Canadian pedal car gets its day in court
In early February we told you about a 1986 Buick Regal that had been gutted like a fish by Montreal-based artist Michel de Broin and had all its various mechanical bits replaced with a four-person pedal propulsion system. Basically, four passengers in the car each got their own set of bicycle-like pedals and together they could power the car up to a top speed of 15 km/h. Dubbed the "Shared Propulsion Car", de Broin's creation got a chilly reception from Canadian authorities who ticketed its driver(s) for operating an unsafe vehicle. Sure, it's powered by humans, uses actual hand brakes from a bicycle and has tea light candles instead of headlights, but is it less safe than an amish buggy or a rickshaw? That was just one of the arguments used by legal defender Terry Fox in court to defend the car against the Crown, which actually argued that the car was dangerous because it was carrying lit candles. Needless to say, the courtroom had a good chuckle and the Justice of the Peace presiding dismissed the case. Long live crazy car contraptions and God save the Queen! Thanks for the tip, Bam!
[Source: The Star]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mcheddadi 3:41PM (4/04/2008)
candles...lol
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Jeff 3:58PM (4/04/2008)
You couldn't have written this any better!
From the guy having gotten his license the day before, to the posse of bicycle cops going by, to the trial and the amish buggy and connection, and even down to the lawyer being named Terry Fox (one legged Canadian icon). Just hilarious. :)
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Ben 4:01PM (4/04/2008)
LOL at the bike cops watching the pedal car. =]
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cowboy bob 4:21PM (4/04/2008)
Actually, there is some validity to the danger aspect. Since most people, at a glance, perhaps would mistake this for a functioning automobile, there could be confusion at intersections, boulevard speeds, and general "mingling" with motorized autos. Getting rammed in the but in this contraption due to slow response issues is a real possibility. Airbags? Hmmmmmmm.
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Brad2CV 4:38PM (4/04/2008)
they should write a citation for having it's high beams on :)
Rocketboy 3:16PM (4/05/2008)
I'm with you on that. has the apperance of a full car, taking a full lane, and with candles for headlights, I'm guessing that there's no break lights. Fines and time are out of the question, as this was nothing but a stupid stunt, but a few hours cleaning up a road would be a fitting punishment.
Vili 5:06PM (4/04/2008)
I'm not your buddy, friend!
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Will 8:06PM (4/05/2008)
I'm not your friend, guy!
BassClef 6:55PM (4/06/2008)
I'm not your guy, buddy!
Pat 5:29PM (4/04/2008)
"Long live crazy car contraptions and God save the Queen! "
You do know that saying God save the Queen to a Quebecker is the equivalent to saying "In God We Trust" to Irakis ... (with a slight exageration)
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Andrew 10:37AM (4/07/2008)
Yeah, the Qubcois probably don't like the Queen as head of state.
But the Iraqis trust in God every day! As in: "I hope am still alive tomorrow, Inshallah" (God Willing).
Jimbo 1:57AM (4/05/2008)
they should really take this thing to london and see if theyre made to pay the congestion charge. i wouldnt be the least bit surprised...
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Jeremy B 5:31PM (4/08/2008)
Talk about a waste of time and a classic vehicle!
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