Category: News

In celebration of Earth Day, Harlem residents will have the chance to engage in discussions about energy policies through free pedicab rides along Frederick Douglass Boulevard on Sunday. Sponsored by the non-profit coalition SHARE (Safe, Healthy, Affordable and Reliable Energy), the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, nuclear, and hydro power, especially in communities like Harlem, which faces higher rates of asthma. The event is part of a broader Earth Day celebration in Harlem, organized by Harlem Park to Park, which includes family-friendly activities such as kids yoga, live music, and environmental education events. The pedicabs will be stationed at various locations along Frederick Douglass Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Harlem Park to Park’s events will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The focus of these activities is to promote healthy living and environmental preservation in the community.

For more information:

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120420/harlem/energy-group-will-give-free-pedicab-rides-harlem-on-earth-day

The author describes a harrowing experience witnessing a pedicab nearly run over a pedestrian, leading to a broader critique of pedicab drivers in New York City. The writer characterizes these drivers as reckless, combining the aggressive driving style of taxi drivers with the rebellious attitude of urban cyclists, often ignoring traffic laws. Despite the dangers, pedicab drivers seem to operate with impunity, weaving through traffic with little regard for safety. The author recounts a personal experience of taking a pedicab ride, which was terrifying despite being necessary at the moment. Ultimately, the author vows never to ride a pedicab again, citing the overwhelming risks posed by various aspects of city life, humorously including everything from air conditioners to vampires.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nina-in-new-york-on-pedicabs-and-how-theyre-for-lunatics/

Frankie Legarreta has found his ideal job as a pedicab driver in New York City’s Central Park, where he’s been working for over six years. Initially drawn to the job by a friend’s suggestion, Legarreta left his office job for the freedom and physical benefits of pedicab driving. He enjoys meeting people from around the world and staying fit, biking 20 miles daily to and from work, which has helped him lose over 35 pounds. Legarreta appreciates the outdoor “office” environment and values the balance between work and family life, aiming to continue this fulfilling career for as long as his body allows.

For more information:

https://www.voanews.com/a/for-ny-pedicab-driver-happiness-is-life-on-wheels–143483166/181340.html

A pedicab crash in Brooklyn left four people injured after the driver, Nicholas Nicometi, lost control coming off the Williamsburg Bridge and collided with a taxi. The accident occurred at 7:26 a.m., injuring Nicometi, a female passenger, and two male passengers. Nicometi was in serious condition, while the woman and one man suffered less severe injuries. The passengers had asked Nicometi to slow down as he sped and swerved on the bridge. Although a law prohibits pedicabs from traveling on bridges, it has not been enforced due to unresolved legal issues. Pedicab industry regulation has faced delays, with calls for safety measures like seat belts and passenger limits being stalled by legal battles. The incident highlighted the lack of accountability and enforcement in the pedicab industry.

For more information:

https://www.newyorkbikelawyer.com/blog/2012/january/four-hurt-in-nyc-pedicab-accident/

Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a new law aimed at regulating pedicab fares to prevent overcharging, following incidents like a Texas family being charged over $400 for a short ride. The new rules, effective in six months, will require pedicabs to charge by the minute with visible timers, replacing the current confusing system of per-block and per-passenger fees. The New York City Pedicab Owners’ Association supports the changes, believing it will help curb overcharging, though some drivers, like Ibrahim Donmez, argue that the rules won’t standardize fares due to varying pedaling speeds. Donmez is considering legal action. This follows earlier regulations in 2007 and 2009 that set licensing, safety standards, and capped the pedicab fleet at 850.

For more information:

https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/New-York-City-mayor-signs-law-restricting-pedicab-11523111.php

Tensions have arisen among pedicab drivers in San Francisco due to the arrival of West Coast Pedicab from San Diego, which local drivers accuse of breaking unwritten rules and lacking proper permits. Established drivers like Daniel Crew from San Francisco Pedicabs claim that West Coast drivers “jump the line” by poaching passengers near the Ferry Building. The arrival of West Coast Pedicab has sparked concern among local companies, who fear the newcomers will damage their reputations by overcharging tourists, such as one instance where a tourist was charged $100 for a $20 ride. Local drivers have complained to the police and protested against issuing permits to West Coast drivers. Despite the conflict, business continues, and Mr. Crew ultimately secured passengers after the confrontation.

For more information:

The author recounts witnessing a reckless pedicab driver nearly hitting a pedestrian, reinforcing their view that pedicab drivers are often dangerous and disregard traffic laws. The combination of reckless taxi driving and the anti-authority attitude of urban cyclists, they argue, makes pedicab drivers particularly hazardous. Despite the chaotic traffic environment in New York, the author notes that in accident reports involving pedicabs, the blame usually falls on the pedicab drivers. Although the NYPD once considered cracking down on unsafe pedicab driving, the author believes little has changed. They share a personal experience of riding a pedicab, during which they felt terrified and vowed never to ride one again, adding humorously that many things in New York City seem dangerous, including vampires.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nina-in-new-york-pedicabs-are-for-lunatics/

A pedicab driver, Firdaus Nazarov, is on the run after allegedly assaulting two men in Central Park on June 4. Nazarov, along with Furkat Abidov and two other unidentified individuals, attacked the victims, ages 19 and 25, resulting in one suffering a broken nose and the other sustaining cuts and bruises. Abidov was arrested on June 9 and charged with gang assault, while authorities continue to search for Nazarov, who is also known to be an avid kickboxer.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2011/07/20/pedicab-thug-on-loose-cops/

Firdaus Nazarov, a 23-year-old pedicab driver from Tajikistan, and three others allegedly attacked two fellow pedicab drivers in Central Park on June 4, leaving one victim unconscious. The attack, which stemmed from a pre-existing dispute, took place on Center Drive and involved the assailants hitting the victims and kicking them down stairs. One victim, 25, suffered severe injuries, including a broken nose, chipped tooth, and a fractured eye socket, which may result in permanent blindness. The other victim, 19, sustained a bloody nose and facial cuts. Russian-born pedicab driver Furkat Abidov, 32, was arrested and charged with gang assault, while police are still searching for Nazarov and two others. Nazarov, described as a possible kickboxer, is wanted by authorities.

For more information:

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20110719/midtown/police-seek-pedicab-driver-after-vicious-central-park-attack/

Police are searching for Firdaus Nazarov, a 23-year-old Tajikistan-born pedicab driver, who is accused of helping beat up two other pedicab drivers in Central Park on June 4th during a dispute. Nazarov, who may also be a kickboxer, allegedly used a baseball bat in the attack. One victim suffered severe injuries, including a broken nose, chipped tooth, and a fractured eye socket that might lead to permanent blindness. The other victim escaped with minor injuries. The victims, both cousins from Kazakhstan, had met Nazarov and his accomplices to resolve a pre-existing argument. While Nazarov and two others remain at large, another participant, Russian-born pedicab driver Furkat Abidov, has been arrested and charged with gang assault.

For more information:

https://gothamist.com/news/pedicab-driver-beaten-unconscious-by-rival-pedicab-driver-manhunt-ensues