Last week I observed the above Taxi blocking the cycle track. This cabbie had pulled between the pylons to the curb, cutting off a bicyclist in the process. When the bicyclist tried to explain to the cabbie that he should park in the parking lane, the cabbie ignored the bicyclist and remained blocking the cycle track. This picture of the offending taxi was taken after I came upon the scene and had a conversation with the cyclist, Mike. At the point I snapped this photo, the cabbie had been blocking the lane for a full five minutes or so after Mike had explained the intended workings of the cycle track and the adjacent parking lane. Mike even went so far as to point out the posted signage. No luck though, the cabbie just sat, intentionally blocking the lane.
The cabbie may argue that he is required to pull to the curb to pick up or drop off passengers, although this cabbie did not make that argument. He appeared to be more intent on blocking the cycle track just to spite Mike.
I explained to Mike that complaints against taxis may be lodged with the Department of Consumer Affairs by calling 311 or filing a complaint on-line. This is a good way to have your complaints heard as well as my experience is that the Department of Consumer Affairs typically follows up on complaints against taxis. The DCA has the power to discipline the cabbie and/or suspend the cabbie's right to work as a taxi driver in the City.
From the City's web site:
Complaints are investigated about the condition or safety of a cab, a driver refusing to pick up a passenger or take them to their destination, reckless driving, or an overcharge on the fare or discourtesy to passengers or fellow motorists.
The Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection reviews all cab complaints.
