The Central Park Conservancy has publicly endorsed Ryder’s Law, a City Council bill proposing to phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by next June, citing concerns over safety, sanitation, and damage to the park’s pathways. This marks a significant shift as the nonprofit managing the park’s 843 acres argues that horse carriages no longer fit the demands of a modern, heavily used public space. The decision follows recent incidents involving runaway horses and the death of a carriage horse, which have intensified calls from animal-rights groups to end the practice.

However, the move faces strong opposition from the Transport Workers Union representing carriage drivers, who claim the risks are exaggerated and warn of job losses for about 200 workers. They also argue that other park hazards, like e-bikes and motorized pedicabs, pose greater dangers. While Ryder’s Law has garnered support from 19 Council members, it has yet to be formally heard, and the mayor’s office is engaging with both sides to find a balanced solution. The debate over the future of Central Park’s iconic horse carriages continues, with the possibility of a ban looming but not yet decided.