Rickshaws in the United States

Main articles: Rickshaw and Cycle rickshaw
A cycle rickshaw at rest, New York City, New York

Rickshaws are used in numerous cities in the United States, primarily for their novelty value as an entertaining form of transportation for tourists and locals. However, they also have environmental benefits and may be quicker than other forms of transport if traffic congestion is high. Various laws regulate their use in different areas.

Overview

The first known commercial use of pedicabs in North America occurred in 1962 at the Seattle World's Fair. San Diego and New York City each host hundreds of pedicabs; dozens of other United States cities also have pedicab services.

In New York, human powered transport is available as an environmentally friendly means of transit. Local residents in New York City, however, view pedicabs primarily as tourist vehicles due to their high fares and their drivers' aggressive sales pitches to pedestrians. At a rate of $5 plus $1 per block per person, a 20-block (one mile) pedicab ride for two people will cost $50.[1][2] In a taxicab, the same ride would cost under $10.[3] According to Peter Meitzler of New York's Manhattan Rickshaw Company, a passenger has an entirely different urban experience when one rides in a rickshaw. He says that he uses the word "rickshaw" in his company name because it is internationally known.[4]

Pedicab availability

Pedicabs in operation

Pedicab in New York City.
Art bike at the Burning Man Festival, Nevada
St Philip Royal Pedicab, New Orleans, Louisiana

Where pedicabs are regulated

Where pedicabs are prohibited

References

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