Council gives first reading to pedicab ordinance to allow trailers and rush‑hour operation; second reading set for July 16

The Saint Paul City Council conducted a first reading on July 9 of an ordinance to amend Chapter 375 of the Legislative Code to allow pedicabs to pull trailers, remove the city’s current hours restrictions on pedicab operation, and adopt uniform licensing procedures consistent with Chapter 310 of the legislative code. The item was laid over for a public hearing and second reading on July 16.

Council members said the proposed changes are intended to support downtown vibrancy and to help pedicab operators accommodate more riders in an eco‑friendly way. The council member presenting the report said outreach included downtown hospitality partners and the RiverCentre; the presenter thanked a legislative aide for drafting work and said they expect a public hearing next week.

What happened (formal action) - First reading of ordinance to amend Legislative Code Chapter 375 (pedicabs): presented to council; ordinance laid over to July 16 for second reading and public hearing. Vote to lay over: unanimous (7‑0).

Why it matters Council members framed the change as a modest regulatory update aimed at supporting small mobile businesses and downtown hospitality activity. Allowing trailers and removing rush‑hour restrictions would align Saint Paul with practices in some other cities that permit pedicabs to operate during busy periods.

Next steps A public hearing and second reading are scheduled for July 16. The council indicated it will consider input from hospitality partners and the public when finalizing code language.