Central Park Pedicab Drivers Fear de Blasio’s Plan Will Leave Them Jobless - NY City Lens

Ibrahim Barrie, a 28-year-old pedicab driver, is deeply concerned about Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposal that aims to restrict the horse carriage industry and ban pedicabs from operating south of Central Park’s 85th Street transverse. This legislation, which is set for a City Council vote, proposes to reduce the number of carriage horses to 75 and relocate them to new stables, effectively eliminating the pedicab drivers’ main source of income from the park’s most visited areas. The pedicab community, including drivers like Barrie and Faridun Mukhtorov, a finance student and the sole breadwinner for his family, are protesting this plan, fearing significant financial hardship and job loss. They argue that the ban unjustly targets their livelihoods without adequate consideration or dialogue.

The Teamsters Union’s compromise with the administration last weekend has sparked further anxiety among pedicab drivers, who feel sidelined by a deal that secures jobs for displaced horse carriage workers but overlooks the pedicab industry. Even horse carriage drivers and animal rights activists are expressing opposition to the bill, citing concerns over job losses and the ethical treatment of both industries. With the potential for significant impacts on individuals and families reliant on these jobs, there is a growing call for reconsideration of the proposal and more inclusive discussions involving all affected parties. The mayor defends the plan, highlighting the tourism growth that fuels the pedicab industry, yet critics argue that the ban from key areas will devastate the sector.

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Pedicab Drivers Fear de Blasio’s Plan Will Leave Them Jobless