HOUSTON — The City of Houston said it will start impounding illegal pedicabs starting next week in an effort to make things safer for those who want to take a ride going to or coming from events around town.
City officials said the move is in response to concerns from NRG, Minute Maid Park and other major event venues about unlicensed pedicabs operating recklessly.
So now, the city is putting a target on the illegal pedicabs and their operators.
The crackdown is set to begin as the Astros kick off their postseason run.
Frank Pipkins is an Astros fan and a pedicab operator.
"Every year we're nervous. We don't know if they're going to make it or not. But this year, man they actually clinched it for us, so we're looking forward to it," he said.
The team's eighth straight playoff berth means more business, but Pipkins said he also knows that means the unlicensed pedicab operators, including those from out of town, also will be looking to take advantage.
"My main concern is really them, just having a negative impact on the market," Pipkins said.
Alonso Quintanilla is the owner and founder of Rollout Productions. He's a licensed pedicab operator and said he supports the new initiative.
"It's, you know, just a matter about getting everything done right," Quintanilla said. "Safety is the most, you know, the No. 1 concern with my company and all the companies out here. We want to make sure everyone gets there safe," Quintanilla said.
City officials said popular events like MLB playoffs and the Houston rodeo, often attract out-of-town, unlicensed, unpermitted or uninsured pedicab operators.
"When we realized they weren't permitted in the past, we've given them citations and those citations go largely unpaid and those same folks might come back the next time," Billy Rudolph, with the City of Houston Administration and Regulatory Affairs, said.
Starting Oct. 1, Houston police will begin towing and impounding illegal pedicabs.
"We want to make sure that they're getting in a pedicab that's been looked at, checked on and all the safety requirements that the city requires for a permit," Rudolph said.
City officials and licensed pedicab operators said they hope it leads to a safe and successful Astros playoff run.
"I'm looking forward to taking home another championship," Pipkins said.
Officials and pedicab operators encourage customers to ask for proof of permit, license and insurance before getting into a pedicab. The permit and insurance should be displayed and the license can be on display or kept on the person of the pedicab operator.