Category: News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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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.

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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/