Downtown Pedicabs Idea Gains Support from San Pedro Business Owners

Example of a pedicab in Sarasota, Florida. (photo: Clyde Robinson via Flickr)

Business owners and business groups are not only on board, but enthusiastic about the idea of having bicycle-pulled pedicabs cruising the streets of San Pedro.

Pedicabs, which can be seen everywhere on the streets of San Diego, Chicago and Seattle, are a relatively new concept to Los Angeles County, except for Santa Monica, which does have its share of the human-powered vehicles.

But the idea of pedicabs is one that Councilman Tom LaBonge, chair of the Trade, Commerce and Tourism Committee, supports. LaBonge directed the Los Angeles’ taxicab administrator, Tom Drischler, to work with both San Pedro and Hollywood’s business groups to “explore the idea and return with a preliminary report.”

“Residents would be able to get to shops, restaurants and entertainment venues without worrying about gas and parking.”

Drischler said that because of limited staffing, the city would need to hire a consultant to conduct a “true feasibility study.”

Eric Eisenberg, president and CEO of The Renaissance Group and president of the Board of Directors, San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District, said he “strongly supports bringing pedicabs to San Pedro.”

“This is just another way to bring people to historic downtown or to the Port,” he said. “It is a great idea, and I think it would be great for business and the community as a whole.”

Eisenberg said that any alternative form of transportation to help people move within their community is always a good thing.

“Residents would be able to get to shops, restaurants and entertainment venues without worrying about gas and parking,” Eisenberg said. “This would be great for San Pedro, and the businesses within the community.”

According to Curbed LA, the idea of a pedicab program was introduced last year, by then-Councilman Eric Garcetti, who is now mayor. At the time, Garcetti introduced the pilot program for Hollywood, which is now being represented by Councilman Mitch O’Farrell.

John Philipopoulous, owner at The Sandwich Salon, 813 S. Gaffey, said he thinks pedicabs in San Pedro is a “great idea.”

“I absolutely support this,” he said. “It is another means of transportation, and it helps residents and customers avoid the worry over parking, and allows them to get out and see the city.”