Recent News
Chariots of Philly won "Philly Green Innovator" at Greenfest Philly on September 10, 2011. The award is given by the Clean Air Council and SCA to the organization that won the most votes at Greenfest Philly out of 8 businesses and organizations that exemplify new and creative products, services, or ideas that promote sustainability.It was great to participate with:
Bario-Neal Jewelry
Buttonwood Barrels
Auto-Port Vehicle to Grid Project
Common Market
Native Return
Philly Cowshare
Sustainable 19125
History
Charioteers Bruce, Leia and Kasia get ready to hit the streets of Philly
Chariots of Philly was originally founded in 2003 by Philadelphian Ben Dambman. His younger brother, Tom, later joined the business. From 2003 to 2006, we operated exclusively in Manayunk, a popular area in Northwest Philadelphia known for its shopping, restaurants, and night life.
In 2006, after trying to expand services to Center City, bikecabs were banned from Philadelphia, including Manayunk, due to the non-existence of any regulations or licenses.
Chariots of Philly thus became Chariots of Avalon, and operated in the shore town of Avalon, NJ from 2006 to 2009.
But our hearts were always in Philly. As life long residents, we didn't want to pack up and move to another city as other businesses have done, so we spent four years lobbying Philadelphia City Council to create and approve an ordinance regulating the bikecab industry. After several years of hard work, and with the help of many friends and associates, bikecabs were licensed and legally hit the streets of Philly on May 29, 2010.
In 2006, after trying to expand services to Center City, bikecabs were banned from Philadelphia, including Manayunk, due to the non-existence of any regulations or licenses.
Chariots of Philly thus became Chariots of Avalon, and operated in the shore town of Avalon, NJ from 2006 to 2009.
But our hearts were always in Philly. As life long residents, we didn't want to pack up and move to another city as other businesses have done, so we spent four years lobbying Philadelphia City Council to create and approve an ordinance regulating the bikecab industry. After several years of hard work, and with the help of many friends and associates, bikecabs were licensed and legally hit the streets of Philly on May 29, 2010.
Getting Involved
Ben Dambman pulls 3 kids battling cancer across the finish line at the Livestrong Challenge 2008
Chariots of Philly volunteers at several annual charity and non-profit events, including:
• Livestrong Challenge (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
• Barbera Cook's Run•Ride•Walk for Cancer (2009)
• Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's Bike Freedom Valley (2008, 2009, 2010)
• Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's Bike Philly (2009)
• Livestrong Challenge (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
• Barbera Cook's Run•Ride•Walk for Cancer (2009)
• Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's Bike Freedom Valley (2008, 2009, 2010)
• Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's Bike Philly (2009)
