Nov 20, 2009 8:28 pm US/Eastern
NYC Pedicab Drivers Under Gun To Get Licensed
If Friday's Deadline Is Not Met, Those Hoping To Bike-Taxi Others Will Have To Wait At Least 18 Months
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Changes are coming to the bicycle taxicab industry, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed new legislation that is supposed to give passengers a safer ride.
It's deadline day for hundreds of pedicab drivers. New York City is forcing them to get a license.
If they aren't registered, they're out of business.
While pedicabs were out with their fares on Friday afternoon, some of the vehicle owners were beating the deadline to get them registered.
"I think it's logical. Logical and useful," one driver said.
As of Friday afternoon, the owners of 844 pedicabs had applied for licenses with the Consumer Affairs Commission.
And In order for one of the rickshaws to be licensed, it must first be inspected, not unlike a car.
The licensing, which costs $110 for the first vehicle and $60 for each thereafter, is all about safety, according to the Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz.
"That means that we check to make sure all pedicabs are insured," Mintz said. "We're checking brakes, lights, check all safety equipments so they're good to go."
Gregg Zukowski is president of a Pedicab Owners' Association.
"We're fundamentally thrilled that this is occurring," Zukowski said. "You know, brakes are checked, seat belts standard. There's the DCA phone line you can call."
It's no surprise that passengers favor the regulations, which require a decal displayed in front.
"I would rather, were a child on, if my child was on here with me, having it licensed was good," tourist Natalie Fry.
Friday was actually a double deadline. After Friday, not only must pedicabs be licensed, but no additional licenses will be issued for the next 18 months.
While there's now a cap on the number of pedicab licenses, there is no limit on the number of people who can obtain licenses to operate the rickshaws.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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