It is unlawful to open an umbrella on a street to prevent horses from spooking.

The Law Explained

Before automobiles dominated the roads, horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation in the city. Sudden noises or unfamiliar sights, like the rapid opening of a large umbrella, could easily spook a horse and cause a dangerous stampede. This local safety measure protected pedestrians from being trampled by panicked livestock.