Tackling Pedicab Reform in the West 50s
Spend any time in the area of Central Park South and it will be clear that we must do more to make pedicabs safe for passengers and to reduce their impact on traffic flow. At a quality of life forum I held for the West 50s this summer, pedicabs were the overwhelming priority of the many residents who attended. Following that meeting, I immediately requested additional police enforcement -- which resulted in 115 summonses in a single day -- and drafted a number of reforms to close the loopholes in today's laws. Those reforms include:
Making pedicabs subject to the same parking rules as cars. Because pedicabs are considered bicycles under the law, they are not covered by parking regulations -- even though they park in the street. My bill would clarify this point and ease the way for police officers to write tickets when pedicabs violate "No Parking," "No Standing" and other parking prohibitions.
Requiring that seatbelts be visible at all times. Seatbelts are already required by law, but they are frequently hidden away beneath the bench seat and, as a result, rarely used by passengers who may not even know they're there.
A one-year suspension following a repeat violation for missing equipment. Simply put, unsafe vehicles should be removed from the road.
A pedicab passenger bill of rights. By informing passengers of their rights to a basic level of safety and service -- much as we already do in taxis and livery cabs -- we can improve accountability and give pedicab drivers another incentive to comply with the law.
I have already introduced two bills that cover three of the concepts articulated above -- and I will be pushing for them to get a swift hearing and vote in the City Council.
Sincerely,
Daniel R. Garodnick
211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1205
New York, NY 10017
(212) 818-0580