This is the "pedal pub" that Railside Rides owns. (Courtesy photo)
GRAND ISLAND – The owner of Railside Rides will now be able to serve alcohol on its “pedal pub” after the Grand Island City Council unanimously amended a city code.
Mari Boehler of Grand Island owns Railside Rides. The business uses a 14-passenger “pedal pub” and was started in May.
Railside Rides has been able to operate but has not been able to serve alcohol aboard the “pedal pub” in downtown Grand Island.
Common events for rides have included everything from children’s birthday parties to visiting sculpture sites, Boehler said.
“We’re not just for (serving) alcohol,” Boehler said. Railside Rides has had everyone from children to grandparents riding on the “pedal pub.”
Boehler has a Class Q liquor license, according to a memo from City Attorney Kari Fisk to the Grand Island City Council.
“This vehicle and license permits the holder of the license to vend alcohol directly on the pedal pub either while parked or while operational on a city street,” Fisk wrote. “The proposed change would permit up to one hour of parking by permitted street vendors so long as they do not park in one location for longer than one hour and so long as their entire vehicle and all associated operations can be contained to a single standard parking spot.’
Boehler said that the “pedal pub” is staffed with a driver and a host who handles the alcohol vending and monitors consumption rates.
“We’re all about fun. We just need it to be safe,” Boehler said.
People on the “pedal pub” either can choose to pedal (like on a bicycle) or have the vehicle operate by solar power.
Boehler said that her business likes to help non-profit agencies. There are stickers on the “pedal pub” that promote making a donation.
City Council Member Ryan O’Neill said that he attends Railside District meetings. The group is supportive of Boehler’s situation.
City Council President Jack Sheard said, “I think it’s a cool idea.” He has seen “pedal pubs” in Hastings and other towns.
Boehler said that this message was sent Nov. 4 to thank people for their support of her business:
“Railside Rides is a group ride experience designed to bring 14 people together and showcase what downtown Grand Island has to offer! We host everything from kids’ birthday rides to sculpture sightings along downtown Railside, and we love to highlight hidden gem businesses that people might otherwise overlook. We’ve also hosted scavenger hunts and team building rides for local organizations and businesses— and plan to do even more community activities downtown to support local nonprofits, like the event we did for Big Brothers Big Sisters. It’s amazing what you can do with nothing more than a bike and our beautiful downtown!”
“While we’re thrilled to now allow alcohol on board thanks to City Council’s approval, our goal has never been to build a business around just drinking. Railside Rides is about creating something our entire community can enjoy- from children to grandparents as we say- a fun, social, and meaningful way to experience Grand Island, support local and making lasting memories together.”
“We want to extend a big, heartfelt thank you to Railside itself for helping us jump hurdles and supporting us along the way- especially Amos Anson, for making the extra phone calls and sharing his wealth of knowledge. We are so grateful to the City for working side by side with us, to the State Patrol and Grand Island Police Department for partnering with us to keep the fun-within safe limits, to the City Council for their trust and approval- especially Mitch Nickerson whom I first bounced the idea off of at the end of 2023. It truly takes a community and we’re proud to be part of this one!”
Railside Rides has a Facebook page named “Railside Rides.”
