NEW ORLEANS(WGNO)– As a part of a new series, News with a Twist reporter, Meghan Kluth, is exploring different quintessential New Orleans jobs. One of the more underrated professions in town is the pedicab driver.
Their job requires strength, and personality. As Robby Brennan, freelance actor and pedicab driver put it, “I’ve heard some people say, ‘oh, I’m a professional athlete, I’m a pedicab driver…’ you sort of are.”
In the day of the life of a pedicab driver you consume a lot of protein to get you through your shift, while maintaining the mindset that you must entertain customers to get them aboard. “There’s a lot of facets to the job. You’re not just a taxi driver; you’re a host, an ambassador to the city of New Orleans” explained Robby. Some drivers work up to 6 days a week , Robby calls those the “deisle drivers” and claims they have to be a little crazy to survive that many shifts a week.
Aside from halving calves of steel and a solid understanding of New Orleans history, most pedicab drivers also have second jobs. They work as entertainers, singers, and actors in other realms of their life. So next time you’re on the back of a pedicab, just remember you may be riding along with a future Oscar winner, giving you a sample performance.
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