The city of San Francisco, CA's board of supervisors recently approved a
measure banning Segway's electric-powered Human Transporters (HTs) from the
city's sidewalks. Although California governor Gray Davis signed legislation
allowing the HTs to travel on the state's sidewalks earlier this year, the law
allows municipalities to enact their own prohibitions.
"It's important we remember who and what sidewalks are for, and
sidewalks are for pedestrians," said city supervisor Sophie Maxwell.
"Already they're being encroached by garbage cans, tables and
chairs."
City supervisors said the measure is intended to protect the interests of
"senior citizens and others" who are concerned that the 83-pound,
battery-powered HT scooters will pose a threat to pedestrians.
"When you put a scooter that weighs 80, 90 pounds and goes 12, 13
miles an hour competing with our seniors, competing with people who are blind,
competing with mothers and their children, we've got some issues," said
city supervisor Chris Daly.
However, Daly noted that the board could amend the legislation to allow
"limited use" of the Segways on sidewalks in the future, such as by
mail carriers or police officers. Additionally, the board pointed out that the
ban only applies to the use of HTs on sidewalks, in public transit stations and
on public transit vehicles.
No comments:
Post a Comment