The purpose of this chapter is to regulate commercial quadricycles, commonly known as "pedal pubs," to balance tourism and economic opportunities with public safety, noise control, and neighborhood quality of life.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Council of the Village of Spring Lake 2-16-2026 by Ord. No. 402. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A vehicle meeting the definition in MCL 257.7b, designed for commercial tours, propelled primarily by passengers pedaling, and steered and controlled by a sober operator.
A street route approved by the Village Council for pedal pub operation.
The business entity or individual holding a Village-issued pedal pub license.
The individual steering and braking the pedal pub, employed or contracted by the license holder who must be at least 21 years of age and maintain a valid driver's license.
An individual participating in a pedal pub tour.
A single commercial ride by a pedal pub with paying passengers.
A.
License required. No person shall operate a pedal pub business within the Village without first obtaining a Village-issued license.
B.
Application. Applications must include:
(1)
Business name and contact information;
(2)
Names of corporate officers or owners;
(3)
Copy of driver's license for all operators;
(4)
Description and photographs of each vehicle;
(5)
Proposed routes and stops;
(6)
Proof of required liability insurance;
(7)
Annual license fee (set by resolution of Village Council).
C.
Background checks. A criminal history check shall be conducted for each owner and operator at the applicant's expense.
D.
Term. Licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
E.
Non-renewal. The Village may deny or refuse to renew a license if the applicant or operator has a criminal history involving alcohol or public safety, has previously violated this chapter, or has otherwise demonstrated unfitness for operation.
F.
Non-transferability. Licenses are non-transferable without prior Village Council approval.
A.
All pedal pubs must operate only on routes approved in writing by the Village Council following a recommendation from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
B.
Routes shall prioritize wider streets, avoid cul-de-sacs and high-traffic residential areas, and ensure emergency vehicle access.
C.
Temporary detours may be authorized for special events or infrastructure projects without prior approval.
A.
Hours of operation. Pedal pubs may operate only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. or 30 minutes before sunset, whichever is earlier.
B.
Music and noise. Amplified music volume must not be in violation of § 240-9; music shall be turned down when stopped in residential areas.
C.
Designated stops. Stopes shall occur only at pre-approved public spaces or businesses with public restrooms with the written consent of private property owners where applicable.
D.
Trash control. Each vehicle must have an onboard waste container; operators shall ensure all trash is disposed of properly.
E.
Passenger limits. Operators may not exceed the manufacturer's seating capacity; all passengers must remain seated while the vehicle is moving.
F.
Safety equipment. Each vehicle must be equipped with front and rear lights, turn signals, reflectors, brakes, passenger handholds or seat belts consistent with state law, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
G.
Record keeping. Licensees shall maintain logs of each tour, including operator name, date, time, and route, and shall provide such records to the Village upon request.
A.
Violation. In addition to any other charges, fines or penalties for which a person may be liable under applicable law or local ordinance, any violation of this chapter shall constitute a municipal civil infraction, subject to § 1-2, plus costs and other sanctions, for each infraction. Each day during which any violation of this chapter continues shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense. Increased civil fines may be imposed for "repeated violations," which means second or subsequent municipal civil infraction violation committed by a person within any 12-month period and for which a person admits responsibility or is determined to be responsible. The increased civil fine for repeat violations is set forth in § 1-2.
D.
Immediate suspension. The Village Manager may order immediate suspension of a license if continued operation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare.