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Pedicab | Short Film (Dir. Seamus Boyle)

The scene depicts a tense and somewhat chaotic interaction between a pedicab driver named Abdullah, who is from Mali and known as “Big Time,” and his passenger. The passenger, who seems to be in a difficult situation, needs clothes and asks Abdullah to take him to a clothing store. Abdullah helps him get clothes and tries to persuade him to work together, but the passenger is focused on other tasks and is clearly under stress.

As they navigate the city, the passenger expresses frustration and discomfort, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. Abdullah shares a bit about his background, his connection to his homeland, and his hopes of bringing his family to the U.S., while the passenger reflects on his own life and the compromises he’s made for his family. The scene ends with a poignant exchange where the passenger asks Abdullah to pass a message to his daughter, expressing regret and a sense of finality.

The narrative explores themes of longing, regret, cultural connection, and the complex relationships between people in different stages of their lives, all set against the backdrop of a pedicab ride in New York City.

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City Parks Officer Dragged By Pedicab In Central Park

A City Parks officer was injured after being dragged by a pedicab in Central Park. The incident began when two Parks Department enforcement officers approached a pedicab driver parked illegally near Tavern on the Green. The driver, instead of responding, attempted to flee, dragging a female officer with him. The situation escalated, leading to the officer’s injury and her subsequent hospitalization at Lenox Hill Hospital. The pedicab driver was arrested for resisting arrest, obstructing government administration, and violating pedicab restrictions, as his vehicle had a motor attached, which is prohibited in the park.

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Kenny and Central Park Pedicab Tours with New York Pedicab Services featured at Dutch RTL TV

In this account, Kenny Winter, a pedicab driver in New York City for 14 years, shares his experiences. He highlights how pedicabs can navigate through traffic like bike messengers, often offering a thrilling ride for customers. While Kenny primarily works as a tour guide in Central Park, he acknowledges challenges in the industry, such as dishonest drivers who post misleading prices. Despite the industry’s issues, Kenny enjoys the freedom of his job, although it has become harder to earn as much as in the past. He has met several celebrities, including Michael Keaton, Joan Rivers, and Will Smith, and keeps a book to document these encounters. Kenny enjoys the entire park and loves working in the city, appreciating the vibrant and somewhat crazy energy of New York.

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Ride, Frankie, Ride!

Frankie “Frankie Legs,” a well-known pedicab driver in New York City, experienced significant harassment from Park Rangers. During an incident last Thursday, Frankie was given three summonses and had his pedicab driver’s license confiscated. The charges included parking in a non-designated area, refusing to provide his ID, and not having a valid license. Frankie contested these actions, arguing that he was unfairly targeted. The New York City Parks Department later admitted their mistake, stating that Frankie’s license was valid and should not have been taken. They retracted the summons related to the license and returned it to Frankie. However, Frankie still plans to fight the remaining two summonses in court.

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Horse-Drawn Carriage Protests

The passage presents a strong critique of horse-drawn carriages in urban environments, particularly in Manhattan. The speaker argues that using horses in this manner amounts to animal abuse and exploitation, likening it to slavery. The text emphasizes the harsh conditions the horses endure, such as living in warehouses and facing the dangers of city traffic without proper care. The speaker condemns those who support this industry, calling out their lack of compassion and concern for the well-being of the animals. The message is clear: the use of horses in such conditions is inhumane and should be reconsidered.

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Pedal, Frankie, Pedal!!!

The narrator, initially frustrated with pedicab drivers in New York City, changes their perspective after meeting Frankie “Frankie Legs” Legarreta. Frankie is a pedicab driver who navigates the chaotic streets of Manhattan with skill, despite the dangers posed by traffic and frequent protests. Frankie’s story is particularly inspiring because, at the age of 12, he was involved in a severe accident with a drunk driver that left him in a coma for 46 days. Doctors believed he would never walk again, but within seven to eight months, Frankie defied the odds and regained his ability to walk. Now, he’s been pedaling around the city for 10 years, demonstrating resilience and determination in both his personal and professional life.

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NYC by Pedicab

The passage describes a lively and somewhat chaotic pedicab ride in New York City with a driver named Jason Gladstone. As they navigate through the city, the passenger expresses excitement and a bit of fear while Jason shares insights about the job, including the challenges of maneuvering through traffic and staying in shape. Jason also discusses the regulation of pedicabs, which includes licensing and inspections to ensure safety and accountability.

During the ride, Jason reveals that he’s also an actor, with a film called Praying for Mercy set to premiere on Amazon Prime. The conversation touches on various topics, including the complexities of pedicab driving, the driver’s fitness routine, and his passion for acting. The ride concludes with the passenger expressing gratitude for the experience, calling it incredible.

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With Pedicab, Driver Makes a Life in New York City

Ibrahim Berry, a 28-year-old pedicab driver from Sierra Leone, shares his story about moving to America in search of a better life. After eight years in the pedicab business, he now owns three pedicabs and enjoys meeting people from all over the world while giving tours in Central Park, which he considers one of the best places in New York City. He enjoys making his customers laugh, sharing fun facts and jokes, and creating memorable experiences for them. Ibrahim’s passion for his work is evident in his interactions with tourists, as he finds joy in seeing them happy and relaxed during their rides.

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Pedicab Drivers

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pedicab documentary by JRasul

The video clip discusses the history and current state of pedicabs in New York City. John, a pedicab driver since 2004, reflects on the early days when pedicabs were few and largely unregulated. Over time, the number of pedicabs increased, leading to more competition and eventual regulation by the city, including the introduction of rate cards to inform customers of pricing. However, these regulations sometimes backfired, resulting in extremely high charges for short rides.

John mentions the shift in public perception, with New Yorkers becoming less welcoming towards pedicab drivers. He also touches on the increased police scrutiny, which contrasts with the early days when officers largely ignored pedicabs. The video also highlights the challenges pedicab drivers face in attracting customers and dealing with aggressive sales tactics from competitors. Despite these issues, pedicabs remain a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the city, though not without their complications and controversies.

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