Photo: Teresa Otto
Pedicabs swerving in and out of traffic around Minute Maid Park, NRG Stadium, and other Houston-area venues have become a common sight—and often a headache for drivers. Now, the City of Houston is cracking down on them due to safety concerns.
Starting October 1st, Houston police will begin towing and impounding pedicabs operating in high-traffic areas without proper permits and licenses.
Pedicabs are commonly used to transport pedestrians from remote parking near the venues to the events. However, the city says they often operate recklessly on public streets surrounding these locations. With the Astros recently clinching the AL West, playoff games are expected to attract even more pedicab operators.
According to a City of Houston press release, pedicabs are often brought in from out of town for playoff games and concerts at Minute Maid and NRG, prompting venues to petition the city to take action.
The city has also released the following tips for event attendees to help crack down on unlicensed and unsafe pedicab operators:
- Before you accept a ride, check for a yellow sticker on the seat post.
- If you don’t see the certification decal, ask the operator for proof of permit.
- Decline service if the vehicle is not permitted.