We, the undersigned, stand in support of New York City’s licensed pedicab drivers and demand fair treatment, equal enforcement, and protection from efforts to destroy an entire industry because of the actions of a few bad actors.

For over 22 years, Helen’s Pedicab has proudly served New York City tourists and residents with professionalism, safety, and integrity. As one of the only longtime female pedicab drivers in NYC, Helen has witnessed the evolution of this industry firsthand and has helped open the door for other women to join this profession.

Today, licensed pedicab drivers are under attack. For my first 14 years starting back in 2004, I pedaled my pedicab WITHOUT a motor.

Due to complaints involving price scammers and unlicensed operators, the entire pedicab community is now being unfairly targeted. At the same time, many drivers believe there is growing pressure and harassment coming from the horse & carriage industry, which views pedicabs as competition in Central Park and Manhattan tourism.

This is not fair. This would hurt the hardworking people who depend on that industry — many of whom are immigrants trying to support their families through honest work.

The same fairness and understanding should apply to pedicab drivers.

Many pedicab drivers are also immigrants working long hours to earn an honest living in New York City’s tourism industry. Others, like Helen, are longtime local operators who have dedicated decades to this profession. What we all have in common is the desire to work legally, safely, and honestly.

It is unfair and harmful to stereotype all pedicab drivers as criminals because of the actions of a few bad actors. Just as no industry should be judged entirely by isolated incidents, neither should the pedicab community.

There are licensed, hardworking pedicab drivers who follow the rules every single day. These drivers deserve protection and fair treatment — not harassment, discrimination, or efforts to erase their livelihoods.

We support removing scammers and illegal operators. But we also support protecting honest workers, immigrant families, women drivers, and small business owners who are simply trying to survive in one of the hardest cities in the world to make a living.

Not every pedicab driver is unlicensed, dishonest, or breaking the law. Many drivers:

Hold valid NYC pedicab licenses
Carry legal bike plates and registrations
Follow city regulations and traffic laws
Support themselves and their families through honest work
Provide eco-friendly transportation and tourism services
Help visitors experience New York City safely and personally
Licensed drivers should not be punished for the actions of scammers who hurt both customers and honest operators alike.

We support reasonable reforms and regulations, including:

Clear pricing transparency
Consumer protections
Meter systems if required
Stronger enforcement against illegal operators
Accountability for those truly violating the law
What we do NOT support is collective punishment, harassment, or the destruction of an entire hardworking community.

Pedicabs are part of New York City’s culture, tourism, and small-business economy. Honest drivers deserve the opportunity to continue earning a living without being stereotyped, threatened, or pushed out by competing industries or unfair public narratives.

We call on NYC officials to:

Protect licensed pedicab drivers
Enforce laws fairly and individually
Stop targeting honest operators
Investigate harassment against lawful pedicab drivers
Work directly with experienced drivers when creating future regulations
Preserve pedicabs as a legal, safe, and valuable part of NYC tourism
By signing this petition, you are supporting fairness, small businesses, women in transportation, immigrant workers who follow the law, and the right for honest New Yorkers to earn a living with dignity.

Do not let an entire industry disappear because of politics, pressure campaigns, or the misconduct of a few individuals. 

SAVE NYC PEDICABS.
SUPPORT LICENSED DRIVERS.
DEMAND FAIRNESS FOR ALL.