2024-09-25 22:45:35
The Ministry of Transport announced a set of new rules that seek to regulate the use of bicycle taxis in Colombia, a mode of transport that has gained popularity in various cities and municipalities in the country.
These measures seek to improve the safety and operability of these vehicles, which until now have operated without a uniform legal framework.
The new regulations, established in Resolution 20243040038565, propose a joint effort to formalize this service, requiring that bicycle taxis be approved and registered in the National Single Transit Registry (RUNT). This process will be a crucial step in ensuring that these vehicles meet the technical requirements necessary to operate safely in public transport.
One of the most notable provisions is the obligation for all bicycle taxis that wish to offer their service to be registered in the RUNTThis registration will allow authorities to verify that vehicles comply with the technical and safety conditions established in the new regulations. Owners must carry out this procedure online, presenting the necessary documents certifying the vehicle’s suitability for service.
Technical specifications for bicycle taxis
The regulations also detail the technical characteristics of bicycle taxis, both for those that are completely non-motorized and for those that have pedal assistance.
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Non-motorized pedicabs:These vehicles must have three wheels and a maximum width of 1.20 metres. They must be propelled exclusively by the physical strength of the driver using pedals, and they must have a cabin designed to transport up to three people, including the driver. In addition, they must have access doors on both sides, guaranteeing safe entry and exit.
Pedal-assisted bicycle taxis: These vehicles may be equipped with an auxiliary electric motor, the power of which must not exceed 0.50 kW. This motor will only provide support for the driver’s physical effort, and its power will gradually decrease as the speed increases. The motor assistance will automatically cut off when the vehicle reaches 25 km/h or when the driver stops pedaling.
Maintenance
The regulations impose a maintenance commitment on both the owners and the companies that operate these vehicles. It will be their responsibility to ensure that the bicycle taxis are kept in the original conditions with which they were approved, without making modifications that compromise their safety or functionality.
Local supervision and feasibility studies
Local authorities will have a key role in implementing these measures. They will be responsible for overseeing the approval of bicycle taxis and carrying out feasibility studies on their use in urban areas, considering whether road infrastructure is suitable for this type of transport. This regulation seeks to strike a balance between urban mobility needs and safe, low-emission transport policies.
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