Pedibus: Is Denver (and Dan Maes) ready for the next pedal-powered revolution?

Denver is ground zero for pedal-powered programs, from its flourishing pedicab scene to B-cycle, the city's innovative bike-sharing program that's drawn the ire of Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Maes. But is it ready for the next step in gear-and-chain conveyance that's turning heads across the pond -- the pedibus?

The pedibus operates just like it sounds: A bunch of folks sit on a big, metal platform and pedal themselves around town. The London company behind it has been using the quirky invention for city tours, wine tasting events and, since this is jolly ol' England, lots of pub crawls.

Could Denver be the pedibus' next stop? On one hand, local bicyclers do like to socialize, as evidenced from our insanely popular weekly Denver Cruisers rides. So it may not be too much of a stretch to imagine a bunch of revelers enjoying a few microbrews together while powering the pedicab from one LoDo bar to the next.

On the other hand, the whole thing may just be a bit too much of a throwback to Flintstones cars to really make a splash around here.

Of course, the most important question of all is what would Mr. Maes think of it? A British contraption where people all have to bike -- together? United Nations, here we come.