Pedicabs in Vegas? Maybe not for long
Officials criticize vehicles as safety hazards
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Benny Mailman jokes with English passengers (L-R) Rebecca Clarkson, Alex Bradburg and Carol Bradburg as he waits for a light to change on the Las Vegas Strip.
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LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AP) -- On bustling Las Vegas Strip, tourists see a sinewy long-haired savior in Bill Jones. Authorities see a safety hazard.
Jones is one the scores of Las Vegas pedicab drivers who zip up and down the strip, making sure visitors don't have to waste their time in traffic congestion. But he may not be rolling for long.
At a recent public safety meeting, state and local law enforcement officials declared the pedicab swarm illegal and a potential danger to tourists. They intend to force the vehicles into extinction.
"That's what we're working toward," said Byram Tichenor, enforcement chief for the Nevada Transportation Services Authority, which regulates limousines, tow trucks and tour buses.
Part bicycle, part open-air carriage, pedicabs usually carry two passengers pedaled by a strong-legged driver.
Las Vegas pedicab entrepreneurs say they provide an important service to tired tourists and are being unfairly targeted.
Jim Huff, 29, president of Silver State Pedicabs -- whose motto is "We Save Soles in Sin City" -- said a proposed county ordinance that would exile the pedicabs is wrongheaded.
"Clark County needs to take the time to regulate us rather than simply ban us," said Huff.
Jones, 38, says his job is fun.
"I go up and down, up and down," he exclaims. "I love this job. It rules."
Drivers work for tips only, earning $100, $200 or even $300 during a busy shift ferrying people along the five-mile stretch of neon lights.
Collecting fares for pedicab rides is illegal in Clark County, but most display a "not for hire" sign that allows them to skirt the law. AmeriCab's business card says, "Free rides to Fine Hotels, Restaurants, & Gentleman Clubs."
Authorities determined that the "behavior is for hire and illegal," according to a summary of the public safety meeting.
Furthermore: "(Police) reported several instances of accidents caused by the pedicabs, intimidation tactics by drivers toward passengers with regard to payment."
'They hire anyone'
Pedicabs aren't unique to Las Vegas. Other cities, such as Denver, San Francisco and Santa Barbara, California, have embraced the modern-day rickshaws.
Santa Barbara even introduced regulations last year requiring drivers to get FBI background checks, identification badges and business licenses in an effort to make streets safer.
In Las Vegas, pedicabs operated for years without much notice. But they have proliferated in recent months, with companies cropping up in record numbers despite scores of police citations.
A random survey of drivers revealed at least seven companies with a fleet of more than 70 pedicabs.
Steve Osness, 24, who owns and runs Hawaiian Bike Cab, said more are on the way -- and he isn't happy about it.
"It's getting diluted. It's terrible," Osness said. "They hire anyone and send them out there. Everyone thinks they can start their own pedicab company."
Four companies have obtained business licenses in an attempt at legitimacy. They rent their vehicles to people like Bill Jones at a daily or nightly rate.
Not surprisingly, the taxi industry also oppose the pedicabs.
"They are a big nuisance," said Ron McGee, a supervisor with Nellis Cab Co. "They're taking our fares. They're a big-time safety hazard."
Huff, who has been in business for about two years, says his $4,000 pedicabs have single welded-frames and come equipped with rear hydraulic brakes and tight turning ability.
He says his pedicabs won't jackknife, unlike some others that amount to trailers hitched to bikes.
Copyright 2003 The
Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
