Chair Schulman on changing city landscape and public safety risks
Schulman discusses how Central Park has become more congested with pedestrians, bikes, e-bikes, and pedicabs, making horse carriage operation increasingly dangerous for all street users.
The landscape of our city has changed dramatically.
Central Park and the surrounding streets are busier and more congested with pedestrians, bicycles, e-bikes, pedicabs, scooters, vehicles, and horse-drawn carriages increasingly competing for space.
When a horse becomes distressed, collapses, or breaks free in this environment, the consequences are devastating, not only for the horse, but for drivers, passengers, and everyone sharing our streets and public spaces.
This is fundamentally an issue that greatly affects the public.
These concerns are not based on a single incident.
For years, New Yorkers, advocates, elected officials, and others have raised questions about animal welfare and public safety within the horse carriage industry.