The New York City Council is thinking about banning pedicabs near Broadway theater exits and entrances. A fresh new bill would stop pedicabs from operating within 50 feet of a theater. People have been complaining for years about pedicabs playing loud music, which messes up performances, and bothering theatergoers. Councilmembers Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher introduced the bill. They believe that if the bill passes, it will help theaters get some relief.
“Pedicabs could be a cool little way to get around the city and have fun for tourists and locals alike – but it’s not going so great. Many drivers are illegally blasting music that messes up shows in the Theater District and annoys folks all over Manhattan,” said Bottcher in a statement.
The bill seems to have the support of the Times Square Alliance, whose president thanked the councilmembers for moving the legislation along to control “the mess of the pedicab industry that bothers theatergoers.”
The proposed law would prevent pedicab drivers from “parking, stopping, or standing a pedicab, or picking up or dropping off passengers” within 50 feet of a theater in the Theatre District Zone.
As much as we love Alicia Keys’ ‘Empire State of Mind,’ there’s a time and place for it,” Bottcher added.
