New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that a vendor ban will be implemented on all of the city's bridges, including the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The new rule, set to go into effect on Wednesday, aims to address the issue of overcrowding on the heavily trafficked pedestrian walkway of the bridge. Currently, dozens of trinket sellers compete for space with tourists and city commuters, causing dangerous situations, especially during the holiday season.

Mayor Adams referred to videos that surfaced, showing pedestrians leaping from the elevated walkway onto a bike lane below in order to bypass the congestion. He emphasized that the ban is not only a matter of sanitation but also a public safety concern. Adams expressed his desire for order in the city, particularly in a major landmark like the Brooklyn Bridge.

While the new rules will apply to all of the city's bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge, which is 140 years old, is the most affected due to its high number of vendors. The bridge is often lined with tables offering various items such as phone cases, knock-off Yankees caps, novelty license plates, and more. Vendors attribute their proliferation in recent years to relaxed enforcement during the pandemic and the availability of low-priced merchandise. Additionally, the relocation of cyclists to a lane of the roadway two years ago created more space for stalls.

Entrepreneurs have taken advantage of the bridge's popularity by setting up nearly a dozen rotating selfie platforms in the middle span, where tourists can pay to take panoramic photos. MD Rahman, who has been selling hot dogs and pretzels on the bridge for 15 years, understands the need to crack down on illegal vendors. However, he criticizes the broadness of the city's plan, as it also affects licensed veteran sellers like himself. Rahman expressed concern for his family's future, unsure of what will happen to them now.

In recent days, police officers have posted flyers in multiple languages across the bridge, notifying vendors of the impending ban. However, some vendors are skeptical about whether the city will follow through with the plan. Qiu Lan Liu, a vendor selling hats and T-shirts featuring the NYPD insignia, expressed uncertainty about the ban's enforcement and suggested a potential return in a few weeks.

Meanwhile, some tourists are taking advantage of the low-priced souvenirs while they are still available. Ana Souza, an Oklahoma resident, proudly displayed her "I Love New York" tote, which she found for just $10, significantly cheaper than brick-and-mortar shops. Jenny Acuchi, visiting from Oakland, California, noted that the bridge was crowded but not as much as expected, attributing the congestion to everyone taking photos.

Among the supporters of the new rules are disability rights advocates who believe that the ban will immediately improve access for wheelchair users. Ydanis Rodriguez, the city's transportation chief, celebrated the improvements to the bridge, comparing it to "America's Eiffel Tower." However, Rashawn Prince, who uses the bridge to sell copies of his self-published book, "How to Roll a Blunt for Dummies!," dismissed the comparison, stating that even the Eiffel Tower has vendors.

As the news of the impending ban spreads, the situation remains uncertain for both vendors and tourists. While some vendors express doubts about the city's commitment to enforcing the ban, tourists are seizing the opportunity to purchase souvenirs at discounted prices. The ban is expected to alleviate overcrowding and improve public safety on the Brooklyn Bridge, but its impact on the livelihoods of licensed vendors remains to be seen.