Orange County is one step closer to passing an ordinance that would regulate pedicab drivers along International Drive.

At a meeting Tuesday, county commissioners discussed what a proposed ordinance would include.

Since John Forgione started Five Star Pedicab about 10 years ago, he said the number of pedicab drivers along I-Drive has quadrupled. He said increased growth and congestion make it harder to get around by car.

“We’re allowed on the sidewalk, so we can get around faster than a car or a taxi,” Forgione said.

But with growth, Forgione thinks some pedicab drivers have put profit ahead of safety.

“They can actually be out on the street, no license, no insurance, nothing,” Forgione said.

Orange County Commissioners are drafting an ordinance that would require pedicab drivers to have a county permit in order to operate along a certain section of I-Drive. Right now, the most pedicab drivers must have is a permit to pick up passengers at the Orange County Convention Center.

The county ordinance would require pedicab drivers to have a valid Florida driver's license, to have liability insurance and undergo a criminal background check.

Forgione said some pedicab drivers are against the ordinance.

“Either they have something to hide, like a criminal background, or they don’t have a driver's license, or they don’t want to spend the money on getting insurance,” he said.

He already stresses safety with his drivers, he said, and he has insurance in case something happens.

“If you have a death on one of these, they’re going to sue you for over a million, easily,” Forgione said.

The pedicab ordinance would only pertain to a section of I-Drive. County leaders are working on a final version and could vote on the measure in about a month.