COEUR d'ALENE — After graduating high school this month, it didn't take Maxwell Evans much time before putting the pedal to the metal on his entrepreneurial aspirations.

Evans, 18, graduated from Lake City High School and told The Press Tuesday he was discussing potential endeavors with his father when the idea of a pedicab business came up, prompting the teen to do some research. The tricycle-style, human-powered vehicles that can carry two adult passengers had operated successfully in Coeur d'Alene about six years ago, Evans learned, and that was all he needed to know before Cycle Cab CDA was born.

"I really want this business to excel," Evans told The Press. "This will be a great addition to the city — kids and families love taking pedicab rides during the summer."

Evans was able to purchase two pedicabs from the previous operator in downtown Coeur d'Alene, and said he hopes to be able to begin operating them at the beginning of July through the end of the peak tourist season in September.

"Our goal is to have the pedicabs in use at least four days a week — Thursday through Sunday," Evans wrote in a business proposal to city officials. "On weekdays, between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. If the demand for our service increases, our operational hours may expand."

Individuals wishing to use the service will not be charged for transport to and from downtown Coeur d'Alene locations, but tips will be accepted. Evans said the company will shuttle people, as well as provide tours of the city to those interested.

Cycle Cab CDA will not be hiring traditional employees to pedal its two-pedicab fleet, Evans added. Instead, the company will sub-contract to individuals, who will either pay a percentage of their tip revenue for the day, or pay a flat fee prior to taking the vehicle out.

"It depends on who wants to ride for me," Evans said. "I hope to have quite the team of people who are willing to do this."

All of the operators, Evans added, have to have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age. Cycle Cab CDA will train every operator, he said, to operate the vehicle safely.

Evans wrote in his business proposal to the city that he does not feel the company will negatively impact downtown traffic flow. Operators, he wrote, will more than likely not be able to reach or maintain speeds of 25 mph, which is the speed limit on most of the streets where they will be working.

"When available, we will use bike lanes or the Centennial Trail," Evans wrote. "Our operators will make every attempt to avoid lanes of traffic while the passengers board or leave."

On Monday, the Coeur d'Alene Public Works Committee sent a letter of agreement with Cycle Cab CDA  to the city council, with a recommendation that the agreement be approved during its next meeting on July 5. Renata McLeod, city clerk, told The Press the agreement allows Evans to operate the pedicabs on city streets and trails, with Cycle Cab CDA agreeing to comply with all city laws for slow-moving vehicles in exchange.

"It helps congestion during big events downtown," McLeod said. "You can park anywhere and take a pedicab down to the event, that's the big draw of it."

The letter of agreement has been scheduled for a council vote in its consent calendar, meaning no additional discussion on the topic is expected.

Maxwell Evans is the son of Coeur d'Alene City Councilor Amy Evans. The issue has not gone before Evans at the committee level, and she said she will recuse herself from voting on the pedicabs at Tuesday's council meeting.