Select Board denies pedicab advertising request, citing precedent concerns

At the May 12 Licensing and Petitions hearing the Select Board unanimously denied a request from a licensed pedicab operator to add removable advertising panels and sponsor logos to pedicabs.

The applicant, Michael (owner/operator), asked permission to install removable panels no larger than 36 inches by 12 inches for local sponsors and hotels. Amy (Staff member) told the board that Chapter 316‑2 of the town's pedicab regulations requires board approval for any placards or advertisements on pedicabs and that removable signs are not currently permitted by the code.

Board members concentrated on precedent. Malcolm (Select Board member) said allowing advertising on pedicabs would likely lead to requests for ads on taxis, tour buses and other vehicles. Dawn (Select Board member) called it a “slippery slope,” noting the town recently limited advertising on umbrellas for outdoor dining. Several members said they could see a narrow exception for an identification marking indicating a private hotel’s rented pedicab, but they were not willing to change policy at this time.

Matt (Select Board member) moved to deny the advertising request; Malcolm seconded. By roll call the motion carried with all members voting yes.

Staff advised that if the board later wanted to permit limited identification for pedicabs utilized as an exclusive hotel service, the licensing office could draft design standards and conditions for future consideration. Amy recommended numbering pedicabs for identification and suggested any design or policy change be coordinated with taxi and charter regulations to avoid inconsistent precedent.