Pedicabs along the Port of San Diego Waterfront
Scenic San Diego Bay. Few sights in our region are more photographed and enjoyed more than our rich and diverse waterfront. One way to enjoy San Diego Bay is to take a leisurely pedicab ride with a knowledgeable driver who can share their enthusiasm for the place where they work and where our guests come from all over the world to have a unique and positive experience.
New Pedicab Regulations at the Port
On November 14, 2023, after six months of development with substantial public input, the Board of Port Commissioners approved new regulations for motorized mobility devices, which includes motorized pedicabs, for operation around the San Diego Bay waterfront.
For pedestrian safety, motorized mobility devices (MMDs) are only allowed to operate on roadways, parking lots, bike lanes, and streets and are prohibited to operate on sidewalks, promenades, multi-use pathways, nature trails, piers, plazas, parking garages, parks, and piers. Motorized mobility devices include, but are not limited to, electric bikes, motorized pedicabs, motorized scooters, hoverboards, motorized boards and skateboards, shared mobility devices, and other motorized mobility devices. Pedal-only pedicabs will be allowed to operate on certain designated mixed-use sidewalks and pathways. Additionally, beginning on February 15, 2024, all pedicabs operating (motorized and non-motorized) on Port property will be required to have a Pedicab Operating Agreement, which will include a Pedicab Operator Code of Conduct.
The Port has designated motorized and pedal-only pedicab routes along the Embarcadero on North Harbor Drive from the Coast Guard station to the Hilton Bayfront Hotel and establish pedicab staging areas for pickup and drop off for both motorized and pedal-only pedicabs.
San Diego Unified Port District Code Section 8.07 is amended to reflect the new regulations, effective December 14, 2023. In addition to the regulations described above, Port Code 8.07 also, among other things:
- Prohibits amplified sound and music from pedicabs.
- Requires pedicabs to prominently display Port-issued placard/decals on the back and each side of the pedicab, to include a phone number, email, website and QR code for the public to report potential violations to the Port.
- Requires pedicab rates to be prominently displayed both inside and outside all pedicabs and full fares per trip must be agreed upon by the passengers prior to trip departure.
- Prohibits persons under the age of 18 years old to operate an MMD without a helmet.
- Prohibits persons under the age of 16 years old to operate an MMD.
Signs reflecting the new regulations are being installed. There are exceptions allowing for ADA-compliant mobility devices used by those with mobility disabilities, as well as for Segway tour operators which must have City of San Diego permits, to operate in sidewalk areas.
VIEW PEDICAB CODE OF CONDUCT HERE
With the new regulations, the Port is dedicated to improving public safety and the pedicab experience both for our visitors and those working in the industry. The new rules create safer routes, better understanding by all parties of ride fares, an Operator Code of Conduct, and a Passenger Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
Contact Us
Additional information for pedicab operators and the public will be available on this page in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, if you have questions, please send an email to pedicabs@portofsandiego.org or call the Port Pedicab Line at 619.725.6080.
If you need non-emergency assistance regarding an incident with a pedicab needing Harbor Police response – 619.686.6272.