Legislation To Regulate Pedicabs

By: NY1 News

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said Sunday they've come to an agreement on a new bill to regulate pedicabs that owners support.

Quinn will introduce the pedicab legislation in two weeks, which the mayor says he will sign.

The legislation will give owners a 60-day window in which they must license all commercial pedal taxis, requires them to post rates and to pass safety inspections on tail lights, headlights, seatbelts and brakes, and addresses concerns like accidents.

"I think some drivers will lose work, because a lot of bikes are in really bad condition," said one driver. "For me it's good because I've got everything, the blinkers, the seat belts, the best bike, the best driver."

Just last week, a pedicab coming off the Williamsburg Bridge hit a taxi cab – injuring two people. The new city law requires the pedicab to have insurance to cover drivers and riders.

"I feel safe with the way they are now, but if they need to have the blinkers or the safety belts, so be it," said a pedicab rider. "I mean, I understand that. Safety is first."

After years of being at odds with the city over licensing, the Pedicab Owners Association says it will endorse the new plan.

"The Mayor and the Speaker's pedicab law amendment will allow only the safest pedicabs to operate on the streets of New York, and will drive those who place profits ahead of safety out of business for good," said the POA in a statement.