Pedal Pub Quad Cities: A Group Biking Adventure
Editor's Note: Pedal Pub is now Quad Cities Trolley Pub! See what's new and how you can enjoy a spin on this pedal-powered portable bar on wheels!
Gather your friends and family and book a fun outing on the Quad Cities Pedal Pub. The original party bike route is a unique way to experience the local breweries and take in some fantastic vistas.
The Pedal Pub
It’s a bike built for multiple pedalers with seats along two sides. It has a bench seat in the back and a driver’s seat in the front for steering. The direct Norwegian translation of Het Fietscafe is bike cafe. There is a table kind of like a bar that runs around the bike and has cutouts for drink holders.
The Pedalers
8-16 people get on one “bike” and work together to pedal from place to place. You can book the pedal pub for a private event or join others to meet new friends.
Riders should be of legal drinking age (with ID) although special exceptions can be made for private parties.
There are 5 non-pedaling spots, so don’t worry if you’d like to sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Pilot
A knowledgeable driver will steer you through the streets. They will also organize a few “pedal pub” games, if your party is interested. Sometimes a host and a driver will accompany your party. Your pilot and host will also pass out beverages.
The Planned Route
The tours last about 2 hours. There are three routes: Rock Island, Moline, and Davenport.
- Rock Island Rides will roll out from Bent River on 24th and head towards Downtown Rock Island.
- Moline Rides will roll out from Galena Brewery.
- Davenport Rides will roll out from The Phoenix Martini Bar on 2nd.
Based on pedaler interest you can stop at 2-3 establishments for refreshments along the way. Other stops for pictures, views of the river, and local highlights are also choices for a break along the way.
The Partaking of Beverages
Bikers may bring their own coolers with both alcoholic (no hard liquor) and non-alcoholic beverages. Personal coolers are stashed in cubbies overhead or in the “group” cooler provided. Open drinks fit handily in their own holders: one for each biker.
No beverages may be taken off the pedal pub, however if allowed (in IA) to-go drinks can be brought back to the bike.
The Playlist
Pedalers provide the tunes with a bluetooth stereo and connections to your favorite playlist.
The Price
Individual seats start at $30/each. Private parties are welcome and you can reserve both bikes for up to 32 spots. The Pedal Pub is a unique choice for bachelorette parties, company outings, birthdays, date nights, and more!
You can reserve your spot online.
The Perfect Adventure
We scheduled the Quad Cities Pedal Pub with friends on a Thursday night. It was AMAZING!!! We laughed, enjoyed some drinks, and toured Davenport in a new way. The biking wasn’t strenuous (I was a little worried it would be a lot of work, but it definitely wasn’t) and the route was lovely.
We started at The Phoenix, made our way down to the River for photos, headed to Armored Gardens, then to Modern Woodmen Park for a lovely view and picture with the Ferris Wheel and Mississippi in the background, stopped in at Front Street, and headed out again for a final pedal before returning back to 2nd Street.
I think what I liked the most is that it was something different. Pedal Pub Quad Cities is really fun for locals and visitors. I also LOVE the Quad Cities and finding new ways to appreciate this amazing location puts me ALL IN!
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The Pedal Pub Contact info
The Pedal Pub Quad Cities website is very informative, especially the FAQ.
The Facebook page @pedalpubquadcities is a fun place to find photos.
The Instagram account @pedalpubquadcities is definitely worth a follow.
The staff is very responsive, so if you have any questions send them a Facebook message or chat on the website.
Pedal Perspective
“The night was filled with laughter, cheering for the pedalers (I sat in a non-pedal spot), refreshing drinks, and the sights and sounds of Davenport. The host and driver were helpful, funny and full of fun information. I highly recommend this fun night out with friends and family!” Sarah M.
“I liked pedaling downhill, being able to bring my own drinks, and play our favorite tunes. It was a party on a bike. We could be loud and crazy. It was fun.” Luke C.
“Had so much fun on the Pedal Pub. Great group of friends and a great time pedaling through Davenport!” Rachel G.
“Riding the Pedal Pub was something new to try out and we are glad we did! It's a cool way to hang out with friends and try a few new places we've never been.” Brin A.
“I’ll be honest: I was not looking forward to the Pedal Pub, but a group of friends talked us into it and it was an amazing time! Gorgeous weather, pedaling in traffic as cars honked, enjoying an adult beverage while doing so and a great group of people made the night absolutely worth it. Would definitely do it again!” Ben S.
“Enjoyed time with friend while also taking in the views of the river front area. Laughter and music never stopped. A great way to kick off or conclude an evening with friends!” - Susie W.
Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. & Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.