Jack Brown: Personal Incident Washington Square Park

Recently I was walking East along Washington Square North. I was walking faster than a person in front of me. I took a step to my left preparing to pass. A delivery agent on an e-bike silently came by on my left. Narrowly missed me. Very close call with a silent but potentially deadly menace.Years ago I was misquoted in New York Magazine when I said that the rogue bike culture was "like a kind of terrorism." Tell me I was wrong.

To AM David Siffert & CM Harvey Epstein:Incident in Tompkins Square Park

Five 15 year olds riding Citibikes were harassing a Latina around 7AM Friday morning. The following is an account of my involvement and advocacy for mandatory licensing for youth riding bikes a la New Jersey.***Gentlemen- Yesterday-Friday-I was headed to Tompkins Square Park about 7 AM. On 6th St between First and A there were five 15 year olds harassing a slightly tipsy Latina. Slightly tipsy. Voluptuous. The adolescents were calling her a "pedophile." As I walked by she hooked my arm and walked with me toward Ave A. She wanted a way to avoid the pestering and possibly more aggressive behavior of the teenagers. Inside the park the teenagers came behind and again started with their talk. One in particular. The excuse was to return a pack of cigarettes she dropped. The purpose was to continue the harassment. An older Hispanic man sat down next to the woman on the bench. I walked toward the dog run. There were Parkies near the bathrooms. I approached them. One man. Two women. Described the situation. Asked that they drive by and tell the boys to leave the woman alone and leave the park. One of the female Parkies said that the boys had been around all night-on City Bikes. This indicated to me the value of New Jersey's new regulations requiring youth to obtain special licenses. If I had a cell phone I would have called the cops. Sensible regulations along the lines of those enacted by New Jersey are appropriate for NYC. I look forward to working constructively toward saner and safer sidewalks and streets with

Response to AM D Glick's Position on CP Horse Drawn Carriages

Outgoing Assemblymember Deborah Glick has come out against having horse draw carriages in Central Park. The response below is my refutaion of that position.********* AM Glick: I disagree with your position on the horse drawn carriages in CP area. In the past there was a VV piece on the topic. It was extensive and concluded that the horses were well cared for.There has been a developer that has been after the land where the stables are located. Perhaps he has contributed to your campaigns. I am far more concerned with the rampant exploitation of the park by cyclists. Especially the e bikes.The recent tragic accident resulting in the death of a tourist is an extremely rare occurrence.There has been a plethora of reported accidents -traumatic head injuries, injuries and deaths resulting from the reckless riding. The horse carriages enhance the pleasure of the park. The cyclists unless limited to certain hours and safe operation disrupt the pleasure of the park. The statistics and the motivations are starkly clear in their evidence. The bike promoters are fueled by hubris and avarice. The carriages are a usually peaceful pleasure. A delightful way to experience the park and a fond memory of old New York. Thank you for your efforts over the years. Best- Jack Brown