Some residents fear the large pedicabs, or quadricycles, can lead to even more traffic congestion on City streets.
Toronto roads are already super congested and now there’s a plan to add large pedicabs or multi-passenger quadricycles into the traffic mix.
City Council has a pilot project underway allowing large quadricycles, or pedal-powered party-bikes, on our roads under the Highway Traffic Act until 2032.
The project is working fine and City Council is being called on to issue more permits for quadricycles to operate on City streets, according to a report by Transportation Service and Municipal Licensing and Standards departments.
The matter will be before City Council this month for approval.
The large pedicabs, used on tours or to explore our city, will only be allowed on certain designated roads where they do not pose a danger.
The report said the City should issue more licences, renewable on an annual basis, for pedicabs, which are large multi-passenger quadricycles. More licences can be granted to single operating companies.
It warned the number of passengers shall not exceed the number of passenger seats available on the large pedicabs, some of which can hold 12 or more passengers.
City officials will designate, create and amend a list of roadways on which large quadricycles are prohibited from operating if they will cause or contribute to traffic management problems.
The list of roadways are to be listed publicly, according to the officials.
The report said the operators of the quadricycles will be required to submit their proposed routes while applying for a licence or its renewal at least 10 business days in advance to verify the operation will not cause traffic problems.
Large pedicab operators will be required to be licenced and must provide the routes they plan to travel to avoid more congestion.
The operators will also have to notify the City if there are any route changes.
The vehicles will be banned from roads with speeds higher than 40 kilometers an hour; and travel no more than one block on Yonge street, Bloor Street or Danforth Avenue. They will also be prohibited from making left-hand turns or straight-through movements at unsignalized intersections when one street is an arterial road.
City staff recommend the pedicab operators charge fees based on time and not by number of passengers, must be registered and licenced by the City and not park on any sidewalks.
They are to report back by 2032 after consulting with police, emergency services, the TTC, business improvement associations, the public and consider any changes that may emerge with provincial laws.
The pedal-powered bikes, or party bikes, are used by many tourists visiting Toronto.
The report said there has not been “any identifiable impacts on traffic congestion, transit operations, or public safety in the first two years of the pilot.”
Input from local businesses confirmed that large quadricycle tours present a small but visible economic development opportunity and support tourism.
Results from a public survey found that 77 per cent of Toronto residents support the continued use of large quadricycles in Toronto.
There are some concerns by motorists and pedestrians that the large quadricycles will lead to more clogged up and congested streets in some areas of the City.