New York City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection Hearing – October 7, 2026

The Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, chaired by Harvey D. Epstein, held a public hearing on seven proposed local laws (Intros 64, 77, 673, 992, 993, 1026, and 1063) aimed at comprehensive reform of the pedicab industry. The hearing featured testimony from city agencies (Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Taxi and Limousine Commission), industry representatives, advocacy groups, and members of the public. No votes were taken; all introductions were laid over for future consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Danielle Mendez (Midtown Community Justice Center) expressed full support for the package of bills, stating they reflect recommendations from a multi-stakeholder roundtable. She argued that shifting oversight from DCWP to TLC would bring necessary licensing and enforcement changes, provided additional resources are allocated.
• Makan Camara (President, New York Pedicab Alliance) expressed support for enforcement, transparent pricing, accessible training, and electric assist. He urged that any reforms protect honest drivers and preserve safety standards. He voiced openness to regulatory oversight by TLC but requested more information about its impact.
• Kenneth Winter (23-year pedicab driver) expressed support for electric assist, citing physical strain and health issues. He described how unlicensed operators face no real consequences, undermining compliant drivers.
• Christine Nicholas (Broadway Association) expressed strong support for Intros 992, 673, and 77 (meters, visible pricing, scannable plates), and Intro 993 (moving oversight to TLC). She urged consolidation of the bills for clarity and stressed the need for enforcement, recommending continued NYPD involvement.
• David Saltenstahl (Central Park Conservancy) expressed support for the full package, emphasizing that a well-regulated fleet would protect visitors and honest drivers. He noted that nearly all visitors are aggressively solicited near the park.
• Tom Harris (Times Square Alliance) expressed support for treating pedicabs as vehicles for hire, with fixed fares, meters, visible identification, civil penalties, and TLC jurisdiction. He advocated for electric assist and increased TLC staffing.
• Justin Garbeit (Fire Island Pedicab) expressed support for holding operators accountable and for distance-based fares. He proposed a pilot program to test regulations before citywide implementation.
• Hisham Mahmoud and Adamu Mazaru (pedicab drivers) expressed support for electric assist (In 1063), citing age and physical limitations that make manual pedaling difficult.
• Keenan Delancy (pedicab driver) expressed strong support for Intro 1026 (designated curb spaces), arguing it would reduce traffic congestion and pedestrian conflicts.
• Amadou Gassimu (pedicab driver) expressed support for electric assist, uniform pricing, and driver training.
• Christina Hansen (carriage driver) expressed support for visible, theft-resistant license plates on pedicabs, noting that current plates are easily covered or counterfeited.
• Paul Bader (TLC Commissioner, Queens) expressed fiscal concerns about transferring pedicab oversight to TLC, noting that TLC’s budget was cut and it lacks resources. He suggested redirecting unused funds from a previous law enforcement initiative.
• Kristen March (ride-hailing app developer) expressed support for allowing software-based metering (on a passenger's phone) as a supplement to bike-mounted meters.

Discussion Items

• Chair Epstein and Councilmembers Brewer, Hanks, Maloney, Schulman, and Wilson questioned DCWP and TLC representatives about enforcement gaps, low compliance, and the disconnect between licensing and on‑street enforcement. DCWP Deputy Commissioner Carl Ortiz acknowledged that 35% of pedicab summonses are deemed legally insufficient, 25% dismissed in the interest of justice, and 20% not pursued. He stated that of 135 overcharge complaints received in 2025, none resulted in consumer redress. DCWP reported 330 registered pedicabs (out of a cap of 840) and an estimated 1,200–1,500 unlicensed units.
• Councilmember Brewer raised the issue of insurance costs, which have risen from $600 to nearly $6,000 per unit per year, and asked about the feasibility of a meter system. DCWP indicated support for meters but concerns about price controls.
• Councilmember Maloney questioned TLC’s capacity to take on pedicab enforcement and asked whether TLC peace officers could enforce pedicab laws. TLC’s Ira Goldapper stated that TLC does not have the resources or expertise for pedicabs and that its enforcement is targeted on taxis and FHVs.
• Councilmember Hanks asked about electric‑assist concerns; DCWP deferred to NYPD on speed enforcement. Public witnesses argued that pedicabs have a perfect safety record with no fatalities.
• Councilmember Schulman asked about noise complaints and whether a scannable code would help consumers. DCWP said they are evaluating costs for scannable plates.
• Chair Epstein questioned DCWP about why three‑quarters of pedicabs operate without licenses. DCWP noted that the cost‑benefit analysis favors non‑compliance given weak enforcement. The Chair pressed for alternative enforcement mechanisms beyond ticketing.

Key Outcomes

• All seven proposed introductions (Intros 64, 77, 673, 992, 993, 1026, and 1063) were laid over by the committee, meaning no vote was taken and the bills remain under consideration.
• DCWP and TLC representatives committed to providing additional data on enforcement, complaints, and confiscations to the committee.
• Several witnesses and councilmembers urged consolidation of the bills and called for a referred bill package with dedicated resources if oversight is transferred to TLC.
• The committee will continue to work with stakeholders and agencies to refine the legislation before any vote.