City Council Bill Aims to Silence Pedicabs Outside Broadway Theaters<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new proposal from the New York City Council could soon bar pedicabs from operating directly outside Broadway theaters, in response to long-standing complaints about noise and harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill, introduced by Councilmembers Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher, would ban pedicabs from parking, stopping, or picking up and dropping off passengers within 50 feet of any theater entrance in the Theater District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs much as we love Alicia Keys\u2019 \u2018Empire State of Mind,\u2019 there\u2019s a time and place for it,\u201d one of the bill\u2019s sponsors said, referencing the song frequently blasted by pedicab drivers outside shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For years, theatergoers and residents have voiced frustration over pedicabs blaring music that disrupts performances and crowding sidewalks while aggressively soliciting customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Councilmember Bottcher acknowledged that pedicabs could be a fun and sustainable transportation option, but said current conditions have \u201cgotten out of hand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMany drivers are illegally blasting music that interferes with live theater,\u201d he said. \u201cThis bill is about restoring some peace and order to the area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Times Square Alliance has voiced support for the legislation. Its president applauded the councilmembers for addressing what he called \u201cthe chaos of the pedicab industry that plagues theatergoers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n