Turning heads while turning wheels

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Amongst the everyday soundtrack of the city comes a new tune. One that's all about finding just the right "pitch".

"Definitely gets people's attention," says Sinclair student Brandy Rigsby of the new advertising vehicle that also plays an audio message.

Robert Weyrauch is making all those noises from his bike without the help of a card in the spokes.

He's pushing the limits of advertising in Dayton or more like pedaling past them.

"I always had a passion for marketing and advertising and I'm a cyclist so I wanted to merge my two passions and do something I love," Robert says.

Robert hit the road in October with his company, Pedaling Promotions. He's basically a bicyclist with a billboard on the back.   

"Part of the problem with today's advertising is it's becoming ignored," Robert says. "People are passing billboards and not paying attention to them."

But pass Robert and it's hard not to pay attention.

"Some people laugh and look at him funny," says Sinclair student Robert Rigsby. "They're not used to seeing something like that."

Not only can Robert blare an advertisement from the bike's speakers, but this is one billboard that will talk back to you. Robert will stop and pitch his client, currently Nationwide Solutions Tax Service.

But Robert does get questions about more than just what he's advertising.

"A lot of them want a ride or want one themselves," Robert says.

Since he started, Robert's been riding in all kinds of weather.

But there is one thing that can cause him to park his bike.

"It doesn't do very well on the wind," Robert says. "We've been out in 20-25 miles per hour and it makes it quite a challenge. A lot of resistance to the ride."

In all, Robert spends about five hours a day in the saddle, navigating his way through traffic.

"It is nice to have the bike lanes," Robert says.

Soon you may see more of his pedal pushing. He has two other bikes and is looking to hire some help.

From the sounds of it, his is a business on the right path.

"It's wonderful," Robert says. "It's very exciting. We get a lot of appreciation from the community. A lot of thumbs up. A lot of people out seeing what I'm doing and enjoying it."