New York Pedicab Services Blog & News

The article from On Your Side Investigates reveals a widespread issue with pedicab operators in Central Park, New York City, using illegal motors or pedal assists despite a city law mandating pedicabs to be powered solely by human effort. This law was established after a motorized pedicab caught fire in 2014, raising concerns about safety and traffic accidents due to high speeds. Despite these regulations, many operators, like Diallo and Andre (who also used the name Alexander), claim ignorance of the law, even though the licensing checklist explicitly prohibits electric or motor-operated mechanisms.

The investigation sparked concern among potential pedicab patrons, highlighting the dangers posed by these illegal modifications. Enforcement appears to be a challenge, with three city departments sharing responsibility but achieving limited success. The Parks Department issued an average of three citations a month for the year, while the NYPD issued 607 summons to pedicab drivers in 2017, a slight increase from the previous year. However, it’s unclear how many of these were for illegal motors. The Department of Consumer Affairs conducted 359 pedicab inspections, resulting in 99 violations.

Operators adhering to the law express frustration over the lack of effective enforcement, suggesting that the city’s efforts are insufficient to address the issue. The police note the difficulty in enforcement due to the concealed nature of the motors. Violators face financial penalties and can lose their license after repeated offenses. The city encourages public reports of any law violations to 311.

For more information:

https://abc7ny.com/pedicab-illegal-motors-pedicabs-central-park/2804296/

A lawsuit by New York City pedicab operators, including Capitol Pedicabs LLC and former driver Bourama Camera, against city officials for excessive ticketing was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Katherine Forrest. The plaintiffs argued this was an attempt to drive them out of business, violating their rights to equal protection and against illegal searches and seizures. However, Judge Forrest ruled they failed to prove the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio, and other defendants lacked reasonable suspicion for stops or that the policy was unconstitutional. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Austin Brown, indicated a potential appeal, criticizing the city’s treatment of pedicab drivers. The city’s law department spokesperson, Meryl Holt, deemed the claims meritless. The lawsuit was filed after Mayor de Blasio dropped proposed restrictions on pedicab operations in Central Park, which was part of a plan affecting horse-drawn carriages as well.

For more information:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-york-pedicabs-lawsuit/new-york-city-pedicab-ticketing-lawsuit-is-dismissed-idUSKCN1C72GE/

Karlie Kloss made a striking appearance at the 2017 Met Gala in a Carolina Herrera tuxedo dress, showcasing her new platinum blonde bob. Despite her poised look, she chose an unconventional means of arrival to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, opting for a pedicab.

For more information:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4464870/Karlie-Kloss-tuxedo-dress-takes-pedicab-Met-Gala.html#ixzz4fwDtS1Sq

Rush-hour traffic in New York City, notoriously challenging on any given day, becomes even more so during high-profile events like the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With streets clogged by fans, celebrities, and luxury vehicles, navigating Manhattan becomes a daunting task. To circumvent this, some celebrities have found creative solutions to ensure timely arrivals, which is critical given the Gala’s strict schedule and the importance placed on punctuality by figures like Anna Wintour. Model Karlie Kloss, for example, opted for a pedicab ride through Central Park to beat the traffic, arriving at the event without compromising her look, dressed in Carolina Herrera. Similarly, actress Mindy Kaling chose public transportation, taking the subway from Nolita to the Gala, showcasing the lengths to which celebrities will go to navigate the city’s congested streets during major events.

For more information:

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/pedicabs-subway-stars-improvise-to-avoid-met-gala-traffic/2015147/

During a safety blitz in Manhattan, 247 illegal motorized bicycles were seized by the police as part of Vision Zero, an initiative by Mayor Bill de Blasio aimed at eliminating traffic deaths in New York City. The operation, which saw an average of over 10 bikes confiscated per hour, was primarily concentrated in southern Manhattan and also included seizures by the Midtown North Precinct. The crackdown has been met with criticism, particularly from bicycle messengers and advocates who argue that the enforcement targets vulnerable workers and capitalizes on ambiguous laws. They emphasize the essential role these motorized bicycles play for many, including immigrants and those with physical limitations, in earning a livelihood. Despite the federal government deeming bicycles with a maximum motor-powered speed of under 20 miles per hour as legal, New York state law bans them, leading to a call for reconsideration and adaptation of these regulations to support the city’s delivery cyclists.

For more information:

NYPD cracks down on illegal e-bikes in 24-hour blitz

For more information:

https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/2488057066001?playlist_id=932683241001

On the Upper West Side, a pedicab, valued at thousands of dollars and essential to its owner Madison Reyes’s livelihood, was stolen the night after Christmas. Reyes, who has been conducting pedicab tours for nine years, expressed his love for the job and how it allows him to give people lasting memories of Central Park. The theft, captured by surveillance video, involved two individuals using a Budget rental truck to carry away the pedicab after cutting through its chain lock. Reyes highlighted the personal significance of the pedicab, stating it was more than just a bike but a means of conducting his business, Madison and Park Tours, especially during its peak season. He mentioned the cost of replacement to be at least $6,000 and urged the thieves to return it, emphasizing the impact of their actions on his ability to work and pay off student loans. The pedicab, which has a plate and VIN number, is registered with the Department of Consumer Affairs, making it difficult for someone else to use it for tours.

For more information:

https://abc7ny.com/pedicab-stolen-theft-upper-west-side/1685122/