Q&A: Meet the Trolley Tap

Come July, a new business will be pedaling its way through downtown Lafayette: a classic trolley with ten seats, ten sets of pedals, a bench and sleek bar table.

DaAsia Johnson and William Clay, co-owners and drivers, said they aim to “provide a group experience, combining a childhood pastime with a tour around downtown using an electric pedal bike.”

They're excited to bring their passion project to life in the greater Lafayette area.

Beginning July 12, the Trolley Tap will take bookings for rides from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

We spoke to Clay and Johnson about their business’ backstory, plans for the future and their upcoming opening. Here’s our conversation, edited for length and clarity.

Are you from the Greater Lafayette area?

Clay

No, I’m from Indianapolis.

Johnson

I’m also from Indianapolis.

Clay

I visited a lot because I have family down there, and I have a lot of friends that also went to Purdue. So, I’ve been down there for summers and things like that.

Why did you choose the Greater Lafayette area for this business?

Johnson

Just that college atmosphere mixed with the community. (We thought) that would be a good area to bring something to life.

Clay

We wanted to grasp the city as it is. Of course it’s smaller, but it’s really big in culture and there’s always a lot of different things going on, whether that’s seasonal, whether that’s sports whether that’s city things like farmers market Saturdays. So, just adding something new and also big to that culture.

Johnson

That in addition to spacing. People want to move around on their bike while there’s a food and bar area. So, just a lot of places to be able to explore with our tour, have some fun.

How would you describe the Trolley Tap?

Clay

So, the Trolley Tap is an experience that you and your friends can do or you by yourself can do to get that community feel of vibing with the city and its surroundings, restaurants, the culture, the people outside and interact with them. Also doing that while you enjoy the drink of your choice, as long as it’s not glass bottles. Having that camaraderie and bridging the gap between two communities.

Johnson

Not only that—it will bring together organizations if they wanted hosting (opportunities), they can do that. Oh, and birthday parties. Anything like that. We have the music. You want us to provide the music; we can do that. You want to provide the music; you can do that. You can have food on there. It’s just a safe space for the community to come in and have fun.

In your Instagram bio, you have the phrase “combining childhood pastime with a tour.” What does that mean to you?

Clay

Can I ask you a question? What is something you will never forget how to do once you learn? (Riding a bike). It is a pastime that gives me nostalgia for being free in the world and being able to travel through multiple neighborhoods…when times were a lot simpler, more naive and more outdoorsy.

Johnson

Like you said, bringing the community together. And don’t worry if you get tired the whole time. We will have some assist there to get you around.

Will this activity be for ages 21 and up?

Johnson

So, we don’t serve the alcohol. We provide transportation and then of course we have the music.

Clay

Yes and no to your question. If you would like to be drinking alcohol on our bikes we will be checking all IDs. However, there will be times where people above the age 18 (can be there). At least there will be times specifically for 18-year-old groups and things of that nature. Eighteen is the cutoff, but 21 is the cutoff to have alcohol.

Do you have fun ideas or events planned so far?

Johnson

Specifically, just during the weeks maybe like 18 and up karaoke nights, trying to treat you with the popular food places in the areas, and just collaborating with them. Maybe we can start there. I know we’ve had some other ideas as far as celebrations for any popular holidays.

Clay

I will say my dream collaboration, although it’s not directly with the city, is Purdue University. My dream collaboration would be during Grand Prix weekend and doing some type of bike race events on our bikes with the community, so they can also participate. You know, kind of getting into that culture. That’s my dream,

Will the Trolley Tap expand its route outside of downtown?

Clay

We’re pleased the city of Lafayette wants us downtown and the closer to campus. We’re specifically here for the Greater Lafayette, so both sides—West Lafayette and downtown Lafayette.

How can people stay updated on the Trolley Tap?

Clay

Instagram, Instagram, Instagram.