BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 530
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Date of Hearing: August 19, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
SB 530
(Pan) - As Amended July 9, 2015
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: YesReimbursable:
No
SUMMARY:
This bill creates a new category of pedicabs and establishes a
set of operational requirements, including for when alcohol is
consumed by passengers. Specifically, this bill:
SB 530
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1)Expands the definition of pedicab to include a four-wheeled
device that is primarily or exclusively pedal-powered, has a
seating capacity for eight to 15 passengers, cannot travel in
excess of 15 miles per hour, and is used for transporting
passengers for hire.
2)Requires these pedicabs, by January 1, 2017, to be equipped
with seatbelts for all passengers, seat backs, brakes,
reflectors, headlights, and grab rails.
3)Require the pedicabs to be authorized by for use by local
ordinance or resolution in order to operate within that local
jurisdiction.
4)Requires, when alcohol is consumed by passengers while on a
pedicab, that the pedicab service meet all of the following:
a) Receive authorization from the appropriate local
authority via local ordinance or resolution.
b) Provide an on-board safety monitor who is at least 21
years of age.
c) Have both the pedicab operator and the safety monitor
complete either the Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs
program (LEAD) implemented by the Department of Alcoholic
Beverage Control (ABC) or a training course utilizing the
curriculum recommended by the Responsible Beverage Service
Advisory Board.
SB 530
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d) Permit only passengers that are 21 years of age or
older.
5)Provides that alcoholic beverages may only be supplied by the
passengers of the pedicab, and shall be in enclosed sealed,
and unopened containers that have been labeled prior to their
consumption on board the pedicab.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Minor enforcement costs to ABC and local law enforcement,
potentially offset to some extent by fine revenues. Training
costs for operator and safety monitors will likely be covered by
fees paid to private training providers.
COMMENTS:
1)Background. Originally established in Europe, this type of
pedal-powered vehicle, otherwise known as a party bike, beer
bike, or pedibus, has rapidly grown in popularity throughout
cities in the United States. Cities such as Portland, Denver,
and Sacramento all permit some form of this transportation
services within their respective city. These human
pedal-powered vehicles can generally seat up to fifteen
passengers with the steering and breaking controlled by a
driver who does not provide pedaling power. Additionally,
these vehicles typically are used to offer guided riding tours
through tourist and entertainment areas, many times
accompanied with stops to local bars and restaurants.
SB 530
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2)Purpose. Within California, party bike companies currently
operate under conditions, which vary in each municipality. SB
530 establishes a basic set of uniform standards by requiring
party bikes to be equipped with certain safety equipment,
requiring party bike operators to meet particular
requirements, and requiring all party bike operators to meet
these requirements before January 1, 2017. The author notes
that this industry is growing rapidly, and that California
should address regulation at the state level before any
significant public safety issues arise.
Analysis Prepared by:Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916)
319-2081