Pedicab Crackdown

Less than ten days before the August 29 date for the enforcement of new pedicab regulations, some pedicab drivers are already catching the eye of law enforcement officers.

Late Thursday night, August 20, just after 11:00 p.m., about six pedicab drivers waiting for passengers on the corner of Sixth Avenue and L Street were approached by a pair of police on bicycles. The police officers stopped to ask for identification and ended up writing citations.

“I’ve never seen so many pedicabs get ticketed all at once,” said a witness. “I thought they were already getting in trouble for breaking one of the new rules the city council just passed.”

When asked if the drivers were getting ticketed for not having insurance or proper ID, the police officer writing the ticket responded, “No. They’re getting a ticket for parking in a red zone.” The officer pointed out that he was familiar with the drivers and he knows that they have valid pedicab permits. However, they are not allowed to wait for passengers while parked in a restricted zone.

The pedicab drivers, who all appeared to be foreigners, declined to comment on their citations. Instead, one driver countered with his own question and asked, “Do you want a ride?”