Makan Camara of New York Pedicab Alliance calls for enforcement and electric assist
Makan Camara, president of the New York Pedicab Alliance, says honest drivers are judged by cheaters and that enforcement is the top priority. He supports electric pedal assist, transparent pricing, affordable meters, fixed rates reflecting costs, rest spaces, and relief from insurance costs.
Okay, go ahead, sir.
Chair and members of the committee, my name is Makan Kamara, president of the New York Pedicure Alliance, known as the NIPA.
Two years ago, we came together because we were afraid of losing the work that feeds our family.
Honest drivers were being judged by the actions of people which cheated passengers.
We could not stand by and let those people destroy everything we had worked for.
That is why we created NIPA in 2024.
We are pedicure drivers and owners who spend our days on the streets, welcoming visitors and showing them the city we love.
When we finish a long day of pedaling, we go home as parents, spouses, and people whose families depend on us.
For us, protecting this industry means protecting our ability to put food on the table and pay the rent.
Our members gave from their earnings to keep this effort going.
Our committee gave their time, their money, and their energy.
Even when people doubted us, they kept showing up.
Today, I carry their hopes into this room.
We want our passengers to be safe, and we want honest drivers to be able to keep working with dignity.
Our number one priority is enforcement.
When a passenger is cheated, that person suffers, and every honest driver lost trust.
We're committed to work with city officials to protect passengers, stop scams, and hold dishonest operators accountable.
Electricity assistance matters deeply to us.
We're not asking to go faster.
asking for help.
Cutting up to three people and pedaling for hours puts tremendous strength on our bodies.
In 2026, safe pedal assistance should not be a privilege.
It should be a right for people doing this demanding work.
We support clear safety standards.
Please recognize the human being
the human being behind the pedals.
We support transparent pricing, accessible training and identification that helps passengers recognize licensed operators.
Meter must be affordable and reliable.
Fixed rate must reflect an operating cost.
Drivers also need lawful places to rest and pick up passengers and meaningful relief from insurance costs.
Please reconcile these proposals so safe electoral assistance, our independent status, and the removal of imprisonment are preserved under whichever agency regulates us.
This decision will affect whether parents can keep working and family can pay their bills.
We want reform that protects passengers and give honest drivers a fairer future.
Give working drivers a meaningful role in shaping these rules.
NAIPA is ready to do its part.
Please work with us.
Thank you.
Makana.