I want to say thanks again to Marcus at the Austin on Two Wheels blog for bringing to my attention that Chris Neilson is planning to speak at the next Urban Transportation Commission meeting.  Marcus was present at the last meeting.  Chris Neilson will be asking the city to start the process which will allow golf carts to legally operate as ground transportation vehicles.  I could be mistaken, but I believe that this would require City Council approval to modify Austin City Code section 13-2.

The meeting is taking place at City Hall at 6pm Tuesday April 14, 2009.  Pedicabbers will likely hear more about this on the streets in the next coming weeks.  It may be a good idea for pedicabbers to show up to voice their opposition to allowing golf carts to become licensed.  I am not sure if at this time how important it is for a large group to show up.  More updates later.

Currently Chris Neilson’s golf carts cannot be licensed as ground transportation vehicles as their is not category for golf carts.  Because his vehicles are not licensed he and his employees are not allowed to request or accept any money from any passenger ant any time.  If they do accept any money from any one at any time they are operating a gypsy taxi service and subject to being heavily fined.

See Marcus’s article and my comments below:

http://austinontwowheels.org/2009/03/20/pedicabs-under-attack-by-marauding-golf-carts/