartly fashion typical of an adolescent thug that is so full of himself that it is repellent. So he may be “your boy”, but that doesnt mean city officials are going to look kindly on these accounts. And he may think he’s earned his “big boy pants”, but I just don’t see it. If Chris was humble, nice guy with a clean record he probably wouldnt be encountering such resentment. But one look at his history displays an arrogance that is really, really distasteful, and then he has this history that he’s been so kind to share with everybody…I’m sorry, man, he may be your friend, but…
There is no hypocrisy here, and no shame for bringing this out in the open. Either you’re not aware of this side of Chris, or you just choose to ignore it because he’s “your boy”.
on Apr 20th, 2009 at 6:16 am
I can’t stop laughing! Thanks buddy! I know who you really are “Vince” we have mutual friends, you live a full and happy life anyway though. I don’t have to explain anything to you.Just know that having that much spite for someone you don’t even know is bad for you and your health. I can picture you fuming and seething with misdirected anger as you wrote that. Just sit down and relax, it’s already over, just let it go.
Have I made mistakes in the past? Yes.
Have you?
Anyone?
(show of hands please)
” he who is without sin, cast the first stone”
on May 13th, 2009 at 2:24 am
update: Nielsons golf carting days are numbered, the city doesnt approve…
on May 13th, 2009 at 2:25 am
you can probably sell them at a golf course though, Mr. Viking.
on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:56 am
Still on the road buddy. Thanks for checking in though. =]