Michael Heagerty plans to ride down the middle of South Salina Street this St. Patrick’s Day, as he debuts Syracuse’s first pedal-powered pub.

Heagerty partnered with longtime friend Michael Giannattasio to create “The BIG Yellow Fellow,” Syracuse’s first mobile pub, about a month ago. The design of the vehicle is inspired by the historic “Yellow Fellow” bike, which was manufactured in Syracuse during the late 19th century. They are almost ready for fabrication, but are still looking for funding before they can begin, Heagerty said.

Heagerty was first introduced the mobile pub idea by friends and community members who thought he would be interested, he said. Heagerty is the founder of the tour company NOexcuses and is known around Syracuse for his entrepreneurial spirit.

At first, he said he did not think the timing was right for the project and he wanted to focus on his tour company. However, Heagerty soon decided he did not want to let the opportunity slip by while other cities took advantage.

He brought the idea to Giannattasio, who worked with Heagerty to develop “The BIG Yellow Fellow” concept. Giannattasio is the director of the SALT Makerspace in Syracuse and is an independent fabricator.

The pair was inspired by research Heagerty did on the E.C. Stearns Bicycle Agency and bike racks designed by Giannattasio, which were modeled after Stearns’ bikes, Giannattasio said.

Heagerty said they modeled the mobile pub after the “Yellow Fellow,” the most famous bike Stearns manufactured, because he wanted something particular to Syracuse.

The pair then began to consider the technical aspects of the vehicle’s design. Heagerty said he knew he wanted something custom-made that would be different from what any other city had.

The seats of the mobile pub will be versions of the seat and pedals of the “Yellow Fellow,” with the added comfort of seatbacks. It will have room for up to 16 passengers, who will operate the vehicle by pedaling, and a driver in the center to steer. It will also be wheelchair-friendly.

Another custom feature of “The BIG Yellow Fellow” will be its rollback awning. Giannattasio said it was important to them to have a removable awning so that riders can enjoy the architectural history of Syracuse.

Giannattasio said the vehicle could take anywhere from one to three months to fabricate, depending on any problems that may develop and other projects that may take priority.

Once the project is funded, however, Heagerty said they plan to start fabrication immediately. He said they are close to this goal because of two large private donations from businesses whose names he did not want to disclose.

Heagerty said he hopes to partner with more businesses once they get the bike produced. He envisions exercise clubs renting it out for spin classes, restaurants having progressive dinners on it and bringing it to local marathons and parades, he said.

“Everyone else just does two-hour tours around town and drinking,” Heagerty said. “I have a greater vision for it.”

Giannattasio said he hopes the new attraction will put more people at ease with coming downtown to appreciate the culture, food and architecture of central New York.

Said Heagerty: “Syracuse needs to stay on the cusp to keep up momentum so they can move forward as a community.”

Published on December 7, 2015 at 8:59 pm

Contact Delaney: dovanwey@syr.edu