Category: News

Osman Zenk, known as the “Prince of Pedicabs,” operates a large pedicab rental business in New York City, owning 106 pedicabs despite city regulations limiting individual ownership to 30. Zenk, who immigrated from Turkey in 2002, built his pedicab empire after starting as a driver himself. He rents pedicabs for $250 per week, earning up to $26,000 weekly during tourist season. Zenk’s fleet is registered across multiple companies linked to his family and associates, raising suspicion of him circumventing the ownership cap. Although Zenk denies owning more than 30 pedicabs, the Department of Consumer Affairs is investigating his operations.

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https://nypost.com/2011/02/20/a-wheel-cheater/

City Councilman Dan Garodnick has proposed new restrictions for New York City’s pedicab industry, which the Pedicab Owner’s Association supports. The new rules would require pedicab drivers to follow the same parking regulations as cars, post a passengers’ bill of rights, and suspend licenses for repeated safety violations. Additionally, no new pedicabs will be allowed to register in the spring. With 850 registered pedicabs and 163 licensed businesses, Garodnick’s office has received numerous complaints, including overcharging tourists, such as one case where a tourist was charged $90 for an eight-minute ride.

For more information:

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/pedicab-drivers-welcome-tough-new-laws/1937493/

Seydou Kone, labeled the “worst pedicabby in New York City” by the New York Post, has garnered a reputation for his frequent disregard of traffic laws. He has accumulated nearly 90 violations this year and has four open arrest warrants for failing to pay tickets. Kone admits to running red lights, ignoring traffic signs, and riding on sidewalks, seemingly indifferent to his lawbreaking behavior. His actions, highlighted by the Post, reflect broader frustrations with pedicab drivers, who are often seen as more troublesome than taxi drivers. Despite this, Kone downplays the issue, suggesting it’s a widespread practice among pedicab drivers.

For more information:

https://gothamist.com/news/the-post-finds-the-worst-pedicab-driver-in-nyc

Two letters express opposing views on New York City’s pedicab industry. Larry Penner criticizes the City Council for making life difficult for pedicabs, emphasizing that they are a non-polluting, people-powered form of transportation, unlike the many other vehicles contributing to congestion and pollution. In contrast, Gregg Zukowski, president of the NYC Pedicab Owners’ Association, supports stricter regulations, particularly the requirement for pedicab drivers to hold valid quad-state driver’s licenses. He argues that higher standards are necessary to combat illegal activity and ensure a safer, more responsible industry.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2010/11/29/nycs-clean-air-peddlers/

On The Apprentice, the men’s team, Octane, won a pedicab tour challenge by choosing a Roman gladiator theme and a busy Midtown location, earning three times more than the women’s team. Despite their success, some members wanted teammate David fired, but Donald Trump refused. The women’s team, led by Kelly Smith Beaty, struggled after choosing the less busy Wall Street area for their “Babes on Bikes” pedicab tours. Although foot traffic increased during lunch, they fell far behind. Ultimately, Kelly was fired after defending her choice of location in the boardroom.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-apprentice-teams-duel-over-pedicab-tours/

A New York City judge has ruled that pedicabs are not allowed on bridge bike paths, regardless of whether they are pedaled or pushed. The case involved Duncan Elder, a pedicab driver from Manhattan Rickshaw Co., who was seen giving a non-paying passenger a ride on the Manhattan Bridge. The company argued that Elder was not technically operating the pedicab, but the judge, James Plotkin, disagreed, stating that Elder was still operating the pedicab even if he wasn’t pedaling. This decision could require pedicab operators to use trucks to transport their pedicabs across bridges. Manhattan Rickshaw Co. may appeal.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/judge-no-pedicabs-on-nyc-bridge-bike-paths/

Three pedicab drivers helped stop a robbery at the upscale Petrossian restaurant in New York City. Neil Reed, 45, entered the restaurant, stole items from a manager’s desk, and assaulted two employees who tried to stop him. When the manager ran outside for help, pedicab drivers Shariff Zeid, Bouchaib El Hassani, and Nicholas Iacovino quickly subdued Reed, holding him down until the police arrived. Reed was arrested and charged with robbery, burglary, grand larceny, and possession of stolen property.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2010/07/07/crook-gets-pedi-nabbed/

New York City’s pedicab business, which began in 1995 as a small, bohemian enterprise, has evolved into a regulated profession. Initially a quirky and profitable green transportation option, pedicabs grew in popularity but also faced challenges, including safety concerns and overcrowding. After years of debate, new city regulations now require pedicabs to be insured, inspected, and equipped with safety features. Drivers must be licensed, and prices must be clearly displayed. While some worry that the rules could harm the free-spirited nature of the business, many pedicab workers believe regulation will legitimize the industry and improve safety. However, the transition from a grassroots operation to a commercialized service has caused nostalgia among veteran drivers, who fondly remember the community spirit of the early days. Despite these changes, pedicab driving remains a physically demanding job with health benefits, offering drivers a way to stay fit while earning money.

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A pedicab driver, Nicholas Nicometi, and two of his passengers were injured in an accident after the pedicab crashed into a taxi upon exiting the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn. The passengers had pleaded with Nicometi to slow down as he began swerving on the bridge before crashing into the cab. Although laws prohibit pedicabs from traveling on bridges, the city had not enforced the rule due to a legal challenge to pedicab regulations. Pedicab operators criticized the lack of enforcement, claiming that proper regulation, including seat belts and insurance, could have prevented the accident. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in regulating New York’s pedicab industry, which has faced legal battles since 2006.

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The article discusses the author’s experiences with pedicabs in New York City, reflecting on both their charm and the challenges they face. After offering a ride to a bride in Central Park, which she rejected, the author muses on the negative perception of pedicabs, partially due to incidents like a viral video of a fight between a pedicab driver and a taxi driver. The City Council recently passed a law requiring pedicab inspections and registration, tightening regulations on the industry. Drivers, many of whom are immigrants, welcome some regulation but feel the profession has shifted towards tourism rather than transportation. Despite their eco-friendliness, pedicabs remain expensive for everyday use, and the dream of making them a regular part of the city’s transportation system has faded. The article concludes with a whimsical vision of a pedicab-centric city, while acknowledging that many people likely wouldn’t embrace that idea.

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