Pedicab drivers often decorate their cabs to reflect a certain theme. This pink pedicab is a loving homage to every thing Hello Kitty. Unfortunately I did not get to interview the driver who was a female not obviously of Asian decent, whether the cab was designed by her or whether it was decorated by the owner, or what her personal feelings towards Hello Kitty were. But I think the Hello Kitty pedicab would be the perfect ride for children and connoisseurs alike.
This picture was taken on Saturday of Comic Con. Comic Con is a big time for pedicabs. This is time when their dual role is exceedingly clear. The pedicab drivers benefit from a large number of fairs. At the same time the pedicab companies make even more money on advertisement. This kind of advertisement is more environmentally friendly than the billboards carried by the trucks. I will show some of the advertisements later.
Even with the big role of pedicabs in the festivities, pedicabs are excluded from the bottom block of Fifth avenue, seen here. The are almost everywhere else though.
Sharon Miller, a 60 year old retired teacher died after falling from a pedicab on July 4. I saw police investigating the scene a few hours after the accident. It had the look of a fatality investigation. So far the most complete coverage of the incident I have found has been this post on the website San Diego News Network.
The drive, Sukru Safa Cinar, a 23 year old Turkish student was arrested and then released. Several city counsel member s have promised swift action to regulate the pedicabs. I am deeply concerned that the regulations will do nothing but bring needless hardships on the pedicab drivers who work very hard at a dangerous job for very little in compensation.
Even in the above linked description of the accident is very light on details. It is disturbingly easy for an older person to day of a blow to the head. I am not at all convinced that the pedicab operator was at fault. I will keep an eye on this case. I suspect that the driver will shortly be back in Turkey. I don't know what liability the company who leased the pedicab could have. The details of what transpired may never become public.
I have often wondered how much of the profit pedicab companies make comes from the advertising they sell. This seems like a perfect add for a pedicab. Seaport Village is a park with various touristy shops, a gazebo where there is often free music, and an old fashioned merry go round. Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter where there are many restaurants and street performers mark pretty much the limits of the pedicabs range, though I think they also service Padre'sstadium. I am sure many people would like to eat lunch in the Gaslamp Quarter and then take a pedicab to Seaport Village.
With the price of LED lights falling more and more Pedicabs have LED lights all over the cabs. This of course is a great advertisement for picking up fares but it even better as safety measure. These mobile light shows cruising down Fifth avenue really adds some romance to the San Diego nights.
Photos Taken 1 August 2009
