NYC Council Proposes Broadway Buffer Zone for Pedicabs
Pedicabs may be a tourist favorite in Midtown Manhattan, but for many New Yorkers—especially around the Theater District—they’re more of a nuisance than a novelty.
Now, some City Council members want to curb their presence near Broadway theaters. A newly proposed bill would prohibit pedicabs from operating within 50 feet of theater entrances, aiming to ease congestion and cut down on noise in some of the city’s most crowded streets.
“When pedicabs are lined up ringing their bells and calling out to tourists, it only adds to the chaos,” said Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who co-sponsored the legislation. He represents part of the Times Square area, where the issue is most acute.
The bill would not only enforce distance requirements but also require the Department of Transportation to post clear signage marking no-pedicab zones. According to Bottcher, many theaters already ask drivers to keep their distance—but enforcement is inconsistent.
“It’s not about banning pedicabs entirely,” he said. “They just need to respect the space around theater entrances.”
Some theatergoers agree. “If you want to ride one, great,” said Viviana Barcelo, a recent Broadway patron. “But if you don’t, it just feels crowded and uncomfortable.”
Beyond the physical congestion, the primary complaint is the noise. Theater staff, audiences, and even performers have reported disruptions from pedicabs blasting music during shows.
“You don’t want to hear ‘Empire State of Mind’ during an emotional monologue,” Bottcher said.
Pedicab drivers interviewed by Eyewitness News said they’d comply with any new rules. However, the New York Pedicab Alliance, which represents licensed operators, opposes the bill, arguing that better enforcement of existing regulations would more effectively weed out bad actors.
Gina Patrick, a frequent theatergoer, supports the proposal. “Tourists know what they’re looking for. The pedicabs don’t need to be right on top of them.”
Others questioned how much impact the move would really have. “How many people actually use them?” asked a theatergoer named Travis.
In areas like West 46th Street—home to four major theaters—the logistics could be tricky. Still, Bottcher insists pedicabs will have nearby options. “Some blocks have more theaters than others, but in most cases, drivers can still operate just a bit further down the street.”
Fines or penalties for violations have yet to be determined as the bill moves through City Council review.
For more information:
https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-council-members-working-bill-ban-pedicabs-operating-broadway-theaters/16488524/