Noob recumbent / HPV questions

Yep! Most of us still use Facebook. Our little group is moderated so it’s pretty safe regardless of what Mr Zuckerberg does. 

I’ve never seen a Velodreamer in the flesh. Looks ok but the link is from 2019 so I doubt it ever took off. 

I always think something like a Kingcycle is a good way to start, rather than a machine with tiller steering. 

It sounds like you need a Velomobile really. The Quattrovelo was the only mass produced 4 wheeler I’m aware of and I think it’s just gone out of production. 

There are no commercially available 2 seaters that I’m aware of so it would have to be a DIY job. 

You’ll usually find a few velomobiles you can have a look at if you come along to any BHPC event. 

The worry the other half has is that velomobiles are so low to the ground, we'd get squished. I can see the point, given it's urban riding in a town that's unused to (even) cyclists.

The high position was one reason I liked the look of the Columbo, and was wondering if there's anything equivalent as a two-seater.

Even wondered if two independent recumbents could be joined (separably) by some bars, like rafting two canoes to make a catamaran.

Being low is something people without recumbent experience worry about for the wrong reasons.  It doesn't make you invisible (indeed, riding something weird more than makes up for it in terms of drivers paying attention), but it does put you in the full glare of dipped-beam headlights and means you get sprayed with mud/water by passing vehicles.