Pedal taverns may operate during rush hour throughout the week in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Pedal taverns may be allowed to operate during rush hour throughout the week in Nashville.

At a Metro Transportation Licensing Commission (TLC) meeting on Thursday, a public hearing was held to decide whether pedal taverns could be permitted to operate between 4 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. The rule would affect four different pedal tavern companies, which operate a total of 26 carriages. The rule would not affect current operating hours.

Party buses are already allowed to operate during those hours along routes that would be proposed by pedal carriage companies, but approved by the TLC’s director and the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT)’s chief engineer. The routes would also not run along busy streets like Broadway, according to interim TLC director Richard Rooker, nor would they run the exact same routes as party buses.

At the beginning of the meeting , vice president of strategic development for the Nashville Downtown Partnership spoke on behalf of the partnership, urging the commission to make no change to the rule.

“It is up to city leaders and a combined effort to understand and adapt to change with rules and regulations to foster a suitable environment for those who live and work — and yes, even play — downtown,” Rooker said.

Rooker said that agencies recommended passage of the provision to keep pedal taverns and party buses on the “same playing field.” Rooker also clarified that this rule would not add any new companies or physical vehicles to the road.

The rule change was reportedly requested by pedal tavern companies. Other attendees brought up several concerns, including possible additional traffic due to vehicle speed. Several attendees suggested potential language alterations, including adding a clause that would re-evaluate the plan after a trial period.

Ultimately, TLC deferred the vote for another month, hoping to see proposed routes, hear from industry professionals, and see amended language.

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