Pedicabs Lobby Council to Re-Think Laws

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Pedicab drivers and owners are trying to convince the City Council to re-think a law it passed last spring. New regulations, which would limit the number of the for hire bicycle taxis to 325, take effect next month with specifics on how to apply for a license expected this week.

REPORTER: The Council overrode Mayor Bloomberg's veto of the bill and some critics say the law passed because of the influence of the taxi industry. Drivers, like Melissa Van Ludwig, welcome regulation, but say this law goes to far.

VAN LUDWIG: We feel that it's not possible, we do have the mayor as our number one supporter and fingers crossed more council members will realize that this is just an outrage and that half the pedicabs will go out of business.

REPORTER: The new law would also require pedicabs to have insurance and prevents them from driving in bike lanes, in city parks and on bridges.

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