Pedi-cabs could once again be part of the Banff transportation experience if town council decides to lift the current ban on commercial pedi-cabs.
Council has asked administration to bring forward a report at its May 24 meeting, detailing the steps that would need to be taken if council were to consider lifting a prohibition against operation of pedi-cab businesses.
James Barkley, the co-owner of Rocky Mountain Pedicabs, last week asked council to reconsider having pedi-cabs in town and to allow him to operate four to six, beginning on a trial basis this summer.
“I’m hoping the Town sees the viability of a company like mine,” said Barkley at council’s April 26 meeting. “We have a lot to offer visitors and residents alike.”
In 2007, council put in a place a prohibition of rickshaws and pedi-cabs for hire because picking-up and dropping off had the potential to obstruct traffic.
The section of Banff’s traffic bylaw was not, however, intended to ban these human-powered vehicles outright.
Barkley runs his pedi-cab business primarily along 17th Avenue – one of Calgary’s favourite shopping and entertainment districts – and through much of the downtown area.
He said it is monitored and regulated by the City of Calgary and there have been no complaints or incidents in the five years he has been operating.
Barkley said he wants to operate his business on Banff Avenue, but would not do random passenger pick-ups or drop-offs there, both for the safety of his drivers and customers.
He said his pedi-cabs are able to go just as fast as the town’s speed limit, so would not be an obstacle to other vehicles.
“I firmly believe that, far from causing problems or delays, the addition of our pedi-cabs to Banff would be a significant and beneficial enhancement,” he said.
Mayor Karen Sorensen said she would like to see more work done on the issue before lifting the prohibition.
“I think this is a cool idea and I think visitors would enjoy it,” she said.
“Perhaps we can move forward now Banff Refreshing is over, perhaps even on a trial basis.”
Coun. Leslie Taylor asked administration to advertise the fact council was considering lifting the prohibition in order to give everyone a fair chance to compete.
“I’m a little concerned about lifting a prohibition and then not opening it up to others,” she said.
