A pedal bus like those seen in popular tourist areas such as downtown Nashville is coming to Peoria Heights next year. The Village will welcome the new business, Pedal Your Own Party (PYOP), just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Owners Jody Summers and Dianna White will purchase a 15-seat bus—two rows of six with a princess seat for three—and have it custom-fitted over the winter. Those perches will be situated around a bar from which hosts will serve bring-your-own alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. “We just think it would be a great fit for the Heights with all the restaurants and bars,” Summers explains.
The PYOP bus will be available for events like mobile bridal showers, progressive dinners and brunches, corporate events and team-building exercises, as well as anyone looking for a “pedal party.” At least eight people are required to power the vehicle—though a small electric motor may assist, if need be. The bus has turn signals, a horn and a driver, and must obey traffic signals just like any other vehicle.
While common in some urban areas, pedal buses are new to the Peoria area and relatively new to Illinois. According to Summers’ research, this will be just the third in the state; Champaign is the nearest community to have one. “We went to the Heights for a reason,” Summers adds. “We’re looking forward to being different.” PM
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