Front Street Pedal Pub Brings Party Bike Tours to Cuyahoga Falls

Playing high-energy music and flashing LED lights, the new Front Street Pedal Pub is hard to miss as it makes its way through Cuyahoga Falls.

“A lot of people wave at us,” says co-owner Armand DiDonato. “It’s kind of contagious — people see us having a good time, and our passengers having a good time, and they light up, their faces light up, and they’re not even on the bike. So, it’s been super cool to see the reaction from the city.”

An open-air multi-person bike vehicle, the Pedal Pub is centered around a bar and lined with barstools — each complete with a set of foot pedals. Passengers can pedal to help power the vehicle, which is equipped with an electric assist system, as they enjoy outdoor bring-your-own wine and beer, as well as music — all with an ever-changing scenic backdrop.

“You get to see different aspects of the city,” Armand says of traveling on the Pedal Pub, which runs two-hour tours with stops. It travels from around HiHo Brewing Co. to around Moe’s Restaurant, spanning an about 1-mile stretch. “You see different business types, landscapes, you see different groups of people out and about.”

Armand and his wife, Nikki, first got the idea for the pub after riding a similar party bike at Oktoberfest in Cincinnati.

“It was very interactive, you’re very close and intimate with a group of people, the music playing — it kind of feels like a party bus,” Armand says. “We just had pure fun and didn’t really even look at our phones.”

The couple thought a similar business would be great for Front Street.

“I said, You know what? Just for kicks of it, I’m gonna ask the city if it’d be something they would entertain or allow us to do,” Armand recalls. “They were super excited about the idea, so we just kept taking those next steps. … The city’s done a great job with the downtown here, so we just thought it would be added fun to the area.”

Front Street Pedal Pub opened for business in early June. Now, private rides, in which the entire Pedal Pub is rented out, are available — as well as public ones, in which single customers or small groups of riders can join others for a spin. It operates rain or shine, except for during inclement weather.

“The canopy is covered, and even in the wintertime, we bought clear curtains that’s gonna wrap around the bike, and we’ll have heaters in the middle of it, so that way we’ll try to do some Christmas-themed stuff,” Armand says.

Up to 14 riders — the bike has 10 pedaling seats and four non-pedaling ones — can also choose to hop off, usually at two points of interest, to grab DORA drinks. One popular stop takes riders near Burntwood Tavern, allowing them to choose from options also including Cashmere Cricket and the Workz. Other stops include Tiki Underground and HiHo Brewing Co. Kids will love a spot behind Pav’s Creamery, where they can also patronize Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop and Metropolis Popcorn.

“Some of them have done little partnerships with us,” Nikki notes. “HiHo, they do $1 off your first pint when you come in. We have wristbands, and Tiki does $1 off of drinks.”

The Pedal Pub is a perfect choice for those celebrating birthdays, graduations, bachelorette parties and more. On private rides, guests can choose their music.

“People love to do karaoke,” Nikki says. “Get a fun group of people, and it kind of makes its own fun. … Get a good playlist ready and then just be ready to have a good time.”

Pickup and drop-off: Sheraton Suites, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-236-3870, frontstreetpedalpub.com