Orange County considers regulating pedicabs on I-Drive

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners are set to meet Tuesday to discuss a proposed ordinance designed to increase pedicab safety in the heart of the county’s tourism corridor.

If approved, the ordinance would require pedicab drivers to pass a background check and to apply for a permit before being allowed to shuttle visitors to the various restaurants and shops along International Drive.

The proposed ordinance would also require a company’s name and a list of fares to be visible to potential riders.

And that doesn’t sit well with driver Kevin Green.

“I don’t really think they have any business getting into our business, because they don’t really know what’s going on,” Green said. “They don’t know anything about the bike.”

But drivers like Kari Gray said a bit more regulation might not be a bad thing.

“Sometimes we have to go out on the street if there is a lot of traffic on the sidewalk,” Gray said. “That’s why it’s important to have a license.”

Jon Forgione, who owns Five Star Pedicab, said the proposed changes are needed.

“Drivers need to have a driver’s license,” Forgione said. “They think we are just riding a bicycle, but [we] are actually transporting people’s lives.”

A final decision won’t be made during Tuesday’s work session. The meeting aims to update commissioners on where the process stands.

Cox Media Group