Why would anyone get a pedicab license if you could carry passengers for hire without one? And therefore avoid any pedicab regulations? No wonder the NYPD refused to enforce the new laws.

The idea of blocking Ponce to cars permanently is pretty ambitious. Turning Ponce into a Carnaby Street, London sounds cool but I can see how business owners would be chilly to that idea.

Maybe a Cyclovia Weekend in the Fall for a test run to see how it goes would be more palatable. Get local merchants involved with kiosks to bring in ped/bike customers. I’ve not participated in one, but I hear business owners like the opportunity to literally setup kiosks in the street and meet new customers.

The idea of common outdoor dining in the parking area in front of the Brick might fly if it was after six on a weekend on select evenings. What does that hold maybe 30 cars? They don’t move all night either.

It sounds like we have at least three ideas going on this theme.
1. Block Ponce to cars around the Square to turn it into a non-motorized zone.
2. Reserve the parking loop on the side of the Courthouse for a temporary common dining courtyard.
3. Hold a Cyclovia type festival to introduce the concept of a car-free streetscape around the square area. (Like the beach party)

Pedicab issues in NYC.