HOUSTON — Parking at RodeoHouston can be a bit costly, which is why most visitors don't mind parking blocks away where the options are cheaper and taking the long trek to the action.
The long trek is typically a breeze when you opt for catching a pedicab, but the City of Houston wants you to use precautions before hitching a ride.
A pedicab is a pedal-powered tricycle hitched to a seated compartment that takes people from remote parking spots to event venues. At RodeoHouston, the individuals driving these tricycles are typically self-employed and set their own prices. The City of Houston warns that these rides could be costly if the vehicle is not properly permitted and involved in an accident.
The City of Houston said it requires all pedicabs to be permitted and carry insurance for its passengers, but some pedicab drivers operate illegally.
To see if a pedicab driver is permitted, check for a valid city-issued certification decal. The decal is a bright yellow sticker that should be visible on the vehicle's seat post, the city said. If you don't see the certification decal, ask the driver for proof of permit.
The city said you should decline service if the vehicle is not permitted.
“Unpermitted pedicabs are always more prevalent when large events are scheduled and this should be concerning to passengers because it means that some of those vehicles transporting people on city streets might not have proper insurance or other safety features,” said City of Houston Regulatory Permitting Deputy Director Kathryn Bruning. “A $20 or $30 ride from your parking spot to an event venue could end up costing much more if there is an accident involving an unpermitted pedicab and you are stuck with medical bills.”
Illegal pedicabs operating without a valid permit can be given a citation and ordered to pay a fine of up to $500.
If you are a pedicab driver looking for information about how to get a permit, please email araregulatorypermitting@houstontx.gov or call Regulatory Permitting at 832-394-8801.