Special Segway Law Would Allow Motorized Vehicles on Sidewalks

Contact: Russ Haven NYPIRG 518-424-5047

Disability, consumer, transportation and environmental groups expressed disappointment that Governor Paterson approved legislation that would for the first time allow motorized vehicles on sidewalks, bike lanes and local roads when he recently signed a bill granting Segway scooters special status. The legislation legalizes the use of motorized Segway scooters on local roadways, bicycle and skate lanes outside of New York City and allows localities to approve their use on sidewalks.

Advocates cited the public safety hazards to pedestrians and cyclists by Segways, which weigh up to 120 lbs. without a rider and have a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour—the equivalent of running a sub-five minute mile. The groups decried the costs and responsibilities now imposed on municipalities to regulate and enforce the special law for Segways, as well as the environmental burden of introducing a new form of motorized transportation to parks, bike lanes and sidewalks.

NYPIRG Legislative Counsel Russ Haven said: "The Governor failed to stand up to Segway's lobbyists and veto a bill that creates a public nuisance and benefits a single company. This is a radical break from New York's wise public safety policy of keeping motorized vehicles off sidewalks and out of direct competition with runners, bicyclists and skaters."

Mike Godino, President of the American Council of the Blind of New York (ACBNY) said: "Segways are a particular hazard for people who are blind since they operate in virtual silence. People who are blind rely on the use of other senses to monitor their surroundings and avoid dangers. The presence of Segways will create new, unnecessary challenges for New Yorkers who are blind."

Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives said: "This is a clear case of special-interest legislation pushed through at the expense of New York's most vulnerable street users. The previous administration had the foresight to veto it, and we are chagrined that Governor Paterson didn't do the same."

Michael Seilback, Vice President, Public Policy and Communications for the American Lung Association of New York said: "New York State has a serious air pollution problem, as evidenced by the American Lung Association's 2008 State of the Air report which found that 8.2 million New Yorkers live in counties that have failing air quality. With air pollution levels showing little sign of abating, encouraging the widespread use of these vehicles, as this law will do, is bad for air quality and bad for public health."

The Segway bill (S.7509-A/A.11429-A) was never given a public hearing and failed to address many of the safety and environmental concerns that prompted the veto of similar legislation in 2007. Additional opponents of the Segway bill include Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports Magazine), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Sierra Club (New York Chapter) and AAA of New York State (the Auto Club).