Anticipating the eventual need as a result of having a pedestrian-friendly downtown, Woodstock is moving to regulate pedicabs and other non-motorized vehicles for hire.
An ordinance, approved on first reading by the city council, is adapted from existing measures in Marietta and Roswell, according to Brantley Day, community development director for Woodstock.
“It’s something that we’ve been investigating for a couple of years,” Day said. “A lot more folks are coming to Woodstock for concerts and other events. We think it’s only a matter of time before someone starts a (pedicab) business, and we want to make sure we’re prepared.”
Staff is researching such things as where the vehicles would be allowed to operate, how they’d be inspected for safety, and how operators would apply for licenses, “so we’re still probably 30 to 45 days from getting everything finished,” Day said.
The ordinance also would address insurance, drivers’ qualifications, fares, operations, mandatory equipment and other issues. It does not apply to horse-drawn carriages, which it says are “expressly prohibited” in the city except for parades, processions or ceremonial purposes.
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