About 60 years ago, pedicabs were the main transport in Macau. At its peak there were more than 700 on the streets, with over 1,000 drivers and more than 100 pedicab stations. Just about all pedicabs were for business with very few for private use and in 1951 when the government formally approved them for public transport, they quickly replaced the rickshaw.
The pedicab was once the most important transport in Macau
However, with Macau’s economic development in the 1970s, people began to catch taxis more often and in many cases even bought their own motorcycles – forcing the pedicab industry into decline. Nowadays, there are only 58 pedicabs left and most of the drivers are over 50 years old.
In fact, pedicabs are rarely used by residents these days and those still clinging on rely heavily on the tourism industry to keep them going. Every time I pass by the front of the Hotel Lisboa, I always see the pedicab drivers waiting for tourists but in my opinion they are important ambassadors for Macau. When they pick up visitors, the drivers love to tell the history and stories of the places they pass to their passengers during the tour.
I think it’s time that locals started enjoying the lovely experience that a pedicab tour provides, or at the very least capturing some great photos in front of them. Why not go to Barra Square (A-Ma Temple), Lilau Square, Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, Bombeiros Square, Taipa and the Taipa Houses-Museum, where you can find a wonderful pedicab in which you are free to either shoot or sit!
