Lito bans pedicabs

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza ordered the banning of pedicabs on major thoroughfares in the city to prevent accidents involving pedicab drivers and their passengers.

Atienza clarified that pedicabs - pedal-driven tricycles - would still be allowed to use side streets for their drivers to be able to earn a living. "This administration recognizes pedicab driving as a legitimate means to earn a living. But pedicab drivers are expected to follow traffic rules," the mayors told drivers and operators in a recent dialogue.

Hundreds of pedicabs were confiscated during a series of operations in the past weeks, prompting operators and drivers to initiate a dialogue with local government officials. Aside from operating along main thoroughfares, pedicab drivers have become notorious for breaking traffic rules, crisscrossing major intersections and even going against the flow of traffic.

Atienza said the practice of pedicab drivers does not only slow down the flow of traffic but also endangers the lives of pedicab drivers and their passengers. – Cecille Suerte Felipe