FLUSHING, N.Y.—The Queens Zoo is continuing its commitment to protecting the environment—this time through pedal power. The zoo has replaced gasoline-powered golf carts with heavy-duty human powered tricycles to transport equipment and animal food and supplies throughout the 11-acre facility. This eco-friendly move not only improves the environment by releasing no carbon emissions, but also the zoo budget, as the cost of maintaining these fuel-free bikes is far less than that of the carts. The zoo expects to save significantly on fuel costs.
The cycles are from Worksman Cycles, an eco-friendly company based in Ozone Park, Queens, that manufactures zero-carbon footprint cycles in a solar-powered production facility. The company is actually the oldest bicycle manufacturer in the United States and its industrial tricycles and bicycles are used around the world by leading companies and organizations.
“Its wonderful to see our cycles in use at the zoo, right here in our own backyard,” said Wayne Sosin, president of Worksman Cycles. “What better environment than an eco-friendly zoo to demonstrate the benefits of no fuel, no fume vehicles.”
Zoo officials are excited not only about the green benefits of using the tricycles, but working with and helping a local business. “We’re hoping our use of bicycles will set a precedent for other institutions to do the same,” said Dr. Scott Silver, director of the Queens Zoo. “We’re also really excited about partnering with a business in the community that shares our motivation to help preserve and protect the environment.”
The zoo has two cycles, each constructed with three wheels that allow for one person to ride at a time. Both have a cart attached to the back that can hold items such as buckets, tools, and other small- to medium-sized items. Zoo staff will still keep motorized carts handy for transporting items that are too large or heavy for the bikes to handle.
Go to Worksman Cycles.
