Adamu Mazalu asks Council to legalize pedal-assist pedicabs

Good morning, Chair, Member of City Council.

My name is Adamu Mazalu.

I am 53 years old, originally from Niger.

And I live in the Bronx.

I have worked as a pedicab driver for almost 10 years.

As an immigrant, this job is my American dream.

It's allowed me to earn an honest living, support myself, and maintain my independence.

I am here today to ask you to support the bill to legalize the pedal assist pedicab, and throw 1063.

For me, this is not just about a bicycle or a piece of equipment.

It is all about being able to continue to do the work I rely on for almost 10 decades.

I have authorities in my both knees.

Every day I walk, I feel the pain.

And physical strength, but I do not want to stop working.

I still want

to get up each morning, go to work, and support myself with dignity.

Pedal assist will give me a little help when my knees cannot do everything I ask of them.

I'm not looking for speed.

I am asking for help to get through my working day.

And I know I am not alone.

Other pedicab drivers are facing similar physical challenge.

We went to welcome our visitors and contribute to our city.

We are not asking for a handout.

We are asking for fair opportunity to keep working.

At 53 years old, I still have the desire to work, but my body needs some help.

It is difficult to feel that pain with knowing how much you depend on this job.

When you consider this bill, please thinking about people like me, think about what it means to have work you are proud of,

and to worry that your body maybe no longer allow you to do it.

Please support this bill.

So we can keep earning and honest living with dignity and safely.

For almost 10 years, this job has been my American dream.

Please help me keep this dream alive.

Thank you for listening, and thank you for your service to our community.

Thank you.