You should think twice before plopping onto a comfy bench seat and getting towed around downtown by a sweaty cyclist, says David Cornelison, the owner of Des Moines' oldestpedicab company.
The three-wheeled bicycle taxis can be foundon downtown streets on weekend nightsand during special events such as this past weekend's Des Moines Arts Festival.They're a quick and environmentally friendly way to take a short jaunt.
And until now, the vehicles have been allowed to operate without interference, but pedicab and rickshaw operators could soon face city regulations for the first time.
Des Moines is considering a $110 licensing fee and rules that would require operators to carry insurance covering thedriver, vehicle and passengers, according to city officials.
That's OK withCornelison. In fact, he'spushing the city to adopt the rules. He says there are too manyjerry-rigged bicycle taxis —homemade trailers strapped to two-wheeled bicycles — operating in Des Moines.
Read more...