May 4, 2009 7:58 pm US/Eastern
NYPD Cracking Down On Dangerous Pedicab Drivers
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
They're a big attraction for tourists, but now police are going after pedicab drivers who break traffic laws.
They're a familiar part of the New York City landscape, and offer a fun alternative to taking a taxi.
But to some, they're just dangerous.
"They're the worst things in the world – they don't care about people," Bay Ridge resident Ernesto Buscos says. "They just run over and cross lights, they don't care about pedestrians."
"They're in and out of traffic, they have no regard for pedestrians," Queens resident Randall Schmidt says. "They'll pick up anyone for a dollar."
Now, in response to those complaints, the New York Police Department says that cops are on the lookout for reckless pedicab drivers who break traffic laws.
The NYPD stepped up law enforcement on pedicabs this weekend, and some drivers say they're already feeling the heat.
"There's more enforcement, specifically on us," pedicab driver Frankie Legarreta said. "It's like they're keeping an eye on us right around the park."
In front of Central Park, CBS 2 saw two Parks and Recreation enforcement officers stopping a pedicab driver, but no one involved wanted to speak on camera.
Gregg Zukowski, president of the New York City Pedicab Association, says there are some bad apples out there, and they should be dealt with.
"We're encouraging enforcement of the laws on the books., it's a simple as that," Zukowski says. "We want to have a better service for our customers, a better service for people in the park."
Pedicab drivers – you are now on notice.
The NYPD would not say how long the increased pedicab enforcement program will last.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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