The Times reports that the New York City Council will enact rules for pedicabs.
See our prior post on pedicab accidents.
The City is considering the following rules:
- mandatory insurance for the protection of passengers, pedicab operators, and pedestrians;
- mandatory licensing and registration;
- seatbelts for passengers; and
- licensing and a safety examination for pedicab operators.
The push for action was the result of a recent, serious accident where a taxi cab collided with a pedicab travelling on the Williamsburg Bridge. Advocates of regulations cite this accident as an example. Although there were laws prohibiting operation of a pedicab on a bridge, the City said that it was powerless to enforce the law against unregistered pedicabs.
If you have been involved in a pedicab accident it is imperative that you call the police to the scene so that a report can be taken. Of course, if someone is hurt, tell the police to come with an ambulance.
Until these regulations are enacted and take effect, you should be aware that pedicabs generally have no insurance. You ride in them at your own risk.
If you have been injured in a pedicab accident, please call me at 800-581-1434 or write to me at letters@seitelman.com.
Mark E. Seitelman, 6/15/09, www.seitelman.com.
Tags: accidents, bodily injuries, new york city, New York City Council, pedicab accidents, pedicabs
