FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1st, 2025
POWERS CONTACT: Emma Johnson
ejohnson@council.nyc.gov
347-864-4925
BOTTCHER CONTACT: Carl Wilson
cawilson@council.nyc.gov
646-889-3001
Council Members Powers & Bottcher Introduce Regulation of Pedicabs
Reducing noise by limiting pickup and dropoff for pedicabs in New York City
NEW YORK – Today, Council Members Powers and Bottcher introduced a bill to regulate the use of pedicabs in New York City’s vibrant theater district. The legislation prohibits pedicabs operating within 50 feet of an entrance or exit of a theater. Theaters in particular have struggled with the prevalence of pedicabs, especially because of excessive noise and regular harassment of their patrons. The bill will provide relief to theaters, a cornerstone of the vibrant arts and culture that make New York City great.
Pedicabs have become a nuisance for both New Yorkers and tourists, as they increasingly harass people to take trips for outrageous prices, blast music at all hours of the day, and sell counterfeit items. It is far past time to take action to curb the pedicabs, and these bills will protect both consumers and people on New York streets that have to share space with them.
“Broadway is the engine that keeps New York City humming,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “The great arts institutions around Times Square deserve a chance to rebuild their audiences after the pandemic without having to worry that theatergoers will be constantly harassed by pedicabs. As Sally Bowles would say, life is not a pedicabaret, old chum!”
Council Member Erik Bottcher said, “Pedicabs have the potential to be a great micro-mobility alternative and fun activity for tourists and residents alike – but it’s not going well. Many drivers illegally blast music that disrupts performances in the Theater District and residents across Manhattan. I am proud to co-prime sponsor this legislation to ensure that no more performances are diluted by outside noise from pedicabs. As much as we love Alicia Keys’ ‘Empire State of Mind,’ there’s a time and place for it.“
Bradley Sherburne, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 5, said, “Community Board 5 thanks CM Bottcher and CM Powers for taking action to further regulate pedicabs. The CB5 district, which encompasses the theatre district and most of Midtown, has heard complaints for years on the noise level coming from these pedicabs impacting residents, businesses and disrupting shows at theaters. CB5 has been concerned about pedicab use and their regulation since 2007 and we welcome these pieces of legislation to address an important quality of life issue in Midtown.”
“We thank Council Members Powers and Bottcher for seeking control over the chaos of the pedicab industry that plagues theatergoers in Times Square” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. “Restricting their operations near theaters is a great first step and we look forward to working together with the Council to address all the challenges that the pedicabs bring to our neighborhood and other parts of the city.”
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