Good news on ther horizon for Malaysian trishaw riders

It's encouraging to see that Malaysia hasn't forgotten to include Trishaws in it's plans for the future.
The State Tourism Action Council said this:
"Our trishaw riders will be an integral part of our efforts to boost new tourism products."

Bravo!

you can read the article in New Straits times HERE.

NYC Pedicab reprive

There's a bunch of stuff on the www. about the recent change of heart by the Mayor of New York, who decided he needed more time to consider the consequences of proposed legislation to cap the number of Pedicabs on NY city streets.
I believe that to stop the process when it has already progressed so far is an act of humility. It is never too late to realize an error of judgment in order to prevent a bigger mistake in the long run. To sign the Bill would have been a mistake but still rarely do we see a leader who is prepared to reconsider the implications of his or her actions. It seems that NYC has a Mayor who is big enough to listen to the people and see reason when presented with a reasonable argument and a fair amount of opposition. Good on you Mayor Bloomberg!

Check out the links to this story:

NY 1
Bloomberg Puts Brakes On Pedicab Bill

New York Post
MIKE COMES TO SCREECHING HALT ON PEDICAB LAW

Gothamist
This Week at City Hall: Bill Non-Signing, 40th Updates
Mayor Bloomberg Decides Not to Sign Pedicab Bill

AM New York
Scramble after mayor's pedicab U-Turn
Poised to regulate pedicabs--mayor hesitates

Mayoral reprive for Pedicab industry

I have no energy for posting to my blogs lately, I doubt that would bother too many people as they are regularly not read anyway. Just thought I'd post a link to an interesting development in the NYC pedicab legislation that was totally unexpected.

www.amny.com/news/

Men of Burden - Trailer

I have not been able to find out when this documentary will be released or if it will even be available in Australia but it looks like it will document a unique and important aspect of culture that will be too easily forgotten by the modern and developing world.

NYC council votes against sustainable future

The pressure has been on New York City pedicab drivers and recently the council voted to limit the number of pedicabs operating in the city. It seems various other regulations are also being considered that will have a disastrous effect on the future for pedicab drivers in the city.
There may have been some concerns about localized issues or even conflicting views on the presence of pedicabs in what may be already crowded city streets but there is no doubt that this kind of decision is a vote against an environmentally sustainable future! Imagine if they took a totally different approach to pedicabs and transport in general. Many of the issues regarding safety and congestion could be resolved if there were in fact more pedicabs and less cars on the road. Just imagine that!

Check the links:

NY1
Pedicab drivers brace for big changes

Streetsblog
City council passes passes...

New York Post
City curbs pedicabs...

NewYorkology
City council OK's rules for pedicabs...

New York Times
Pedicabs: Menace or Threat?


India

The Hindu
Cycle rickshaws find some support...

Bilaws or Outlaws

Why are city councils all over the world so slow to realize their responsibility in supporting environmentally responsible transport alternatives? It seems ridiculous that legislation, regulations, bureaucratic stipulations and their competitors protestations can be allowed to block one of the simplest and cheapest solutions to the environmental and social problems associated with urban transport.

I still have no great stories to share or news of having acquired my own rickshaw or pedicab as yet. Please check out some of the pedicab news I've collected today.

City Council Member to Argue Against Limiting Pedicabs
www.1010wins.com...

What's happening in Utah
http://kutv.com/consumer/local_story_058230951.html

City Council Set To Vote on Pedicabs Today...
www.onnyturf.com...