Comments on: Pedicabs Becoming More Popular?

By: Steve A

Steve A — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:25:08 +0000

Liability insurance to protect the passengers. The insurance companies will offer discounts for drivers that learn how to operate in traffic, for pedicabs that don’t fall apart, and so on. Government should keep their fingers out of things as much as possible. As in most things, taxing and regulating stuff reduces it so do the regulation and tax thing if you want to kill off pedicabs. Otherwise, let the market establish the optimum balance. Insurance will ensure the passengers aren’t the losers.

We have mechanical inspections here in Texas and they’re worse than useless.

By: Andy Cline

Andy Cline — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:18:08 +0000

Cycler… I’m thinking mechanical inspections based on clear safety guidelines is a good idea. At a minimum, these contraptions have to hold a certain amount of weight, be visible, be able to maneuver, and be able to stop.

By: Cycler

Cycler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:13:19 +0000

Oh, and I would also be in favor of a bicycle licensing process that involved classes like the one Keri teaches. I’d rather not learn by trial and error when I’m riding amongst giant steel vehicles! I know that the decision of what is taught is fraught with politics though.

By: Cycler

Cycler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:08:57 +0000

I think that there’s a lot of hostility to them from auto-cabs (who think of them as poaching fares). In boston they don’t actually have set rates- instead I think they have a suggested donation, to avoid issues with the taxi commission.
I did however read about a nasty accident in Seattle where a passenger was killed and it was found that the brakes failed. It does seem like there should be some regulation for visibility and equipment safety.
Of course I’m one of those nuts who believes that required bicycle safety inspections or licenses wouldn’t be such a hardship.

By: Andy Cline

Andy Cline — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:01:44 +0000

Keri… Good story. I’m thinking that’s one smart pedicab driver And, yes, perhaps a traffic skills class would be appropriate seeing as how drivers have to get special licenses to carry passengers commercially.

Lovely… After my “Betting My Brains” post I wasn’t going to say it. But, yeah

Alex… Surely we can buff that image.