"This bill would fix a longstanding and critical safety issue for many of our members – and many other theatre workers – who make their living in the theatre," said Equity Director of Member Safety in Theatrical Facilities Keith Sklar. "For far too long the status quo has presented an unacceptable level of risk for Equity members. The Theatre District always has heavy foot traffic, but the pedicabs have made it so that our members cannot safely navigate the sidewalk leaving work. In the case of an emergency, we need to know these workers could quickly evacuate the building without a tangle of vehicles in the way."

“Broadway is part of the fabric of this city, and every night thousands of theatergoers and workers pour out onto some of the busiest sidewalks in New York," said Council Member Virginia Maloney. “When pedicabs cluster directly outside theatre entrances and stage doors, that congestion can make it difficult to move safely, and we have heard repeated concerns from theatergoers and workers about aggressive solicitation as they are trying to leave. Intro 64 is a straightforward safety measure that would keep the immediate area around theatre entrances and exits clear, while allowing pedicabs to continue serving riders throughout the Theatre District. At its core, this bill is about giving audiences, actors, stage managers, and theatre workers the room they need to get out the door safely. I'm grateful to Actors' Equity for standing with us in support of this legislation."

Currently, pedicabs often crowd outside of theaters to take advantage of the heavy level of foot traffic. Over two dozen theaters in the neighborhood have street-facing stage doors, meaning that Equity members move through these crowded spaces leaving work. Sidewalk congestion can be so severe that Equity members may walk in the street to get through. Furthermore, loitering pedicabs cause noise that that can be heard in theaters, making it harder for stage management teams or actors to share crucial information. In case of an emergency, evacuation routes could be severely compromised.

This bill was originally introduced to City Council in January, is currently sitting with the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection. If the committee recommends passage of the bill, it will move on to City Council for a vote, followed by the mayor signing it into law.