Item 7: Recommendations for Pedicab Polices — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number_________________________: Needed Pedicab Regulations Recommendation: WHEREAS, pedicab businesses in Austin have contributed to the local economy, culture, tourism, and provided jobs for over 25 years; and WHEREAS, small human-powered transportation modes like pedicabs make streets welcoming, safe, and comfortable places for all people; and WHEREAS, pedicabs are a safe and effective mode of transportation in an urban environment and contribute to a truly multimodal society in accordance with the goals of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP); and WHEREAS, pedicabs are helpful to the public in getting around by providing first- and last- mile transportation and help those with mild to moderate mobility difficulties; and WHEREAS, pedicabs provide an invaluable tool for managing traffic flow, particularly during special events and road closures; and WHEREAS, known crash data shows that the risks of serious injury and death in vehicle collisions increase dramatically with greater vehicle speed and weight; and WHEREAS, the Austin code of ordinances limits a pedicab to a maximum passenger capacity of three (3), excluding the pedicab driver, regardless of passenger age or size; and WHEREAS, the Austin code of ordinances defines a pedicab as a chauffeured vehicle operated for compensation that has at least three wheels, is propelled by human power exerted through pedals, a belt or chain and gears, and that is capable of transporting passengers on seats attached to the vehicle; and WHEREAS, the Austin code of ordinances allows pedicabs to have an electric assist motor to support the human power of the driver with a top assisted speed of 15 mph; and WHEREAS, the Austin code of ordinances limits a pedicab frame 55 inches or less in width; and WHEREAS, a maximum pedicab length is not defined under in the current city ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Austin code requires pedicab operating authority holders to assign numbered pedicab permit decals to each pedicab’s unique serial number, and these permit decals may not be transferred to a different pedicab without approval by the department; and WHEREAS, company signs with owner contact information and city permit decals displayed in a visible, consistent, and unobstructed location on the pedicab are essential for enforcement identification and public and consumer accountability; NOW THEREFORE we, the Commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge the Austin City Council to amend City of Austin codes and regulations to impose the following regulations: • That pedicab size (length, width, height) must be compatible with nationally recognized design standards for urban bikeways; • That the seating configuration of all pedicabs should be for no more than one to three adult passengers to limit pedicab weight when fully loaded; • That rear-facing seats may not be used; and • That exemptions for the passenger limit are allowed for infants and small children secured by a guardian. Motioned By: ________________________ Seconded By: _______________________ Date of Approval: November 18, 2026 Vote: ___-___ For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Vacant: Attest: Edith Olivas, Commission Executive Liaison, Economic Development Department