Apparently the Big Apple is way ahead of you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickshaws_in_the_United_States

In New York, human powered transport is available as an environmentally friendly means of transit. Local residents in New York City, however, view pedicabs primarily as tourist vehicles due to their high fares and their drivers' aggressive sales pitches to pedestrians. At a rate of $5 plus $1 per block per person, a 20-block (one mile) pedicab ride for two people will cost $50.[1][2] In a taxicab, the same ride would cost under $10.[3] According to Peter Meitzler of New York's Manhattan Rickshaw Company, a passenger has an entirely different urban experience when one rides in a rickshaw. He says that he uses the word "rickshaw" in his company name because it is internationally known.[4]

It's a well known fact, I've heard about it many times.

You should see how fast they can draw a big iron.

I assume NYC wants to set a better example than most capitalist corporations by giving the workers whose lives depend on the income a little bit of time to prepare.

This may come as a surprise to you, but there are ways to power vehicles other than gasoline.