This is just something else to contend with before our need and demands are met and addressed. French's concerns did not meet with much sympathy Monday from Santa Monica City Council members. As far as Councilman Paul Rosenstein is concerned, technological advancements naturally inspire competition. New technology and new methods of doing things often compete with older service. Pedicabs are pollution-free and they encourage people to be outdoors at street level, said Councilman Michael Feinstein , an environmentalist and a founder of the Green Party in California .
Pedicabs offer a different service than cabs.
They go slower and they're not protected from the elements. If people think it's worth getting a different service, the market will adjust and there may be fewer cabs, but I don't think it will run cabs entirely out of the city. Pedicab drivers will have to stay in bicycle lanes, avoid blocking traffic and keep their equipment in safe working condition. If there's such a shortage of metered parking for patrons of businesses, then the shortage should apply to pedicabs as well. The proposed regulations also require fares to be posted and visible to passengers, but they allow drivers to negotiate lower fares.