Pedicabs — a colorful and often chaotic part of New York City’s street life — are facing renewed scrutiny as Mayor Eric Adams announces a sweeping enforcement campaign targeting illegal operations in Central Park.
While pedicabs have been a fixture in the city for over three decades, officials say persistent issues like unlicensed drivers, overcharging scams, and excessive noise have undermined the integrity of the industry. Despite existing regulations, unauthorized pedicabs continue to operate in large numbers.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of preserving Central Park as a safe and welcoming space for all.
“This park is a great equalizer,” Adams said. “Whether you’re a bartender or a banker, a CEO or a student, everyone deserves to feel safe here.”
Under a broader quality-of-life initiative, a multi-agency task force of 1,500 officers will ramp up enforcement efforts focused on illegal vending, disruptive noise, and unlicensed pedicab activity in the park.
So far this year, the NYPD has issued 194 summonses to pedicab drivers in Central Park — a notable increase from 162 during the same period last year. Authorities have also impounded 19 pedicabs, compared to just one last year, signaling a sharp escalation in enforcement.
Some of the worst offenders have been linked to credit card fraud schemes, with unsuspecting tourists charged exorbitant fares for short rides. Kenneth Winter, co-founder of the New York Pedicab Alliance, said one visitor was charged $968 for a 15-minute trip.
“It reflects badly on the whole city — and on those of us trying to do things the right way,” said Winter, who has been a licensed driver for 22 years. His group represents 220 pedicab operators who follow the rules.
Winter called on the city to pair increased enforcement with stricter penalties for fraudulent and unlicensed drivers. He estimates there are more than 1,200 pedicabs in the city, despite a legal cap of 850 licenses. Most pedicabs are now electric-assisted, capable of reaching speeds between 6 and 14 mph.
Public pressure continues to mount. In response to noise and congestion complaints, three City Council members recently proposed a bill that would ban pedicabs from operating within 50 feet of Broadway theaters. Winter criticized the measure as a misdirected response that doesn’t tackle the real problem: unchecked illegal operations.
Faced with repeated reports of scams, Winter says he now routinely ends his rides with a warning to his passengers.
“Please don’t fall for it again,” he tells them.
For more information:
https://gothamist.com/news/mayor-adams-orders-crackdown-on-pedicabs-in-central-park