BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 530|
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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
SB 530
Page 2
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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