Quadricycle pedal tours approved in Vancouver

People using a quadricycle on street

We know the last two years have been challenging, and this is an opportunity that will help businesses with their economic recovery, keep a few more cars off the road, and bring some fun and enjoyment to the city.

Sarah Hicks, Chief Licence Inspector

February 8 2022 –

Prepare to see a new set of wheels in Vancouver this summer. As part of our continued efforts to support Vancouver businesses through post-pandemic economic recovery, Council has approved business licensing for quadricycle tours.

The four-wheeled, pedal-powered cycles will transport groups of passengers on pre-approved routes to businesses like breweries and other areas of interests in the city. Tour operators will be required to obtain both a valid vehicles-for-hire business licence and street-use approval prior to operating. 

Quadricycles will be permitted on streets during the following times:

  • Monday to Saturday: 7am to 10pm
  • Sundays and holidays: 10am to 10pm

Licence applications will open to tour operators later this spring. Interested operators are encouraged to visit vancouver.ca/quadricycle-tours to learn more about what will be required. 

Safety and street use

To help maintain safety on the streets for other vehicles, bikes and pedestrians, tour operators will need to submit proposed tour routes for approval prior to using the quadricycles on any road. 

  • Quadricycles will generally be restricted to minor streets and laneways, and will be prohibited in protected bike lanes
  • Organizers of quadricycle tours are encouraged to arrange private parking. If private parking cannot be arranged, parking is permitted at any legal parking space provided any parking fees for that space are paid.

Per Provincial regulations consumption of liquor, cannabis, or both is prohibited while operating or on a quardricycle.

Learn more

Quotes

Sarah Hicks, Chief Licence Inspector

“With this new licensing, residents and visitors will experience a new way to travel in groups between local destinations and businesses,” said Sarah Hicks, Chief Licence Inspector. “We know the last two years have been challenging, and this is an opportunity that will help businesses with their economic recovery, keep a few more cars off the road, and bring some fun and enjoyment to the city.”

Paul Storer, Transportation Director

“The introduction of quadricycles is a new, fun way for locals and visitors to explore Vancouver, and aligns with our climate emergency goals of reducing carbon pollution from how we move on our streets,” said Paul Storer, Transportation Director. “We will work with tour companies to ensure quadricycles operate safely so they don’t impact the movement of other road users.”

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