After years of neutrality, Central Park’s managing body now supports legislation to phase out horse carriages, citing safety, infrastructure damage, and urban realities.
Conservancy Breaks Neutrality, Backs Ryder’s Law
In a notable shift, the Central Park Conservancy has for the first time publicly supported a City Council bill—known as Ryder’s Law—to phase out horse‑drawn carriages in the park. The letter from Conservancy President Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith to Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasizes that the growing crowds, public safety hazards, and infrastructure wear make carriages incompatible with modern park use. This change in stance follows recent incidents where horses bolted, causing injuries and chaos.
Safety Risks, Road Damage, and Sanitation Issues
The Conservancy cites several concerns: horses running loose and colliding with pedestrians and pedicabs, the degradation of newly repaved park drives by steel horseshoes and carriage weight, and daily manure left behind on park paths. These problems, they argue, compromise both visitor safety and the park’s integrity.
Backlash from Drivers and Calls for Transition Support
The call for a ban has ignited backlash from carriage drivers and the Transport Workers Union (TWU). They argue that the Conservancy’s stance ignores other pressing park hazards—like e‑bikes and unregulated vehicles—and threatens around 200 jobs in the carriage industry. They’re urging for a stable within the park and educational use, suggesting a more balanced transition approach.
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