July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Pedicab Company Takes Advantage Of New Santa Monica Ordinance:

Santa Monica’s first registered pedicab company is now in operation after Jose Prats launched his pedal powered taxi service called LA Bike Taxi last Thursday.

The newly launched service provides tourists and residents in downtown Santa Monica with an alternative to contending with local traffic.

The Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved an ordinance in April to allow pedicabs to operate in most of Santa Monica.

Prats said he discovered his passion for bikes after founding adoptabikela.com, which specializes in restoring vintage road bikes.

“I got involved in biking and I loved it,” Prats said. “I started LA Bike Taxi after looking for my next venture to get into. I love Santa Monica and I was motivated to come to Santa Monica first and start this service safely and effectively.”

Although only currently operating within Santa Monica city limits, Prats hoped to expand to other areas of Los Angeles.

“Hollywood and Downtown LA are congested and need a better way for people to get around, so we hope to expand to these areas,” he said.

Prats and his pedicab drivers can be flagged down for a ride near the Third Street Promenade, or they can be contacted via phone or through the LA Bike Taxi website. “Our rides may involve going around the Third Street Promenade, Main Street, or shuttling people to their respective hotels,” Prats said.

LA Bike Taxi will soon introduce the ability to track pedicab drivers through the company’s website. The “locate bike taxi” tab on the site will open an app which will lead people to bike taxi locations.

Since beginning service last Thursday, its drivers are still figuring out ways to target certain people.

“We are currently focusing on well-populated areas and then we will work on ways to target more locals and make it part of their routine,” Prats said.

The pedicabs, which LA Bike Taxi owns and then leases to drivers, can safely accommodate up to five people.

“Five people is our limit, and this might include three adults and two children,” Prats said.

LA Bike Taxi is currently looking to hire new drivers. The company’s drivers must be aged 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Additionally, drivers must be able to pull 500 to 800 pounds for six to eight hours a day.

As a new company, the price of a ride is negotiable.

“Since we are new we ask the customer if they think our price is fair,” Prats said. “A lot of times they agree with the set price, which is currently $2 per block per person.”

Prats said this price may be subject to change, however, as he is considering lowering the price to $1 per block per person.

Aside from offering an alternative to driving, LA Bike Taxi’s mission is to help reduce the high emissions that accompany the transportation system.

LA Bike Taxi is also part of the “1% for the Planet” movement.

“The 1% for the Planet movement is a certification for donating at least one percent of our earnings to charity,” Prats said.

Through their 1% for the Planet membership, the company will donate a certain amount of money to non-profit environmental group Heal the Bay, which is committed to protecting beaches, oceans, and rivers.

When choosing to take a ride with LA Bike Taxi, Prats said customers not only get to experience scenic Santa Monica, but they also get to contribute to a worthy foundation.

For more information about LA Bike Taxi, visit labiketaxi.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...