Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves pedicab permit on two-month trial, asks for signage and limits
Summary
Council granted a two-month trial transportation permit to Pedicab Catalina (applicant Joe Sampson) with conditions: improved 'no bikes' signage on Front Street, a visible permit marking on the pedicab, and a staff report after the trial period.
The Avalon City Council voted on April 7 to grant a transportation permit to Joe Sampson of Pedicab Catalina on a two-month trial basis and asked staff to install clearer signage and report back.
Sampson told council his three-person pedal-assist pedicab provides guided, quiet tours and emphasized safety, saying it "is a very, personalized custom tour that gets people involved in the culture". He confirmed the vehicle would carry liability insurance and said he would submit the policy as required.
Council members raised concerns about Front Street enforcement and precedent—several asked whether allowing one pedicab on Front Street would encourage other cyclists and rental operators to assume the same privilege. Staff and council discussed trial conditions: a two-month trial period, a permit visibly displayed on the pedicab, and improved signage marking the pedestrian zone with a supplemental 'pedicabs only' indicator.
A motion to approve the permit on a two-month trial passed unanimously. Council directed staff to put signage in place before operations begin and to return with a report on safety and enforcement after the trial period.
