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Committee approves pedicab ordinance allowing pedicabs to use bike lanes
Summary
The Transportation Infrastructure Committee approved an ordinance to allow pedicabs to use bike and protected mobility lanes, citing safety and event-transportation needs; committee vote was 10-0.
The Transportation Infrastructure Committee approved an ordinance July 20 to amend the Metro code to allow pedicabs to use bike lanes and ask the Taxi and Limousine Commission to treat pedicabs as transportation rather than entertainment vehicles. Council member Parker, sponsor of BL 20 26 14 90, explained the changes and said the move is aimed at safety and consistency for riders and drivers.
Parker said the code changes will “allow them to utilize the bike lanes” and reflected input from pedicab operators and cycling advocates. Public commenters backed the change: Evie Hassler said pedicabs are safer in bike lanes, noting drivers have sometimes been threatened when forced into general traffic, and Joy Hassler, representing Nashville pedicab drivers and passengers, urged that Vision 0 and safe-infrastructure planning include pedicabs.
Parker described pedicabs as smaller, typically three-wheeled vehicles used for transport across downtown rather than as entertainment rides, and said the update would help at large events and around the new football stadium where parking will be limited. The council discussion noted cycling advocates generally supported allowing pedicabs into bike lanes as a safety measure.
The committee approved the ordinance on a voice vote recorded as 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 not voting. The committee took no further action at the meeting and then adjourned.
