City commission adopts pedicab ordinance, removes prohibition on alcohol aboard pedicabs

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to adopt a revised Pedicab Public Transportation Ordinance that deletes a city prohibition on alcohol consumption aboard pedicabs and increases the required liability insurance to $2,000,000.

The ordinance, presented on second reading, offers a regulatory framework for anyone who wants to operate pedicab services in the city. A staff member told commissioners the measure is discretionary and intended to set application standards rather than to dictate business models.

"This is a discretionary move," the staff member said, adding that the city is setting a framework for applications and that details would be worked out during the permitting process. The staff member also noted that state law and the proposed ordinance require $2,000,000 in insurance coverage, up from $1,000,000 in earlier drafts.

During public comment and during the discussion, prospective pedicab operators described how their business would work. A presenter for the company seeking approval said the model is to allow patrons to bring their own alcohol rather than having the operator serve it. "The model for us is to allow the patrons to bring their own alcohol," the operator said. "We wouldn't serve it. It would be their own beer or wine only." The operator also said the pedicabs are fitted with lights and turn signals and travel at about 6 miles per hour.

Commissioners questioned safety, likely routes and whether permitting alcohol aboard would create enforcement challenges. One commissioner noted that some downtown streets would be off-limits because of speed and vehicle restrictions, and questioned whether allowing alcohol aboard would affect the business's viability given route limitations.

After discussion, the commission approved the ordinance on second reading and accepted the ordinance summary for publication. The record shows the motion carried by roll call vote and the chair encouraged interested operators to submit applications.

The ordinance sets application standards, enumerates conditions for denial (including violation of city or state law and false statements in applications) and requires route approval by the sheriff's department. The staff member emphasized that no routes have been set and that any route would need law-enforcement signoff.

What's next: The ordinance summary will be published as a cost-saving measure and the city will accept applications under the new framework. Operators who obtain permits will be limited to routes approved by the sheriff's department and required to maintain the higher insurance level.