Category: News

A 16-year-old Jewish teenager, Levi Duchman, from Brooklyn has created a unique mobile sukkah—a temporary hut used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot—by attaching a bamboo-topped latticework hut to a rickshaw. Duchman, a Chabad-Lubavitch yeshiva student, has been riding around New York City, particularly Grand Army Plaza, inviting people to make blessings and eat inside the sukkah. The initiative has garnered significant attention, with onlookers taking pictures and expressing excitement. While the city plans to license all pedicab operators by November 20, Duchman’s sukkah is a temporary creation for the holiday, and he has received positive responses from police officers during his rides.

For more information:

https://www.chabad.org/news/article_cdo/aid/1003441/jewish/Bike-Plus-Sukkah-Why-Not.htm

The story follows Edward Charles Henderson Jr., known as June Bug, a 51-year-old pedicab driver in Brooklyn. Despite being shot 15 years ago and facing struggles with petty crime and drug use, June Bug has found solace in his self-built pedicab. He offers rides to neighbors and passers-by, enjoying the simple pleasure of biking around the neighborhood. Unlike the commercial pedicabs in Manhattan, June Bug operates informally without licenses or fixed rates, riding when he feels like it. His pedicab has become a symbol of community, offering rides to both children and adults, while June Bug continues to live between the margins of economic struggle and geographic transition in Brooklyn.

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New York City’s pedicab owners and operators are preparing for a lengthy battle against a new law that imposes strict restrictions on their industry. The law caps the number of pedicabs at 325 (down from 500), bans the use of electric motors, restricts their operation in congested areas like Midtown, and prohibits them from crossing bridges. Pedicab drivers, concerned about losing their jobs and the impact on their businesses, protested at City Hall. Despite Mayor Bloomberg vetoing the bill, the City Council overrode the veto. The NYC Pedicab Owners Association opposes several provisions, including limits on transferring business licenses, which would make selling a pedicab business difficult. Critics believe the law was influenced by taxi industry lobbyists, and some council members voiced opposition to the cap. The Department of Consumer Affairs will distribute pedicab licenses via a lottery, but advocates like George Bliss argue that green transportation, represented by pedicabs, cannot be stopped.

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Pedicab drivers won’t roll over in face of new law

The passage describes the experience of riding a pedicab in New York City, highlighting its unique charm in contrast to the fast-paced urban environment. Pedicabs offer a tranquil, human-powered way to see the city, with drivers enjoying the flexibility and freedom of the job. However, new regulations from the City Council will limit the number of pedicabs, require liability insurance, and ban electric motors, which some drivers use for assistance. While some, like Sean Devin, embrace the physical demands of pedicabbing, others, like Sergio Lago, rely on motors due to health issues. The regulations, though seen by some as restrictive, may ultimately improve the industry, similar to past changes in horse carriage regulations.

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The New York City Council passed a bill to regulate the pedicab industry, imposing oversight similar to that of taxis and tour buses. The bill caps the number of pedicabs at 325, bans electric motors, requires liability insurance, and mandates licensing and inspections. The bill allows the police to restrict pedicabs from Midtown during peak times, affecting drivers’ income. Pedicab operators argue the regulations are excessive, particularly the ban on motors and the cap, which could remove about 175 pedicabs. While the industry sought some regulations, such as for insurance, the broader measures are seen as threatening their livelihood. Many drivers rely on tips and act as informal tour guides, offering a unique service that some feel is being unfairly targeted.

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The article discusses the growing presence and regulation of pedicabs in New York City. Once associated primarily with cities like Hong Kong or New Delhi, pedicabs have become a staple in Midtown Manhattan, with around 350 pedicabs operating during peak times. The City Council’s Committee on Consumer Affairs recently held a hearing on regulating the industry, signaling its increasing recognition as a part of the city’s transportation system.

While the pedicab industry has many supporters, including environmentalists and customers, it faces opposition from groups like taxi medallion owners and horse-carriage drivers. As the industry grows, most participants agree that regulation is necessary to ensure safety and fairness. Proposed legislation by Councilmember Alan Gerson includes driver and owner licenses, liability insurance, and regular inspections, which most pedicab operators support.

Despite some challenges, pedicabs are praised for their efficiency, environmental benefits, and ability to navigate Midtown traffic more effectively than cars. The article highlights the diverse backgrounds of pedicab drivers and the sense of community within the industry. Overall, pedicabs are seen as a sustainable and integral part of New York City’s transportation landscape, with ongoing discussions about how best to regulate and support the industry.

For more information:

https://www.gothamgazette.com/transportation/3177-regulating-rickshaws

Jeff Iftekaruddin, a 30-year-old actor and musician, works as a rickshaw driver in New York City, where he pulls up to 600 pounds of tourists around Midtown, charging $40 for a 20-minute ride. Despite the physical demands, some people view rickshaw work as degrading. Iftekaruddin works for Shanghai Rickshaw, which operates five rickshaws in Times Square and Central Park, distinct from the more numerous pedicabs in the city.

Shanghai Rickshaw was inspired by rickshaws in Tokyo but had their models built in China for a lower cost. Co-owner Arty Nichols believes rickshaws could become a popular attraction in New York. Pullers, often immigrants, actors, or athletes, earn around $150 for a five-to-six-hour shift, with the appearance of difficulty often leading to generous tips from passengers.

For more information:

https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/columns/intelligencer/12554/