Standards and Regulation
The Pedicab industry in the United States is not cohesively regulated. Communities with thriving pedicab
operations tend to have more complete local regulations in place than those who have little experience with pedicabs. However,
as you move from community to community, the rules often change; there is no all-encompassing governing body for pedicabs that
is capable of:
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Developing standards
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Promoting the pedicab as a viable urban transportation alternative
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Driving for positive change
(both in the area of technology and benefits)
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Implementing a structure of self-governance
There is however, an organization in the
United Kingdom that has organized around these principles. The London Pedicab Operators Association (LPOA) was created to represent
pedicab operators, promote a positive image and advance the industry in the public and political arenas as well as to work towards
reasonable regulation. Taking a major step forward in the area of self-regulation, they drafted two documents for LPOA members to
abide by (follow the links on the LPOA homepage):
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The Code of Practice for Pedicab Operators. Designed for owners of pedicab operations,
this document focuses on topics such as: maintaining appropriate insurance, training requirements, safety issues, licensing requirements,
record keeping and managing drivers.
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The Code of Conduct for Pedicab Drivers. Designed for individual drivers, this document focuses
most directly on acceptable behaviors while interacting with the public.
To be taken seriously, you have to be serious...serious about
safety, about obeying the law and about treating your patrons, peers and the public with respect. Adopting and living by a code of
professional conduct is a just one way to demonstrate your committment to excellence.
Other Efforts
New York Pedicab Owners
are leading the initiative in the United States and have formed the NYPCOA or New York Pedicab Owner's Association. The goals and
guiding principles are to develop and implement regulations that will ensure uniform guidelines for minimum insurance requirements,
equipment standards and driver training. Their lead is prompting active discussions of a National Pedicab Organization to further
the efforts for fair and equitable treatment, as well as accountability, of pedicabs across the country.
