Tour Dubuque Trail and Park Use AgreementMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Tour Dubuque Trail and Park Use Agreement
DATE: May 10, 2013
Dubuque
kital
All- America City
II h/
2012
Leo Broughton, owner of Tour Dubuque located at 198 Main Street, requested the
ability to use city trails and certain parks for tours using Trikkes (a single person
motorized electric vehicle).
Mr. Broughton has set up guided tours of Dubuque using Trikkes. He leads the guided
tour and the co -owner of the business is at the end of the tour. All people on the tour
wear headsets so they hear him speaking. They go single file. They do at times stop
while he talks. They take a maximum of ten people on each tour so there is a total of
twelve of these electric vehicles (250 watts). The tours cover history, art, entertainment,
architecture and natural wonders.
The Trikkes are motorized vehicles that are 4' long, 2' wide and 4' high, weighing 50
pounds each. They have a maximum speed of 18 mph but for insurance purposes they
go 10 mph or less on the tour. They opened the business in July 2012.
The tours proposed use the Riverwalk as one stop. Other trails and parks could be
integrated into special tours.
Due to the nature of the request and because of the recent major discussions with the
Park and Recreation Commission regarding dogs and other park and trail usages, the
Commission also discussed this topic. They had concerns about motorized vehicles on
trails but are willing for this trial basis. The Park and Recreation Commission voted
unanimously to allow Tour Dubuque Trikkes on the Riverwalk and other areas approved
by the City with a one -year trial period.
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware recommends City Council approval of a Trail and
Park Use Agreement with Tour Dubuque that can be canceled with 10 days notice.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligan
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
2
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
SUBJECT: Tour Dubuque Trail and Park Use Agreement
DATE: May 7, 2013
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
kitititi
All- America City
'I'll®,
2007
The purpose of this memo is to recommend a Trail and Park Use Agreement with Tour
Dubuque.
BACKGROUND
Leo Broughton owns Tour Dubuque, located at 198 Main Street. Their website is
www.tourdubuque.com. Mr. Broughton requested the ability to use city trails and certain parks
for tours using Trikkes (a single person motorized electric vehicle).
Mr. Broughton has set up guided tours of Dubuque using Trikkes. He leads the guided tour and
the co -owner of the business is at the end of the tour. All people on the tour wear headsets so
they hear him speaking. They go single file. They do at times stop while he talks. They take a
maximum of ten people on each tour so is a total of twelve of these electric vehicles (250 watts).
The tours cover history, art, entertainment, architecture and natural wonders.
The Trikkes are motorized vehicles that are 4' long, 2' wide and 4' high, weighing 50 pounds
each according to Leo. They have a maximum speed of 18 mph but for insurance purposes
they go 10 mph or less on the tour. They opened the business in July 2012.
The tours proposed use the Riverwalk as one stop. Other trails and parks could be integrated
into special tours.
Legal
In 2008 the City of Dubuque added a definition to the City code for electrical personal assistive
mobility devices. The definition was developed based on the state code but does not mirror the
state code. We do not mirror the state code because the state only covers two (2) wheeled
devices. The definition in the City of Dubuque code covers more than two (2) wheeled devices
and will cover devices such as segways, T3s', and the devices being used by Tour Dubuque.
Electric personal assistive mobility devices are defined as a device, powered by an electric
propulsion system designed to transport one person, with a maximum speed on a paved level
1
surface of less than twenty five (25) miles per hour with an average power of seven hundred fifty
(750) watts or one horsepower. In addition to the definitional limitations the City adopted a
number of regulations related to the usage of the devices within the City.
9- 7- 321.276A: Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices:
A. No person under sixteen (16) years of age may operate an electric personal assistive mobility
device in the city of Dubuque.
B. No operator's permit or license shall be required for the operation of an electric personal assistive
mobility device.
C. No licensure or registration of the electric personal assistive mobility device is required.
D. No proof of financial responsibility is required.
E. A person shall operate an electric personal assistive mobility device in a safe and nonhazardous
manner so as not to endanger himself or herself or any other person or property.
F. There shall be no prohibition against any person riding an electric personal assistive
mobility device upon a sidewalk or bicycle path within the city, so long as the rider does
not create a hazard; provided, that no person shall operate an electric personal assistance
mobility device upon a sidewalk within the city on those sidewalks expressly designated by
the city manager as prohibited and appropriate signs to such effect are posted.
G. Any person riding an electric personal assistive mobility device upon a sidewalk shall yield the right
of way to pedestrians, and shall travel at a speed no greater than is safe for the conditions then
existing on the sidewalk.
H. A person propelling an electric personal assistive mobility device upon and along a sidewalk or
while crossing a roadway in a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a
pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that the electric personal assistive mobility
device operator must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk or crosswalk.
I. The operator of an electric personal assistive mobility device emerging from, or entering an alley,
driveway, or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk, or the sidewalk area extending across
any alleyway, yield the right of way to all pedestrians approaching on said sidewalk, and upon
entering the roadway in a crosswalk shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on said
roadway.
J. Electric personal assistive mobility devices shall not be used on roadways, except when using a
crosswalk or on side streets where there is not a sidewalk adjacent to the street.
K. A person shall not operate an electric personal assistive mobility device at the times specified in
section 9 -12- 321.384 of this title, unless the person or the electric personal assistive mobility device
is equipped with a headlight visible from the front of the electric personal assistive mobility device
and at least one red reflector visible from the rear of the electric personal assistive mobility device.
L. The provisions of this section shall not apply to use of a wheelchair or other similar conveyance
when used for transportation by any temporarily or permanently disabled person.
M. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the above proscribed conveyances when used in
any parade, exhibition or gathering of persons which has been authorized by permit from the city
manager.
N. The provision of this section shall not apply to the above proscribed conveyances when used by the
fire or police departments.
2
0. The scheduled fine for a violation of this section shall be twenty five dollars ($25.00).
While the ordinance referenced above would allow usage on bicycle paths there are also
regulations within the city code that would prohibit Tour Dubuque from operating the devices
within the city parks and on city trails without express permission from the Leisure Services
Manager.
9- 7- 321.275A: Use of Bicycles, Motorcycles in Parks:
A The use of bicycles, skateboards and other nonmotorized conveyances and motorcycles, motor
scooters, go- carts, cars, trucks, and other motor driven vehicles other than those vehicles engaged
in authorized park maintenance and security in any park, recreation facility, or trail may be
prohibited by the park and recreation advisory commission.
B. It shall be unlawful for the operator of any car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type vehicle to stop,
stand, or park upon any roadway or in any parking areas in any park, recreation facility, or trail in
such manner as to obstruct the flow of traffic.
C. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to play games, catch, throw frisbees or other objects,
gather in groups on any roadway or parking areas in any park, recreation facility, or trail as to
obstruct the flow of traffic.
D. It shall be unlawful to park any car, truck, motorcycle, or other type of vehicle along any roadway or
area in any park or recreation facility that is posted prohibiting such parking.
E. It shall be unlawful for any car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of motorized vehicle to
drive on and/or park on any grass area, sidewalk, or frail in any park, recreation facility, or
trail except with the express permission of the leisure services manager's designee.
F. The scheduled fine for a violation of this section shall be twenty five dollars ($25.00).
When there is a conflict between two (2) provisions of the code the conflict is resolved by
applying the more restrictive of the provisions. In this case that would be the prohibition of
usage in the parks and on trails without the express permission of the Leisure Services
Manager.
In order to determine if and where to allow usage of the devices on city property, Crenna
Brumwwell of the City Attorney's Office recommended consideration of the following:
1. Consulting with the City's insurance carrier(s) to evaluate any additional exposure to
liability by allowing this type of activity in city parks and on city trails
2. Consult with the City's insurance carrier(s) to evaluate a requirement of liability insurance
for business usage within city parks and on city trails which includes a governmental
immunities endorsement naming the City of Dubuque as an additional insured
3. The challenges, opportunities, and risks associated with allowing usage in specific parks
and on trails
4. Adopting policies for city parks and city trails that limit (locations, usage, require helmets,
other options, etc.)
5. Reviewing the city ordinances to evaluate if amendments are warranted based on the
City's sustainability principles.
3
Insurance, Permit, License
A meeting was held with Scott DeSousa of Friedman and Frank O'Connor of O'Connor
Insurance along with Ken TeKippe, Barry Lindahl, Crenna Brumwell and Laura Carstens. We
reviewed the questions 1 through 3 above related to Tour Dubuque's request. As with most
businesses we do not license them. He will be using a city facility (trails and some parks) but
mostly city sidewalks unless there is no sidewalk then they are allowed on streets. We at times
know of other businesses that use the parks (i.e. exercise classes that meet in parks in the open
air). Many happen that we don't know of.
They believe there is no more liability or exposure than we already have. They believe the risks
belong to the business not the city.
ICAP
ICAP was consulted and here is their synopsis:
ICAP Loss Control has through the years consistently taken the position of recommending
that the members not allow motorized vehicles on their walking and bike trails. The fear has
always been that people will begin to use ATV's, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and even cars
on the trails which puts a trail user at risk of being hit by one of these vehicles. Allowing any
type of mechanized vehicle on your trails increases the City's liability and loss exposure.
Most likely, the Iowa Department of Transportation would not require the owner and user of
a TRIKKE vehicle to have liability insurance on the TRIKKE. As a result a person that is
injured by a TRIKKE or has an accident with one could conceivably look to the City for
compensation for damages and injury. People that normally walk and ride bikes on the
trails may become discouraged from using the trails due to the increased safety issues
created by the TRIKKE vehicle. This fact defeats the purpose of building the trails in the
first place — that of encouraging physical activity. Allowing the TRIKKE type vehicle may
cause others to put pressure on the City to allow other types of vehicles on the trails.
No doubt City Department Heads are considering the above issues already when making a
decision on whether to allow motorized vehicle on the trails. The decision to allow their use
is the City's in the end. It is not known how this type of vehicle will be accepted by the
public or if it will create problems. Perhaps a trial period could be allowed and if problems
arise the City could deal with the issue through ordinance at a later date. Loss Control
found one other member that has addressed the issue of electric vehicles on their trails by
limiting the size and watt capacity to the vehicle as part of their trail usage policy and
ordinance. At this point Loss Control still has reservations about their usage on the trails.
We do not know the condition of the trails or how well the TRIKKE handles during
operation.
Challenges, Risks and Opportunities
Currently we now allow people and bikes on trails. The motorized unit is limited to 25 miles per
hour with an average power of 750 watts or one horsepower. Some bicycle riders reach this
speed as well. Tour Dubuque would like to offer guided tours. A guided tour has a level of
supervision. Tour Dubuque also sells the Trikkes to our citizens. This Use Agreement is only for
the guided tours by Tour Dubuque. Individual owners would not be allowed on trails or in parks.
4
Accessibiity
Power - driver mobility devices can be used as mobility devices by persons with mobility
disabilities. The usage of the power- driven devices are allowed in trails and parks in Dubuque
by persons with mobility disabilities currently.
DISCUSSION
To gather all the background facts and other details in this memo Mark Dalsing — Police Chief,
Barry Lindahl and Crenna Brumwell from the Attorney's office, Laura Carstens — Planning
Services Manager, Frank O'Connor of O'Connor & Associates, Scott DeSousa of The Friedman
Group and myself were all involved in this topic discussion. We have consensus that allowing
Tour Dubuque to use trails and certain parks for tours would be acceptable. Most have mixed
feelings as do I but are willing to have a trial use period.
Frank O'Connor shared the following train of thought that was applicable to consider:
"The trikke seems to be designed to be use on streets and walking paths. Using it on
rough terrain doesn't seem to be a practical usage. The "Assistive Mobility Device" is
permitted on City sidewalks and bike paths except as excluded by City Manager. If a 10 or
12 year old can ride his /her bike in a street it sounds as if citizens, parents, police, and
administration are comfortable with safety issues. Why not license them for street use too?
If Trikkes can be used on City sidewalks (the most popular place for pedestrian traffic) why
prohibit them from parks and trails? If safety is not a concern when using them on
sidewalks, I don't see significant safety issues arising when using on walking paths or
parks.
Yes, there is an additional liability exposure, but this should not be controlling. There is no
exclusion in the ICAP general liability policy for this type of exposure. There is a difference
between the trikke and a motorcycle, moped, car, snowmobile, or ATV."
Due to the nature of the request and because of the recent major discussions with the Park and
Recreation Commission regarding dogs and other park and trail usages, the Commission also
discussed this topic. They had concerns about motorized vehicles on trails but are willing for
this trial basis. The Park and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to allow Tour
Dubuque Trikkes on the Riverwalk and other areas approved by the City with a one -year trial
period.
The request by Tour Dubuque is for the opportunity to use Trikkes on trails and in parks.
The opportunity for another tourist activity in the downtown /Port area is good from the
economics perspective. ICAP consistently recommends not allowing motorized vehicles on
their walking and biking trails. They do tell us it is our decision in the end. There is control of
the use of the Trikkes when they are a part of the tour group.
This could be granted currently as the ordinance allows the exception to be permitted by the
Leisure Services Manager. It would require no changes to ordinances. A park and trail usage
agreement has been drafted and is attached.
5
RECOMMENDATION
I respectfully request approval of a Use Agreement with Tour Dubuque.
MLW:et
copy Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Crenna Brumwell, Assistant City Attorney
Mark Dalsing, Police Chief
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
John Klostermann, Street Maintenance Supervisor
Steve Fehsal, Park Division Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Frank O'Connor, O'Connor Insurance
Scott DeSousa, The Friedman Group
Bob Steingraber, ICAP
CITY OF DUBUQUE
TRAIL AND PARK USE AGREEMENT
OWNER
TOUR OPERATOR
NAME : City of Dubuque
ADDRESS : 50 W 13th Street
CITY, ST, ZIP: Dubuque, Iowa
CONTACT : Marie Ware
TELEPHONE: 563/589 -4264
FACSIMILE: 563/589 -4391
E -MAIL : mware @cityofdubuque.org
NAME: Tour Dubuque
ADDRESS: 198 Main Street
CITY, ST, ZIP:Dubuque, Iowa 52001
CONTACT : Leo Broughton
TELEPHONE: 563 -326 -5535
E -MAIL : leo @tourdubuque.com
FACILITY
RATES /.CHARGES
City of Dubuque off street trails system
including but not limited to the Riverwalk
as well as city parks.
$50.00 / season use fee and $1.00 per Trikke
entering Eagle Point Park.
DESCRIPTION /PURPOSE OF ACCESS /USE
The Facility will be utilized for supervised, guided tours using Trikkes (a single person
motorized vehicle). The tour shall have a guide at the beginning and end of each group
that will ride single file in all areas outlined in this Use Agreement. This single file line shall
be maintained at all times to allow park and trail users to pass by the tour group. Tour
guides may stop when sharing tour information with the single file line always in place.
Tour groups shall be limited to a maximum of ten (10) persons plus two (2) guides. Speed
of Trikkes shall be controlled by the guides to maintain the safety of park and trail users
not on the tour.
•
1. Basic Agreement: In consideration of the Rates /Charges referenced in the relevant
box above, .Owner hereby grants to Tour Operator access to and the use of the Facility
defined above, for the purposes described above. The grant of access herein is on a
first -come first served basis and does not constitute a guarantee that the Facility will be
available to the Tour Operator at any particular time. Tour Operator is encouraged to
coordinate its use of the Facility with other users.
2. Safety and Notifications: Tour Operator shall be responsible for ensuring that its
employees, contractors and invitees comply with applicable laws and obey any written
safety rules provided by Owner. Tour Operator shall not intentionally interfere with
other operations or create any danger or safety hazard at the Facility. Tour Operator
shall notify Owner if it believes there are any safety or suitability problems, and in such
an event the parties agree to fully cooperate and resolve the same to their mutual
050613
satisfaction. Formal Notices shall be addressed to the Contact defined above for each
of the parties and may be given by e-mail, facsimile, or by mail. Notices will be deemed
to have been received upon the production of a relevant receipt document.
3. Hold Harmless /Indemnification. To the fullest extent allowed by law, Tour Operator
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Owner, its Affiliates and their respective
partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents, from and against any
and all claims for injury or damages to persons or property arising out of or caused by
the negligence of the Tour Operator. Tour Operator further agrees upon receipt of
notice from Owner to defend at its own expense, Owner, its Affiliates and their
respective partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, and agents from any
action or proceeding against Owner, its Affiliates and their respective partners,
shareholders, directors, officers, employees, and agents arising out of or caused by the
negligence of the Tour Operator.
If Tour Operator suffers any injury, damage or loss caused by any person or business
engaged by or through or for the benefit of Owner or any other person, Tour Operator
shall not hold or seek to hold Owner responsible therefore; but, rather, Tour Operator
shall proceed solely against such person or entity causing the injury, damage or loss.
4. Insurance: Tour Operator shall maintain during the Term of this Agreement
insurance as provided in the attached Insurance Schedule.
5. Term of Agreement: This Agreement shall commence upon its date of execution,
shall have a term of from May 20 through October 27, 2013.
6. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Iowa.
7. Default. If Tour Operator fails to comply with any of the provisions of this
Agreement within seven (7) days after notice of noncompliance from Owner, Owner
may terminate this Agreement.
8. Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing ten (10)
days written notice to the other party.
9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and /or by
electronic exchange of signatures, with all such counterparts deemed the same single
agreement and signatures exchanged by electronic means deemed equivalent to
original signatures. This constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, written and oral. This
Agreement shall not be modified except through a writing signed by both parties.
DATED THIS 1 DAY OF d Y G , 20\3 .
2
Owner
Author zed Signature
R7)(-4 D. IL-to 1 , Cfv-
Printed Name and Title
3
Tour Operator
orized Signatur
Printed Name an
let
City of Dubuque Insurance Requirements for Tenants and Lessees of
City Property or Vendors (Suppliers, Service Providers)
1.
Insurance Schedule A
shall furnish a signed Certificate of Insurance (COI) to the City of Dubuque, Iowa for
the coverage required in Exhibit I prior to contract or lease commencement. All lessees of City property
shall submit an updated COI annually. Each Certificate shall be prepared on the most current ACORD form
approved by the Department of Insurance or an equivalent. Each certificate shall include a statement
under Description of Operations as to why issued. Eg: Project # or Lease of premises at
or construction of
2. All policies of insurance required hereunder shall be with a carrier authorized to do business in Iowa and
all carriers shall have a rating of A or better in the current A.M. Best's Rating Guide.
3. Each Certificate shall be furnished to the contracting department of the City of Dubuque.
4. Failure to provide minimum coverage shall not be deemed a waiver of these requirements by the City of
Dubuque. Failure to obtain or maintain the required insurance shall be considered a material breach of
this agreement.
5. All required endorsements to various policies shall be attached to Certificate of insurance.
6. Whenever a specific ISO form is listed, an equivalent form may be substituted subject to the provider
identifying and listing in writing all deviations and exclusions that differ from the ISO form.
7. Provider shall be required to carry the minimum coverage /limits, or greater if required by law or other
legal agreement, in Exhibit I.
8. Whenever an ISO form is referenced the current edition of the form must be used.
Pdfconvert. 6836.1. Tour_ Dubuque_Usage_Agreement_5 -6 -13. Docx
City of Dubuque Insurance Requirements for Tenants and Lessees of
City Property or Vendors (Suppliers, Service Providers)
Insurance Schedule A (continued)
Exhibit I
A) COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY
General Aggregate Limit $2,000,000
Products - Completed Operations Aggregate Limit $1,000,000
Personal and Advertising Injury Limit $1,000,000
Each Occurrence $1,000,000
Fire Damage Limit (any one occurrence) $ 50,000
Medical Payments $ 5,000
a) Coverage shall be written on an occurrence, not claims made, form. All deviations from the
standard ISO commercial general liability form CG 0001, or Business owners form BP 0002,
shall be clearly identified.
b) Include ISO endorsement form CG 25 04 "Designated Location(s) General Aggregate Limit."
c) Include endorsement indicating that coverage is primary and non - contributory.
d) Include endorsement to preserve Governmental Immunity. (Sample attached).
e) Include an endorsement that deletes any fellow employee exclusion.
f) Include additional insured endorsement for:
The City of Dubuque, including all its elected and appointed officials, all its employees
and volunteers, all its boards, commissions and /or authorities and their board members,
employees and volunteers. Use ISO form CG 20 10. Ongoing operations.
g) If vendor utilizes Trikkes or Segways in the conduct of business, include an endorsement
reflecting that these vehicles are not excluded from Commercial General Liability coverage.
B) WORKERS' COMPENSATION & EMPLOYERS LIABILITY
Statutory benefits covering all employees injured on the job by accident or disease as prescribed by
Iowa Code Chapter 85 as amended.
Coverage A
Coverage B
Statutory —State of Iowa
Employers Liability
Each Accident $100,000
Each Employee- Disease $100,000
Policy Limit - Disease $500,000
Policy shall include an endorsement providing a waiver of subrogation to the City of Dubuque.
Pdfconvert. 6836.1. Tour_ Dubuque_Usage_Agreement_5 -6 -13. Docx
City of Dubuque Insurance Requirements for Tenants and Lessees of
City Property or Vendors (Suppliers, Service Providers)
Preservation of Governmental Immunities Endorsement
Nonwaiver of Governmental Immunity. The insurance carrier expressly agrees and states that the
purchase of this policy and the including of the City of Dubuque, Iowa as an Additional Insured does
not waive any of the defenses of governmental immunity available to the City of Dubuque, Iowa under
Code of Iowa Section 670.4 as it is now exists and as it may be amended from time to time.
Claims Coverage. The insurance carrier further agrees that this policy of insurance shall cover only
those claims not subject to the defense of governmental immunity under the Code of Iowa Section
670.4 as it now exists and as it may be amended from time to time. Those claims not subject to Code
of Iowa Section 670.4 shall be covered by the terms and conditions of this insurance policy.
Assertion of Government Immunity. The City of Dubuque, Iowa shall be responsible for asserting any
defense of governmental immunity, and may do so at any time and shall do so upon the timely written
request of the insurance carrier.
4. Non - Denial of Coverage. The insurance carrier shall not deny coverage under this policy and the
insurance carrier shall not deny any of the rights and benefits accruing to the City of Dubuque, Iowa
under this policy for reasons of governmental immunity unless and until a court of competent
jurisdiction has ruled in favor of the defense(s) of governmental immunity asserted by the City of
Dubuque, Iowa.
No Other Change in Policy. The above preservation of governmental immunities shall not otherwise
change or alter the coverage available under the policy.
SPECIMEN
Pdfconvert. 6836.1. Tour_ Dubuque_Usage_Agreement_5 -6 -13. Docx
stohca trek
on Tr!kkes
JESSICA REILLY • Telegraph Herald
Leo Broughton, with Tour Dubuque, talks with Linda Herbst, of Dubuque, and her grandson Carter Herbst, 11, of Denver, Iowa,
about a Trikke, a motorized three - wheeled vehicle. Tour Dubuque offers motorized tours of several areas of the city.
41
Mi
Ile
I
Leo Broughton co -owns Tour
Dubuque.
Tour Dubuque uses 3- wheelers
to show off the city's sites
BY ERIN MURPHY
THstaff writer • emurphy @wcinet.com
Iearn about Dubuque's rich past
while riding a vehicle that feels like
Jit's from the future.
That's the aim of Tour Dubuque. The new
business was started by Leo Broughton
and his girlfriend, Laura Conover, who
give guided historical tours of Dubuque's
downtown and riverfront areas. The tours
are conducted on'Wickes, three- wheeled
stand -up cycles powered by a combination
of electricity and the rider.
"I think it's a great idea. I think it's very
unique," said Keith Rahe, president of the
Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"What a great way to see Dubuque and all
we have to offer."
Broughton and Conover were intrigued
tour dubuque
Address: 198 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563 - 326 -5535
Web: www.tourdubuque.com
what is a Trikke?
Trikke (pronounced "trike ") designs and builds three -
point cambering (leaning) vehicles that allow the
frame to lean into turns while keeping three wheels
(or skis) on the ground.
The stability of this patented platform provides so-
lutions for electric mobility, no- impact fitness and
recreation.
Source: Trikke.com
by the idea of giving tours on Trikkes, then
became sold when they gave one a recent
test drive in Galesburg, Ill., near the home
of Conover's family.
"We started riding it around town and
people were like, Awesome!' We just got a
huge amount of feedback," Broughton said.
On these Trikkes, Broughton and
Conover lead tour -goers through the Port
of Dubuque and the Historic Millwork
District, downtown and the boutique
district. Longer tours include Chaplain
Schmitt Island and the area around Eagle
Point Park.
Future extended tours also might
include the Mines of Spain, Broughton
said.
Along the way, patrons are given notes
See TREK, PAGE 2B
TREK: Variety of tours available
va�lable
Continued from Page IB Dubuque also will serve as a Trikke retail
relating Dubuque's history architecture shop.
arts and entertainment, nature and "We feel like Dubuque is the perfect
scenery. place to do this," said
You getup there to between 11th Broughton, who grew up
and 12th (streets), and basically there's - in Davenport and came to
six different types of architecture right , Dubuque to work for IBM. Its
there in that block, and some of it is just a small city, and the people
magnificent," said Broughton, a self- are very friendly They've
described history buff who did his own Laura _ been rooting for us, helping
research and also collaborated with area er however they can. ... The
historians to develop source material. "We communityhas been very
have no shortage of material." supportive.
Broughton said three tours are offered, So if desire, let Tour Dubuque take
lasting one, two and three hours and you on a there- wheeled educational ride
through costing $35, $45 and $55. The tours run through the Key City.
regardless of the weather, Broughton said, a great waygto see the ar a,' Rahe said.
so long as there are willing souls. "Myhat's off to them. It's a very novel idea.
To help offset downtime for tours, Tour People are going to love them."
E�
Take yours home
for only $18,5001
• 148 hp, 1.8L 4- cylinder engine with D -CVVT
• 2012 North American Car of the Year
• Class- leading fuel economy — 40 MPG Hwy
• 5 Spacious Seats
America's Best Warranty'
10-Year/100,000-Mile
Powertrain Limited Warranty
Tour Dubuque
If you were at America's River Festival in June or recently at
the Port of Dubuque or even downtown, you might have
seen Leo Broughton zip by on a motorized, three - wheeled
scooter and wondered, "What the heck was that ?" What
that was, is a Trikke (pronounced "trike ") Tri -bred Pon -e (pro-
nounced "pony" but with an "e" for electric) scooter and it
is the vehicle of choice for Broughton's new business, Tour
Dubuque.
Begun in partnership with his girlfriend Laura Conover in
June, Tour Dubuque is a new way for tourists and Dubuque
residents alike to tour our historic downtown and learn a bit
more about the city's history and architecture. With a home
base at the Port of Dubuque (look for a white pop -up tent in
the parking lot east of the Diamond Jo Casino or north of the
National River Center) Tour Dubuque will be offering guided
historic and architectural tours of Dubuque's downtown.
The price of the tour includes the rental
of Trikke with the tour being led by a
guide that can point out points of inter-
est, history, and architecture, and answer
any questions tour guests might have.
Any questions that tour guides cannot
answer become an opportunity for more
research and learning to be added to
future tours.
The Trikkes themselves run on a 36 -volt
lithium ion battery and can reach a speed
of about 10 mph and can travel well over
20 miles on a single charge — more than
enough for a tour of Dubuque's down-
town. The three - wheeled scooters are
legal to take either the street or the side-
walk, depending on which might be more safe at the moment.
along Michigan Avenue. I thought, 'Dubuque needs that! '
Like the Chicago tour, Broughton imagined a tour that could
cover more ground than just a walking tour. "(The Chicago
tour) was a fairly small geographical area, but too large to
walk and that's kind of what we have here," he noted. "You
wouldn't want to do a walking tour to Eagle Point Park."
After some research, Broughton decided the three - wheeled
Trikke scooters would be a better way to go than the Seg-
way. The Trikke is easy to ride and beginners can learn
quickly. "Compared to a Segway,sthis takes just minutes," he
explained. "A Segway takes about a half- hour."
In addition, the Trikke is a more active ride. On a Segway, the
rider maintains a standing posture, which can fatigue some
people after standing in the same position for too long, but
riding the Trikke is a more interactive process, utilizing the
rider's entire body. "When you turn, it's like a carving motion
like downhill skiing," Broughton said. After letting us take it
for a spin, we can attest that it is fun to ride.
After another trip to Chicago to purchase the firsttest vehicle,
Broughton immediately set to working out a plan for the busi-
ness. He's since purchased six Trikke scooters to rent for tours.
Down the road, Broughton hopes to set up a storefront, pos-
sibly in the Historic Millwork District, where Tour Dubuque
can both rent and sell the motorized Trikkes. "We're kind
of hoping that it becomes a vehicle that people that live
in the urban part of Dubuque would adapt (to using) other
than cars," he said. Tour Dubuque might add other, more
specialized tours.
Broughton got the idea for the Trikke -based Tour Dubuque
while on vacation. "Last summer we went to Chicago and
we were walking around in Grant Park down by Bucking-
ham Fountain and we saw Segways going around," he said.
"So I went up to a guy and asked where he got the Segway.
He handed me a card for Steve's Segway Tours. We called
up Steve and we were just expecting someone to lead us
around, but they told the story of Buckingham Fountain,
Millennium Park, Soldier Field, and some of the architecture
Other ideas for the future include the
possibility of mounting an iPad on
each scooter, which could provide
additional historical information and
even photos of an existing build-
ing or location from an earlier time.
"Maybe you could see it in the 1830s,
1850s, mid -19th century," he specu-
lated. "We're real excited about
being able to tell not only the history
but relating it to the contemporary."
Broughton first became familiar with
Dubuque when began commuting
from Davenport to work at IBM when
it first opened. After getting to know
the city and with experience in property management, he
began to look for an opportunity to live here and utilize
his experience. "I had been to Dubuque a lot and really
liked the city, the architecture, the landscape."
Finding suitable properties in which to invest gave
Broughton an opportunity to move to Dubuque and
become part of a progressive community. "It's really kind
of an inspiration to come here, to live here, to grow with
IBM, to grow with the community, to be in a place that is
thriving," he said. "I think that's great." 90154, Zoi z°
www.Dubuque365.com