The City Council is poised to put the brakes on New York's freewheeling pedicabs, prompting hundreds of their drivers to say the regulations would devastate a pollution-free way to get around town.
"They say we are causing traffic congestion," said pedicab driver Mega Martinez, 43, at a protest Tuesday. "How can that be? We are the only ones who can get around the traffic."
The package of restrictions includes licensing and insurance requirements, training for drivers, and regular safety inspections for the pedicabs. But what is eliciting the most controversy is a cap that would limit the total number of pedicabs to 300. An estimated 500 pedicabs now populate the streets.
Hotel and theater owners have complained that pedicabs block curbside access to their establishments and exacerbate traffic. Two community boards have asked that pedicabs be banned outright from their districts.
But the curbs could hurt an industry that advocates say is helping the environment.
"To reduce the number of pedicabs while making statements about protecting the environment is just hypocritical," said Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. "Most cities are capping greenhouses emissions and encouraging other modes of transportation. With these restrictions on pedicabs, New York is doing the opposite."
Councilman Leroy G. Comrie Jr. (D-Queens) defended the proposed regulations yesterday, saying pedicab owners have made clear that they want to operate within a legal framework. As a regulated industry, the owners would be able to purchase insurance at far more reasonable rates than many pay now.
"This bill represents the best efforts of all parties to create definitive regulations for an industry that wants it," Comrie said. "We already limit the number of taxis, buses and horses. This is just a number-driven town."
In addition to capping the number of pedicabs at 300, the City Council bill would completely ban those pedicabs that use electric-assist motors. While most of these motors use less power than a hair dryer, Comrie said the council considers them motor vehicles, subject to state laws.
A vote on the pedicab regulations is scheduled for Feb. 28.
