BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ó






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          |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE            |                        SB 530|
          |Office of Senate Floor Analyses   |                              |
          |(916) 651-1520    Fax: (916)      |                              |
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                                   THIRD READING 


          Bill No:  SB 530
          Author:   Pan (D)
          Amended:  4/22/15  
          Vote:     21  

           SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE:  10-1, 4/28/15
           AYES:  Cannella, Allen, Bates, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva,  
            McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski
           NOES:  Beall

          SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE:  Senate Rule 28.8

           SUBJECT:   Pedicabs


          SOURCE:    Author
          
          DIGEST:   This bill expands the definition of "pedicab" to  
          include pedal-powered vehicles that can carry up to 15  
          passengers, and creates minimum operational and equipment  
          requirements.

          ANALYSIS:   Existing law defines various types of vehicles with  
          differing rights and responsibilities.  Bicycles, motorized  
          bicycles, pedicabs, neighborhood electric vehicles, motorcycles,  
          passenger vehicles, and buses are just some of the different  
          types of vehicles allowed to use California streets and  
          highways.


          This bill:

          1)Expands the definition of pedicab to include a device which is  








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            primarily pedal-powered, has a seating capacity of not more  
            than 15 passengers, and cannot travel faster than 15 miles per  
            hour.  This type of pedicab must be equipped with basic safety  
            equipment including seat belts, seat backs, brakes,  
            reflectors, headlights and grab rails, and must be operated by  
            a 21-year-old adult with a valid California driver's license.   
            Existing devices have until January 1, 2017, to retrofit with  
            this equipment.

          2)Provides that if a city allows alcohol to be consumed on  
            board, the operator shall also provide an on-board adult  
            safety monitor and both the driver and safety monitor must  
            have completed the Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs  
            program implemented by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage  
            Control.

          Background
          
          In Sacramento, San Diego, and other California cities, these  
          vehicles are used to offer guided riding tours through tourist  
          and entertainment areas, often accompanied with stops at bars  
          and restaurants.  These businesses have so far been licensed by  
          the host city without any state involvement.  This has created  
          some uncertainty about whether these vehicles can lawfully use  
          city streets as there is no existing vehicle definition which  
          specifically covers them, particularly if the vehicle has a  
          motor to assist the pedaling passengers.  



          This bill deals with four-wheeled, primarily pedal-powered  
          vehicles that carry up to 15 passengers.  These are substantial  
          vehicles, about the size of a car, and can cost up to $100,000. 

          Comments
          
          The author notes that the four existing quadricycle companies in  
          California operate under conditions which vary in each  
          municipality.  This bill seeks to establish a uniform set of  
          rules and a standard of best practices for quadricycles where  
          alcohol will be consumed on board.  The author notes that the  
          industry is growing rapidly, and that California should address  
          regulation at a statewide level before there are any accidents  
          or injuries, as have been reported in other states.







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          FISCAL EFFECT:   Appropriation:    No          Fiscal  
          Com.:YesLocal:   Yes


          SUPPORT:   (Verified5/12/15)


          Off the Chain
          Pedal On, LLC - San Diego
          Roberta MacGlashan, Sacramento County Supervisor
          Sac Brew Bike
          Social Cycle
          Numerous individuals


          OPPOSITION:   (Verified 5/12/15)


          None received


          Prepared by:Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121
          5/13/15 16:37:43


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