Power To The Pedal
Yesterday afternoon, pedicab-ophiles rallied at Manhattan City Hall for Councilmember Hiram Monserrates press conference where the Queens legislator outlined the bill he is introducing as an alternative to [Resolution 331-A], the pedicab-regulating bill introduced by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. The Quinn-sponsored bill, which has been criticized for its heavy regulation of the burgeoning pedicab industry, was vetoed by Mayor Bloomberg last month. Quinn, who is very friendly with the taxi lobby, has since said she is determined to override the veto (which would necessitate convincing 22 of her Councilmates to vote with her), and may try to do so at this Mondays Council meeting.
Monserrates presented his bill as a fair compromise to 331-A. Among other changes, Monserrates version ups the limit from a flat city-wide total of 325 to 500 per borough, and removes the proposed ban on electric assist motors. When the press conference was over, the tricycle taxis formed a pedal-powered procession that chugged across the Brooklyn Bridge (which 331-A would prohibit) to Brooklyn City Hall.
The parade of pedicabs raised awareness of the threat of global warming, and how their eco-friendly form of transit helps reduce greenhouse gases that the citys nearly 12,000 petrol-fueled taxis spew into our air. The pedicabs urged bystanders and motorists to call your Council person (quinn@council.nyc.ny.us) and tell them not to override Bloombergs veto.
It will be interesting to see what the Council does on Monday, the day after Earth Day. Will they side with Monserrate, who says that we should be promoting any means of transportation that is [environmentally friendly](www.pedicabnews.com ). Or will they join with the more powerful Quinn, who says her goal is to make sure pedicabs dont [clog our streets](www.nysun.com/article/52277?page_no=2)?
Photo courtesy of [faster panda on Flickr]