Jun 16, 2009 6:07 am US/Eastern
NYC Makes Deal On Bicycle-Taxi Rules After Dispute
New Regulations Would Improve Safety Standards, Impose Licensing Requirements
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Changes are coming to the bicycle taxicab industry, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposes new legislation that is supposed to give passengers a safer ride.
Changes are coming to the bicycle taxicab industry, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposes new legislation that is supposed to give passengers a safer ride.
When you grab a seat in a pedicab, you are putting more than just transportation in the driver's hands – you are also entrusting him with your safety.
"We have a lot of new drivers that are not knowing what they are doing and driving reckless on the street," driver Michael Antonello says.
Last week, a pedicab driver and one of his passengers were seriously injured when he rode over the Williamsburg Bridge and crashed into a yellow cab. Pedicabs are not supposed to ride over bridges, but with regulations and the law in limbo, peddlers have been allowed to do as they please – until now.
"The accident gave impetus to solving the problem," Mayor Bloomberg said. "We are going to make sure there are new rules."
Mayor Bloomberg, Consumer Affairs, and Councilwoman Christine Quinn have agreed on new bill which would require pedicabs to have headlights, taillights, seatbelts and weather-proof brakes.
The law would also require pedicab owners to carry insurance, and to also pass a vigorous safety inspection, in order to get a license.
The pact was announced Sunday. Legislation formalizing it is expected soon.
The agreement comes after a judge struck down regulations arising from a 2007 effort to cap the number of bicycle taxis at 325, paring a fleet that had been estimated at 600.
"It's going to take those pedicabs that are safe and keep them on the streets, and those pedicabs that are not safe and drive them off the street," Chad Marlow, attorney for the NYC Pedicab Owners' Association, says.
In fact, the pedicab drivers who spoke to CBS 2 say they welcome the new regulations.
"I think it's long overdo," Raul Portillo says. "When things settle down, I think it will be a much better industry for everybody – the pedicabbers and the civilian section."
"The number of bikers will decrease," Sergey Patrkeev says. "I think it's a good idea."
Less drivers means more business for those with licenses. Once passed, pedicab owners will have 60 days to register.
The law would also require that fares be posted on the pedicabs.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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