News Flash!
PBLS Mileage Monarch Contest Begins April 1st
Charlotte is now one of a few cities in the country with a People-Powered Bike Lane Sweeper, aka PBLS. We know what you're thinking – and yes, we're aware of the cities bike lane-specific sweeper, Sweepy McSweepface. But we have a lot of bike lanes and the PBLS fills a gap in the massive job of maintaining them. It also allows the cycling community to take part in the effort.
To celebrate this exciting new technology, we want to reward the person who racks up the most bike lane-sweeping miles between April 1st and May 12th. The winner will be announced at a benefit gathering hosted by Trips For Kids Charlotte. Event details will be announced at a later date.
Click the button below to reserve the PBLS and get started racking up miles!
Tired of dirty bike lanes?
Ramez Tadros was, too, so he did something about it. More on that later. First, a little bit about the why. Bike lanes are great when they're clean enough to ride in. But bike lanes are often filled with trash, broken glass, and debris, making them dangerous. Charlotte has invested in a specialized sweeper to combat the issue, but it is designated for use in a limited number of bike lanes, and to date, it has rarely been seen in service.
See How It Works!
WSOC-TV recently met with Ramez to find out more about the PBLS project and to see the sweeper in action first-hand. Check out the WSOC-TV story HERE.
Dirty bike lanes are a problem, but you can help change that.
Through a successful GoFundMe campaign and support from local cycling-friendly businesses and organizations, the first People-Powered Bike Lane Sweeper was purchased and is now available for use by anyone who wants to clean up a bike lane. Click the button below to reserve the sweeper and make a difference in your neighborhood.
Meet Ramez Tadros. Ramez lives in Plaza Midwood with his wife, daughter, two cats, and three bikes. You probably recognize Ramez from the PMTNR ride, EASY ride, NODA social rides, Saturday Bicycle Sport ride, and the Sunday 36th Street ride. With his passion for cycling and a desire to help others, Ramez began working on his idea to keep bike lanes clean.
In collaboration with WeeklyRides, he has seen his idea take shape. We are all excited about the opportunities this project presents. This is an opportunity to engage and empower the cycling community while at the same time developing stakeholders in the quality of our cycling infrastructure.
Thank you, Ramez.
What Are People Saying?
You Have Questions, We Have Answers.
These are a few of the most commonly asked questions. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, contact us HERE.
You can complete the PBLS Reservation form online, and once approved, you will be all set. Click HERE to place a reservation.
The sweeper is provided free of charge. We may collect a small deposit like any other rental service but that would be refunded after the sweeper is returned in good condition.
The sweeper is shared on a daily basis. However, if you'd like to use it over the course of 2 or 3 days, let us check the schedule and see if we can do that. The sweeper is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
No. We provide insurance for the sweeper while it is transported or used. We do not provide any additional insurance coverage of any kind, for you, your bicycles, or if transporting the sweeper, your vehicles.
Yes. There is an online waiver that must be signed. The sweeper is only available to adults 18 years and older.
Yes. This makes it easy to pick up the sweeper and take it to your side of town so you can clean up your favorite bike lanes. Just keep in mind that the sweeper can only be pulled behind a bicycle.
No. The sweeper broom is human-powered! The broom is powered by an electric motor connected to an onboard battery. Just turn it on and start pedaling.
WE understand that things can stop working or even break down. If that happens, don't worry. Return the unit, and we will take care of things from there.