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Editorial: Paterson should deep-six the Segway bill
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Schenectady County sheriff’s deputies have been tooling around downtown Schenectady sidewalks lately on one of the department’s new Segway scooters, known generically as an “electric personal assistive mobility device.” They’re the latest toy in law enforcement, enabling officers to move quickly and unobtrusively, at speeds of up to 12 mph, and to go places four-wheeled vehicles can’t. They’re OK for cops (though bikes would be both cheaper and more environmentally friendly, not to mention better exercise), but the company that makes them has prevailed upon the state Legislature to let civilians use them on public streets and bike paths, and, if local governments approve, on public sidewalks. That wouldn’t be a good idea. Segways aren’t fast enough to ride on city streets, where traffic is typically allowed to move at speeds up to 30 mph; and they’re too fast for sidewalks. They’re also too heavy — roughly 70 pounds — capable of causing considerable injury to pedestrians on a crowded sidewalk. For this very sensible reason, many communities don’t allow bikes on sidewalks. These machines may be easier to maneuver than a bike, but political observers may recall that President Bush got tangled up on one in 2003 — and hurt himself. While the bill before Gov. David Paterson would require the approval of local government before these vehicles could be used on sidewalks, that’s still not good enough: If the state Legislature couldn’t say no to Segway’s high-powered lobbyist, how will any local government? A similar bill passed last year was vetoed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer. This year’s deserves to be, too. In the private sector, Segways are expensive ($5,000) personal toys, and while they don’t use gasoline, recharging their batteries does require a lot of electricity. If consumers are determined, let them buy; but don’t let them ride anywhere on public property.
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September 6, 2008
9:37 a.m. [ Suggest removal ]
I disagree, from reading your message it is obvious you have never been on a segway, nor have you researched how safe they actually are. I have been commuting on a segway now for 3 1/2 years from Brighton Beach, Brooklyn to Midtown Manhattan (thats close to 10,000 miles accumulated) I have never had any incident and have been in more control then bikers whizzing past me.
and as the song goes, if I can make it here...
Jonathan Gleich
11:10 a.m. [ Suggest removal ]
Its interesting that on the top of this editorial you have posted an advertisement for Xootr Scooters - which are allowed on the streets of New York State. I wonder, if Segway Inc. paid for advertising on your website, would your editorial been written differently?
11:17 a.m. [ Suggest removal ]
In all fairness, the ad that you saw was a Google ad, over which DailyGazette.com has no control - we only subscribe to their service. The ad is chosen by automation, with keywords in the article matched with Google sponsors to determine which ads appear on the page. The Daily Gazette and DailyGazette.com in no way allow advertising or advertisers to influence either our coverage or editorial stands.
11:17 a.m. [ Suggest removal ]
The scooter ad, if you look carefully, says at the bottom "Ads by Google"... which means Google just places the ad there because the content of the webpage mentions scooters. It's entirely possible, if Segway takes out ads with Google, that a Segway ad could show up there as well.
11:42 a.m. [ Suggest removal ]
Back in Feb the Gazette wrote about how well a Segway was working on a downtown beat by a deputy sheriff and now it is the opposite. What is really going on? Why does the writer not identified and how can any move to a non-polluting device be bad? As the previous article noted, an officer on a Segway can cover more area [and therefore avoid the need for 2-3 officers]. Saving money for the city is good. Bikes are great, but not on sidewalks or among pedestrians. Get it right--Segways are tools, not toys. Bashing anything to look cool is not. . . (cool).
1:28 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
Thank you and I fully understand that the ad was placed by Google. I just found it ironic. That said if we are serious about promoting alternatives to reduce gas dependency and more importantly, reduce gashouse emissions, then we need to look at ALL alternatives and promote use through education and in this case, passage of a state law. Obviously safety should be a priority and despite this editorial's attempt to portray the Segway as an unsafe "toy", no specific evidence is provided that would prove that it is any less safe than a bicycle or motor scooter when used properly and according to state/local laws. I for one hope that the Governor will sign the bill into law.
8:41 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
New York, being among the last of the 50 states to adjust laws so Segways aren't treated as "motor vehicles", has the benefit of examining other states' experiences.
I follow the news. I live at the juncture of three states (and one transit agency) that allow Segway scooters, under various regulations. The sky has not fallen.
One nice irony about the Segway scooter is that it's a pretty boring way to travel, although pleasant. Hooligans, risk-takers and thrill-seekers prefer bikes and standard motor scooters. The Segway scooter is a good tool for people who don't have any enemies. They evidently don't pose much risk to bystanders.
9:20 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
Oh boy another ignorant Segway bashing article!
Another 'toy' for law enforcement? Bad choice of words.
Have you every been on a segway? I'll bet not! Put a cop on a bike, and their field of view decreases when they're riding. On a Segway it's an extra eight inches over an officer's existing height. That height also adds to an officer's presence.
Too fast for sidewalks? c'mon, with that kind of ignorant logic, pedestrians are too fast for sidewalks, and cars or too fast for streets! The Segway's design allows it to move exactly like a pedestrian. Do you run full tilt down a sidewalk? Probably not, people just don't do that. Do you drives at your car's maximum capability down the street? I don't think so. Why would you behave any differently on a Segway?!?
As for President Bush falling off of one and injuring himself? This is an editorial right? Aren't you supposed to check your facts? Bush stepped on to a Segway that was NOT TURNED ON, so it just tipped over, and he made a nice recovery without injury. The internet picture shows him falling/catching himself. Ever wonder why there's no follow up picture of him on the ground? Because HE NEVER HIT THE GROUND!
Exercise? Why does everything have to be a form of exercise? When a police officer or EMT arrives at a 'situation' do you want him or her too winded to help you? So sorry you're having a heart attack, give me a minute while I catch my breath..... yeah right!
And you're baseless comment on using a lot of electricity?!? Compared to WHAT? This is an alternative form of transportation. It takes about 1kw to give an empty Segway a full charge. That full charge is anywhere from 8 to 25 cents, and you'll go 20-24 miles on a charge. One dollar of electricity gets me almost 200 miles! Pick any other energy source, how far will a dollar of it get you?
Scrap the legislation? At least there's some legislation already in place in at least 42 other reasonable states. Time for NY to catch up.
Food for thought from the inventor himself:
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/9