If you live in the Midtown or Downtown areas, you've likely seen a polka-dotted cycle rickshaw around town lately. Chances are it was a Velocab, a part-engine, part-human-powered vehicle that serves as a taxi for one to three people.

In a recent Sacramento Press article, Velocab owner Marc Christensen mentioned several historic spots accessible by a short bike ride. The following is a photo essay that captures a glimpse of what one might view on one of these rides, which takes less than two hours:


Pictured: a Velocab, a zero-emissions taxi.


Above: The Sacramento Press began its Velocab tour near the Amtrak station. It proceeded underneath the highway and into Old Sacramento.


Photograph: The California State Railroad Museum is one of many museums in Old Sacramento. Others include the Sacramento History Museum, The Wells Fargo History Museum, The California Military Museum and the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum.


Foreground: in Old Sacramento toward the riverfront, signs for the California Steam Navigation Company and the Delta King in the foreground. Background: the Ziggurat Building in West Sacramento.


Pictured: An old Victorian-style house near 17th and Capitol.


Above: The State Capitol building shows Neoclassical-style architecture.


Photograph: the firefighters' memorial is one of the many memorials among the points of interest on the grounds outside the Capitol.


Above: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, established around 1840.



Pictured: Velocab owner Marc Christensen lays in the shade, taking a break from pedaling and the summer heat.

Tours take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They can be arranged by calling (916) 498-9980. A 90 to 120-minute tour costs $36 per cab and a one-hour tour costs $28 per cab.

Photographs credit Jonathan Mendick and Greg Majewski