New York Pedicab Services Blog & News

A Texas family visiting New York was charged $442.54 for a 12-minute pedicab ride by driver Savas Avci, a legal but controversial act due to the lack of city regulations on pedicab fares. The incident has angered other pedicab drivers, who fear that such predatory practices could damage their livelihoods and the industry’s reputation. While drivers are allowed to set their own prices, most typically charge around $2 or $3 per block, making Avci’s charge of over $31 per block seem excessive. Some tourists, however, remain cautious but not overly concerned about being overcharged, acknowledging the potential risks while traveling.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/pedicab-driver-charges-family-440-for-short-ride/

https://www.broadway.com/videos/154166/chaplin-takes-manhattan-charlie-rides-a-pedicab-in-new-broadway-promo/

In celebration of Earth Day, Harlem residents will have the chance to engage in discussions about energy policies through free pedicab rides along Frederick Douglass Boulevard on Sunday. Sponsored by the non-profit coalition SHARE (Safe, Healthy, Affordable and Reliable Energy), the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, nuclear, and hydro power, especially in communities like Harlem, which faces higher rates of asthma. The event is part of a broader Earth Day celebration in Harlem, organized by Harlem Park to Park, which includes family-friendly activities such as kids yoga, live music, and environmental education events. The pedicabs will be stationed at various locations along Frederick Douglass Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Harlem Park to Park’s events will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The focus of these activities is to promote healthy living and environmental preservation in the community.

For more information:

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120420/harlem/energy-group-will-give-free-pedicab-rides-harlem-on-earth-day

The author describes a harrowing experience witnessing a pedicab nearly run over a pedestrian, leading to a broader critique of pedicab drivers in New York City. The writer characterizes these drivers as reckless, combining the aggressive driving style of taxi drivers with the rebellious attitude of urban cyclists, often ignoring traffic laws. Despite the dangers, pedicab drivers seem to operate with impunity, weaving through traffic with little regard for safety. The author recounts a personal experience of taking a pedicab ride, which was terrifying despite being necessary at the moment. Ultimately, the author vows never to ride a pedicab again, citing the overwhelming risks posed by various aspects of city life, humorously including everything from air conditioners to vampires.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nina-in-new-york-on-pedicabs-and-how-theyre-for-lunatics/

Frankie Legarreta has found his ideal job as a pedicab driver in New York City’s Central Park, where he’s been working for over six years. Initially drawn to the job by a friend’s suggestion, Legarreta left his office job for the freedom and physical benefits of pedicab driving. He enjoys meeting people from around the world and staying fit, biking 20 miles daily to and from work, which has helped him lose over 35 pounds. Legarreta appreciates the outdoor “office” environment and values the balance between work and family life, aiming to continue this fulfilling career for as long as his body allows.

For more information:

https://www.voanews.com/a/for-ny-pedicab-driver-happiness-is-life-on-wheels–143483166/181340.html

A pedicab crash in Brooklyn left four people injured after the driver, Nicholas Nicometi, lost control coming off the Williamsburg Bridge and collided with a taxi. The accident occurred at 7:26 a.m., injuring Nicometi, a female passenger, and two male passengers. Nicometi was in serious condition, while the woman and one man suffered less severe injuries. The passengers had asked Nicometi to slow down as he sped and swerved on the bridge. Although a law prohibits pedicabs from traveling on bridges, it has not been enforced due to unresolved legal issues. Pedicab industry regulation has faced delays, with calls for safety measures like seat belts and passenger limits being stalled by legal battles. The incident highlighted the lack of accountability and enforcement in the pedicab industry.

For more information:

https://www.newyorkbikelawyer.com/blog/2012/january/four-hurt-in-nyc-pedicab-accident/

Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a new law aimed at regulating pedicab fares to prevent overcharging, following incidents like a Texas family being charged over $400 for a short ride. The new rules, effective in six months, will require pedicabs to charge by the minute with visible timers, replacing the current confusing system of per-block and per-passenger fees. The New York City Pedicab Owners’ Association supports the changes, believing it will help curb overcharging, though some drivers, like Ibrahim Donmez, argue that the rules won’t standardize fares due to varying pedaling speeds. Donmez is considering legal action. This follows earlier regulations in 2007 and 2009 that set licensing, safety standards, and capped the pedicab fleet at 850.

For more information:

https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/New-York-City-mayor-signs-law-restricting-pedicab-11523111.php