Are Pedicabs Being Taken for a Ride?
So I’m standing on the corner of 54th and Fifth. I am often standing on that corner, for reasons too complicated to go into right now. The point being, I could not get a cab. Why? Well, as any self-respecting New Yorker knows, you can’t GET a cab anywhere in Manhattan between 4PM and 5PM. That’s when, apparently, all cabs change shifts. Oh, you’ll see plenty of them cruising by. With their off-duty lights on, mocking you. As a longtime New Yorker, I know this, and yet, for some reason (Mercury in retrograde?) I found myself foolishly waving my arm at oncoming traffic.
The drivers who, just a while ago, would have cut across fourteen lanes of traffic to get to you, now avoid eye contact. Or if you manage to get the attention of one by throwing your body directly in his path, the driver will slowly roll down his window, ask where you’re headed, and after you tell him, shake his head and speed off, narrowly missing your foot. And this invariably happens just as the ONE available cab in Manhattan at that hour drives past, while you’re dickering with this guy who takes his time telling you he’s not going to take you anywhere.
But the point of this blog is not cabs. It’s pedicabs. It appears the city now wants to impose a lot of tough rules on these pedicabs.
And that day, the only way I was getting off that corner at 54th and Fifth was to jump into a pedicab, pedaled by a young man who looked like he weighed less than me. And I don’t weigh much. I sat in back, watching my carrier (is that the correct term) pumping his tough sinewy legs for all they were worth, down Fifth, across 41st, finally weaving through tight traffic on Third. And I swear, he didn't even break a sweat. I actually found the ride quite fun and would have enjoyed it more if I weren't so uptight about getting to work on time.
I don’t know how these guys do it. I have seen some of them hauling tourists who would challenge the horsepower of a full-sized taxi.
And speaking of that, what’s with those cabs that look really big and roomy on the outside, but the minute you climb in, your knees are up under your chin. An illusion of space I have yet to figure out.
But I digress. Those pedicab drivers are some of the toughest sons of a gun I have ever seen. What really astonishes me, is how they remain so friendly, after hauling ungodly pounds of human flesh through unfriendly New York traffic. And how so many of them look like they would break in a strong gust of wind. It cannot be easy work.
And now, the city wants to regulate WHERE they can pedal. Up to now, pedicabs did a good business in Central Park. But now that they're actually making some money, the city wants to put up new rules that would require them to stay in the right lane of traffic, not use the bike lanes, and not pick up any tourists (because, let’s be frank, those are the folks who use this form of transport) where taxis normally pick them up. And no ads on the sides of the pedis while in the Park during hours taxis are allowed there. Huh? I mean, the Mayor himself has said pedicabs are a unique part of the fabric of this city.
By the way, for those of you thinking, Kaity you lazy so and so, why didn't you just walk? Well, I often do. Just not that day. For reasons too complicated to go into right now.
Comments: 19
Interesting. Now that, (as you say), these guys are starting to really catch on & make some money, now they want to enforce stricter regulations. It seems like they're going to eventually be just another regular part of mid-town New York life! It's only a matter of time. You're certainly an adventurous one Kaity!
Well then Ms. Tong, as any self-respecting New Yorker knows, you can’t GET a cab anywhere in Manhattan between 4PM and 5PM.
Then, how did you make it to work on time?
Was this a magic cab? Did you get this cab from the same people who gave Aladdin his flying carpet? :-)
Hi Kaity,
Pedicabs are cheap, however they lock horns with the other cab drivers in the city. It takes a lot of time and energy to be a pedicab driver, however, it is great exercise.
You look great!
You are the most professional person at that station. Keep up the good work Kaity.
Kaity, I've never taken a pedicab but often see those drivers and am in awe of what they do under the most adverse conditions.
All the best to you, and congratulations on the new 6:30 show. You are the best! LB
Kaity -
It is pretty pathetic that a professional NY broadcaster on the job for as long as you cannot correctly pronounce Yom Kippor (Yome Key Pour) and Chabbad (CHA bod).
Anonymous - Are you bored with picking on Jim?
The city wants to regulate so they can start collecting fees. Once they start that, they'll also raise the fees. Nickel and diming people ...
I think that the reason why the drivers are so skinny is that they use all their strength to get their passengers to where they need to go. I've seen some drivers with more than one passenger that was on the heavy side.
I'm surprised that someone as small as you (I'm the same height) finds a pedicab a tight fit, which meas it must be snug!!
It is the disgusting result of too much govt regulation for nothing. Yes, I strongly prefer small govt and big market.
Why is it any of the govt's business to tell pedicab drivers who they can serve, or put on an ad for extra income, or which lane they can or can not ride on? Unless there are some special interest groups that want to monopolize the market using laws.
I myself admire pedicab drivers, they really use their body to earn a living.
I also admire the pedicab drivers'
stamina and bravery to be in NYC
traffic!
It was my belief that competition is
the American way, why penalize these
hard working people?
Thanks, Kaity, for bringing to us another
slice of your life and the life of
NYC! Also enjoy watching you and Jim
at 6:30pm after a long work day.
cheers, mona
I love your 6.30 show!
Learn to read, Gayman. I mean, Cave Man. I mean, K-Mart Man. I mean, Kman. Whatever your stupid name is, learn to read already. Kaity made herself abundantly clear. You have a problem with reading comprehension. A pedicab is not a taxicab.
Jenny -- I don't think this "Anonymous" is the same "Anonymous" who keeps attacking Jim -- this is another moron. The "Anonymous" who keeps attacking Jim writes mostly in ALL CAPS, and almost always adds, PIX MORNING NEWS SUCKS. I think this is another dope. Also, this dope didn't misspell any words. I may be wrong, but I think these are two different Anonymous losers.
"Anonymous" -- Who the hell cares how Yom Kippor or Chabbad are really pronounced? It's all fairy tales anyway. Get a life.
And, by the way, Anonymous Genius, isn't it spelled Yom Kippur? (But, again, who cares?)
Um, Harold Harefoot... it's kman, not Kman. :-p
You could stand to get more in touch with your humorous side a little more. I suggest watching "My Cousin Vinny" a couple 100 times. I know it happens to be one of Kaity's favorites.
Thought you were attacking Kaity... Didn't like it...
What's the diff between Kman and kman?
"Thought you were attacking Kaity... Didn't like it..."
Yeah... go on...
Kaity, from a personal note:
Years ago, my friend laughed when I wanted to date a pedicab driver. Hey, it's a job and an honest one.
This guy really had no prospects, but makes good money driving his pedicab, and what great shape he is in now!
He a person, I personally will never forget. Just the word pedicab makes my heart skip a beat...it's like in that movie HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT - the soul mate that got awayyyyyyy.....
Lee ahhhh
'Thought you were attacking Kaity...'
"Yeah... go on..."
Truly, I did. You wrote,
"Well then Ms. Tong, as any self-respecting New Yorker knows, you can’t GET a cab anywhere in Manhattan between 4PM and 5PM.
"Then, how did you make it to work on time?
Was this a magic cab? Did you get this cab from the same people who gave Aladdin his flying carpet?"
Doesn't that seem just a wee bit sarcastic? I'm so used to people attacking Kaity and Jim here that I guess I'm seeing insults even when they're not really there...
My apologies. Didn't mean to be an a-hole (but I'm just so good at it).
Apology accepted, Harold Harefoot.
Did you not see "My Cousin Vinny"? Perhaps my attempt at mimmicking the scene where Vinny asked the witness on the stand , "were these magic beans?" either didn't work or you just missed it.
In any event, I don't blame you for having Kaity's back, especially when she's styling in those hot black jackets! :-)
Thanks for graciously accepting my apology, kman -- I don't know if I would've accepted it if I were in your place. You're a class act.
Actually, I never did see "My Cousin Vinny," but now I'm curious to see what you're talking about. I'll have to rent it one of these days. I do know that Herman Munster is in it, or so I've heard, so that should be reason enough to see it.
And yes, Kaity's lookin' fine in them hot black jackets -- the news director now just needs to get her into matching heels, mini skirts, and fishnets... (And now I need a cold shower.)