Glad someone is acknowledging that there is debate on this topic. I want to express the direct threat I feel from this bogus legislation. Pedicabs are essentially cargo bikes and are generally found plying 5th and 6th Aves with the rest of the cyclists. They are contributing, rather significantly, to the safety in numbers psychology that cyclists often refer to. There are still very few cyclist, but every rider helps. Regulation will effectively eliminate pedicabs. This will mean fewer bikes on the streets. When Quinn says things like “We need to make sure pedicabs don’t clog our streets” she is really saying she wants fewer cyclists on the streets. She wants that tiny bit of PUBLIC street space that pedicabs use to be for taxis. She also mentions safety concerns, but I guarantee doesn’t have any statistics showing bikes clipping along at 8 mph are nearly as dangerous as vehicles. Yesterday I was in a taxi in midtown who I caught going 50 mph just to make a couple lights. Quinn and company don’t have two feet to stand on. That is why, whether or not you use pedicabs, if you care about increasing cycling as a viable means of transportation, please oppose Quinn and the rest of her shameful backers. Make your voice heard!

Orcutt- yes, that’s an important point that is overlooked. I heard someone from the pediab biz on the radio pointing that out, and suggested that that shows that taxi opposition to pedicabs doesn’t necessarily come from taxi DRIVERS, but rather medallion and fleet owners. If it’s true, it’s another example of how opposition to pedicabs is far from a “people’s” movement.