Here is why you won’t see street vendors on NYC bridges anymore starting today

Starting today, street vendors are no longer allowed to sell food, souvenirs or just about anything else on any NYC bridge, as per a new ban put in place by Mayor Eric Adams.

Everyone should be able to safely enjoy the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge.

As of today, new NYC DOT rules prohibit vending on city bridges. This will create more space for pedestrians, reduce safety risks, and allow all who visit to better enjoy the view. pic.twitter.com/Txa2dPPV7A

— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) January 3, 2024

According to the New York Post, although the law “prohibits vending on pedestrian walkways and bike lanes on bridges and bridge approaches,” it specifically targets the Brooklyn Bridge, which has recently become the site of major pedestrian congestion.

“The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s most stunning gems. Tourists and New Yorkers alike deserve to walk across it and enjoy its beauty without being packed together like sardines or risking their safety,” the politician said in an official statement before the new year. “That’s why we’re giving vendors fair warning: As of January 3rd, they won’t be allowed to set up shop on pedestrian walkways or bike lanes on our bridges—giving New Yorkers the ability to use those public spaces safely and freely. We’re not going to allow disorder to continue in these cherished spaces.”

Given the amount of vendors on the walkway, especially during the holiday season, the new guidelines are sure to completely revamp the experience of walking across one of the most famous bridges in the world. 

The development has ben a long time coming as, back in September of 2023, media outlets started reporting on many vendors' lack of a proper license to operate their stalls on the bridge. 

According to the Post, back then, the Sanitation Department issued nearly 140 summonses in six months to stop the illegal activity.

For the past few weeks, officials have been flooding the scene with flyers about the new ban written in English, Spanish and Chinese given the different cultural backgrounds of the vendors on site. 

The Department of Transportation has announced that representatives will start removing non-compliant tables and merchandise off the bridge starting today.

Although we certainly sympathize with the vendors, we must admit that the situation on the Brooklyn Bridge, a perennial tourist attraction, has become pretty dire. Here's to hoping that safety will soon be restored.