Pedicab operators say ordinance would hobble biz
By: Sandra A. Swanson August 10, 2009
Chicago – The city is contemplating a new set of rules that one entrepreneurial duo says would wreak havoc on its fledgling pedicab business.
For one thing, the proposed ordinance would forbid pedicabs from displaying advertising, “the largest form of income I have available,” argues Julia Samuels, 24, who operates Chicago Rickshaw LLC with partner Rob Tipton.
Chicago Rickshaw owns 20 pedicabs, which it rents to drivers. Those pedicabs now can display ads at a rate of about $150 per day, per vehicle — “real money I can count on,” Ms. Samuels says. “The legislation they have proposed can easily put us out of business in a matter of months.”The proposed ad ban is about public safety, says Norma Reyes, commissioner of the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. The city ordinance would require pedicabs to display a rate card, license number and the pedicab company’s name and phone number. “I don’t think there’s space there that will accommodate all the things that are going to be required,” Ms. Reyes says.
Ms. Samuels isn’t buying it. “I’ve got 40 square feet of brandable space” on each pedicab, she says.
Mr. Tipton, 32, also is confused by the proposed ad ban. Aside from Chicago Rickshaw, he also co-owns a pedicab company in New York, Mr. Rickshaw LLC. He says New York doesn’t prohibit pedicab ads.
Another aspect of the proposed ordinance that concerns him: a ban on pedicabs downtown before 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Mr. Tipton says Chicago seemed like a perfect fit for the business — with flat terrain, traffic problems that pedicabs could help alleviate and a mayor with a bicycle-friendly reputation. He says Chicago Rickshaw has a waiting list for drivers: “People need these jobs.”
But those jobs may not be around for long. “We’re just getting started here in Chicago, but (the proposed ordinance) would definitely force us to close our doors,” he says. “We’re probably going to have to take the fleet to a different city and try again.”
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How can an ordinary person help? I can’t believe this! Chicago is such a green city, you’d think that they would be jumping at the opportunity to get more people moving free of fossil fuels. I’m so pissed that this commissioner is being so unreasonable. I’m so irate right now and I think I’ve only taken a pedi-cab once!!
Comment by Jeremiah — September 16, 2009 @ 9:21 pm