More Unneeded Regulations: NYC Pedicabs

[folder fanatic]

New York Pedicabs Story:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3071074

Older one on Problems Of Liability In Santa Barbara (Commentary):
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=123662&page=1

I was watching Nightline last night since I could not sleep. I was not too surprised that the local government is sticking it's nose into something that is really not a huge priority (like crime that never seems to go down). What is next-bicycles? I don't see how this affects other transit options ability to make money. Subways? They are underground. Buses? They go farther (but I not sure faster). Cabs? Perhaps there is the friction lies. I could be wrong but people seem to be very dependent on cabs in New York City-and many other cities around the country. Cabs never were a huge means of getting around here in Southern California. The rich take chauffeured limos, the rest use cars, either rented or driven by a friend, relative, professional driver (as in a group van). A pedicab is more of a amusement park type of thing. I doubt anyone there uses them to go somewhere in a serious manner. I could be wrong (I never been to NYC) but from what I heard, I doubt it.

[Dahon.Steve]

The Pedicab has no organized lobby and that is their problem. The Taxi/Limo commission is basically running them out of business and limiting their growth. The horse carriages (members of the taxi/limo commission) dispise them and they are the ones who want them out of Central park more than anyone else.

[thebankman]

Wow that's so lame. We have pedicabs in Frisco and they're usually only doing business in one tourist area.

[maddyfish]

We actually have a few of these here in Cincinnati, down on the riverfront area that operate in the summer. Mainly for people to and from Newport on the levee and the baseball stadiums. They're pretty nice.

[maddyfish]

Well requiring insurance, and a license of some sort to run a buisness is not unreasonable. But limiting the total number is stupid. Where has the free trade system gone? If the market will support 10,000 of these in NY then why not let it happen?

[wrafl]

Politicians when they get involved, always thrive for regualtion. Why fix something that works and good for society and the environment? Those licenses are sure to generate extra income for the city but then at the expense of those pedicab drivers.

[Inthe10ring]

Have there really been that many incidences with the pedi-taxis there? I think that the pedi-taxi is a great way to show people the possibilities that cycle transportation offers. It's outrageous that they are going to limit the number of taxis to 325. All that is going to do, is muscle out the "little guys" even if they fully complied with the new licensing/insurance policies. By the time that number restriction is lifted, you are likely to see one, maybe two organized companies runing the entire schindig. MONOPOLY!

[Sir Lunch-a-lot]

By the time that number restriction is lifted, you are likely to see one, maybe two organized companies runing the entire schindig. MONOPOLY!

Despite anti-monopoly laws, Governments/those in authority tend to support monopolies. If the government were to actually come down hard on monopolies, then businesses like Microsoft would be split up, just like they did way back in the day to Rockerfellers Oil Cartel.

[jbhowat]

As bad as it is, I really support that these guys are forced to organize and get some sort of license.

[bhtooefr]

Could you simply ride a pedicab around as your personal bicycle, and then accept donations from your passengers?

[GCRyder]

As bad as it is, I really support that these guys are forced to organize and get some sort of license.

Why? What problem or danger has their unlicensed operation caused? And how will licensing address it?

[Cosmoline]

If the market will support 10,000 of these in NY then why not let it happen?

Because the mob doesn't make money from pedicabs.

[jamesdenver]

More and more I think I'm becoming a libertarian.

[makeinu]

Because the mob doesn't make money from pedicabs.

That can be fixed.

[adgrant]

New York Pedicabs Story:
A pedicab is more of a amusement park type of thing. I doubt anyone there uses them to go somewhere in a serious manner. I could be wrong (I never been to NYC) but from what I heard, I doubt it.

My wife has used one to get back from a client meeting and expensed it.

BTW The reason people depend on cabs in NYC is many people don't own cars and most of those that do find them impractical for driving around the city due to the lack of inexpensive parking. Most people would rather give the cab driver $10 than the parking garage $20.

Many people take mass transit of course. However, the subways are overcrowded and the weekend schedules are irratic and don't go everywhere and buses are just too slow (walking is much faster). My preferred mode of transport is walking and the subway. If I am with my wife, she wants to take a cab so we compromise. Subway/walking out, cab home.

BTW The city makes a fortune selling cab medallions (the right to operate a yellow cab). They can cost $200,000. That may be why they hate pedicabs.

[Hobartlemagne]

Let em ride. No government forced insurance or license. The first successful lawsuit will determine the adequate amount of voluntary liability insurance to get.

[alba-ny]

I wish pedicabs were encouraged by the city. Instead of using yellow cabs I have used the pedicabs, but they are VERY expensive in comparison. I wouldn't mind some price difference, but it can be exhorbant.

I'm a New Yorker, not a tourist... and I hate to ride inside smelly cabs. It is great to sit in the pedicab and feel the air. People all look at you funny if you leave the touristy areas though, and it feels a bit weird then.

It's always about money isn't it? Limiting the pedicabs makes me upset. Why the heck can't we get on board with cutting down energy usage *sigh*

[kevbo]

Let em ride. No government forced insurance or license. The first successful lawsuit will determine the adequate amount of voluntary liability insurance to get.

The answer is zero. Lawyers won't waste time suing turnips. Having insurance just assures that the lawyers will get paid, drawing them like flies to fresh feces.

[Hobartlemagne]

The answer is zero. Lawyers won't waste time suing turnips. Having insurance just assures that the lawyers will get paid, drawing them like flies to fresh feces.

I said 'voluntary' insurance. Forced insurance should be zero.

[Doug5150]

Because the mob doesn't make money from pedicabs.

^^^This is a big "no sh*t".

I don't know what it's like lately, but as of a few years ago the money and corruption that surrounded the system of taxi medallions in NYC was truly stunning. It must be one of the grandest examples of crime and political corruption living in harmony that the US has ever seen.
~

[cerewa]

First link (NYC pedicabs) in post#1 is a dead link. Here is a page from a different source with a similar story.

http://empirezone.blogs.nytimes.com/...ace-or-threat/

.......

In my opinion pedicabbers should not be required to have insurance. They are safe enough because they are so much slower and lighter than taxis.

However, a fully loaded pedicab without working brakes truly is a menace, and on those grounds I can really see the argument for inspections.

A cap on the number of pedicabs is as dumb as a cap on the number of taxis. (and yes, they are both dumb)