The operator of a local, independent tuk tuk service says he's frustrated with red tape and roadblocks that continue to sideline his business.
Steve Devlin, founder of Stevie Go Go, a Sarnia-based sightseeing tour service using electric tuk tuks, wants clarification on how he can continue operating, after being slapped with a handful of Highway Traffic Act violations this week.
Devlin said he was cited for operating without helmets, and having open alcohol on board his three-wheeled, six passenger tuk tuk — one of three that he operates throughout the city. Devlin also admitted in a video that he did not have his license on hand when he was pulled over, Sunday. As for the open alcohol, he says he was transporting a cooler home for one of his passengers.
The Sarnia Police Service has since issued a news release about the incident, pointing to an ongoing investigation that led to additional charges.
A Facebook post about the incident drew hundreds of comments and shares this week, mainly with messages of support for the popular local business that launched last year.
“We need to support innovation and small business…not tear it down,” wrote Jason Winter, owner of the Bad Dog Bar and Grill. “We could do so much more in Sarnia to encourage businesses like Stevie Go Go to open and operate. Not stifle any kind of progress.”
Devlin said the past year has been an uphill battle — not only with the police, but with the Ministry of Transportation and federal government — none of which seem to know how to categorize his unique mode of transportation, he says.
“The MTO is saying…I’m not a vehicle…there’s no category for me, so, as long as I have insurance, if people are insured, then I should be good to go,” he explained. “But the police are considering it a three-wheeled motorcycle [which requires helmets].
“It’s an electric trike, and I’m using the bike lanes…people are sitting with seatbelts in the back with a cage overtop, yet, it’s against the law.”
Devlin says he has pushed for an amendment to the Ministry of Transportation’s legislation around three-wheeled vehicles requiring helmets, lobbying all three levels of government, but hasn’t had much luck.
“All I’m doing is taking people from point A to point B in a fun way,” he said. “I’m kind of kicked in the gut, here.”
Back in 2022, Sarnia City Council enthusiastically passed a new bylaw to allow slower commercial vehicles on city streets, at the urging of Devlin.
But last fall, he was pulled off the road — after being improperly registered, he says — and issues have persisted as the tuk tuks are in a grey area when it comes to the law.
“Any time I win a fight, they get something else. I’ve been emotional from all the support… but now I am just angry.
“I asked to speak at the Sarnia Police Board on Tuesday and was denied my request,” he said, adding that he is considering taking legal action.
"I just want to get back on the road."