Foot-driven taxis soon to cruise Myrtle Beach

Looks like people in Myrtle Beach soon will be able to hail more than traditional cabs. They'll also be able to catch pedicabs.

The Myrtle Beach City Council on Tuesday passed the first draft of an ordinance to grant two vendors the franchise rights to operate pedicabs, or rickshaws, within city limits.

Assuming the franchise agreements get a second and final vote, likely at the next council meeting in two weeks, the pedicab operators will be allowed to offer rides 24 hours a day, seven days a week, around Broadway at the Beach, in The Market Common, on 21st Avenue North, and along Ocean Boulevard between Sixth Avenue South and 31st Avenue North.

Rick Ricker, owner of Myrtle Beach Rickshaws, told the council that people will be excited about the new service.

"It's a great way to see the city," Ricker said. "Instead of being inside a cab, people are outside and seeing the city."

He said he has two pedicabs, while Victor Shamah, owner of Myrtle Beach Pedicabs, is considering ordering four.

Shamah said he wants pedicabs with removable covers to protect customers from rain or cold wind. He said having a rickshaw custom-made will cost about $4,200.

There are still details to be worked out, such as whether the drivers will be employees of the pedicab franchises or independent contractors; prices; and hours of operation.

Ricker had asked for the right to operate on all city streets east of U.S. 17 Bypass, but some streets, such as Kings Highway and Robert M. Grissom Parkway, are simply too dangerous, the council members said.

Trevor Tarleton spoke up from the audience during Tuesday's public hearing on the franchise agreements, saying S.C. 15 is also too dangerous.

Councilwoman Susan Grissom Means said that the widest areas of the city's new boardwalk would also be a nice place for pedicab rides. But other council members worried that it would get too crowded.

"I think if you let them on the boardwalk, it's the same as bicycles," Mayor John Rhodes said.

"That's fine," Means said, "I just think it would be fun to ride down there."

Councilman Mike Lowder said he is concerned about safety on the south end of Ocean Boulevard where the road has recently been reconfigured.

Pedicabs would not be able to use bike lanes, city attorney Tom Ellenburg said, because they are vehicles for hire.

Lowder said the pedicabs should not go south of Sixth Avenue South or north of 21st Avenue North on Ocean Boulevard.

"Down the road, you can always expand, rather than having to reel back in," he said.

Resident Birgit Darby told the council she often takes pedicabs in New York City and enjoys them.

"I think they will make a great addition to our city," she said.