Photo by David W. Dunlap, NYTimes

Getting around by bike in NYC just got safer, especially for those riding in a pedicab. As of 12:01 AM last night (Saturday morning), new regulations went into effect that require all operators of pedicabs to have a registration plate in NYC. According to the New York Times article, Regulated, Inspected and Licensed, by Michael Grynbaum, the latest numbers tally 844 licensed individual pedicabs from 150 different businesses.

To new rules require applicants (they need to be at least 18 yrs old) to submit an application, photo ID and a current driver's license, and to hold insurance. A yearly license costs $52, and for businesses that operate multiple pedicabs, the City is limiting the number of licenses to 30 per company.

Here's a list of some of the equipment requirements:

• seating for no more than three passengers;
• hydraulic or mechanical disc or drum brakes;
• a secondary or emergency brake system;
• battery-operated headlights capable of projecting a beam of light (I love the wording) for a distance of 300 feet;
• battery-operated taillights visible from 500 feet;
• turn lights;
• passenger seat belts;
• an audible signaling device;
• reflectors on the spokes of the wheels of the pedicab;
• a timer (that's approved and in clear view so they don't rip you off);
• a sign inside the pedicab indicating the name of the business, registration number, driver info, and a phone number in case you need to complain; and
• a clear sign outside the pedicab to show their pricing

The new rules demonstrate a positive change that's taking place in NYC: more official steps that support human-powered transport.

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