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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