New York City – They’re a big attraction for tourists, but now police are going after pedicab drivers who break traffic laws.
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They’re a familiar part of the New York City landscape, and offer a fun alternative to taking a taxi.
But to some, they’re just dangerous.
“They’re the worst things in the world – they don’t care about people,” Bay Ridge resident Ernesto Buscos says. “They just run over and cross lights, they don’t care about pedestrians.”
“They’re in and out of traffic, they have no regard for pedestrians,” Queens resident Randall Schmidt says. “They’ll pick up anyone for a dollar.”
Now, in response to those complaints, the New York Police Department says that cops are on the lookout for reckless pedicab drivers who break traffic laws.
The NYPD stepped up law enforcement on pedicabs this weekend, and some drivers say they’re already feeling the heat.
“There’s more enforcement, specifically on us,” pedicab driver Frankie Legarreta said. “It’s like they’re keeping an eye on us right around the park.”
In front of Central Park, CBS 2 saw two Parks and Recreation enforcement officers stopping a pedicab driver, but no one involved wanted to speak on camera.
Gregg Zukowski, president of the New York City Pedicab Association, says there are some bad apples out there, and they should be dealt with.
“We’re encouraging enforcement of the laws on the books., it’s a simple as that,” Zukowski says. “We want to have a better service for our customers, a better service for people in the park.”
Pedicab drivers – you are now on notice.
The NYPD would not say how long the increased pedicab enforcement program will last.
Great time to crack down on them they are so dangerous.
If they woul crack down on all bikers the city will be rich bikers that go the wrong way ride on side walks pass red lights and ride out of desinated bike lanes and don’t wear helmets
I can’t belive it. someone is taking action against a biker! It’s an “ais lasois” get rid of the bike lanes now.
the pedicab business is a big business. this is just about taxing them. they can make like $500 day/cash. the city just wants their piece.
its also time to crack down on police officers who go through red lights during non emergency situations.
And it is time to crack down on double & triple parkers in BP on 13th Ave. This practice is inconsiderate of everyone except the driver themself. I would double the fine for double parking and triple the fine for triple parking.
pedicabs shod hav plats just lick a car dos so the city can reegulat tham
This is great news. It seems as though every time I ride my bike in Central Park, one of these guys makes a sharp turn without looking behind them. I barely avoid collisions. I don’t think they’re schooled by their employers in any way, shape, or form.