Wednesday, June 8, 2004

Story about Segway misrepresents its safety

I read your story regarding the Segway Human Transporter and I must say I am disappointed by several points. First, I was unable to confirm that the police department did, in fact, rate the Segway a “D.”

The points mentioned in the article were 1) the trails weren’t designed for the Segway and 2) a Segway rider wouldn’t have much protection in a collision with a golf cart.

On point 1, the paths do not need to be designed for the Segway. The Segway is an incredibly versatile and maneuverable machine. It can easily handle any bumps, ruts, or roots the path system has to offer in a very safe manner.

On point 2, the rider would have the same protection that a pedestrian or bicycle rider has now.

Both points are basically meaningless when trying to make a distinct point that applies to the Segway and no other mode of transportation.

Georgia law basically states the Segway has the same rights and duties that a pedestrian does. The law points out that it is NOT a scooter or classified as any motor vehicle. It was designed to interact with pedestrians and behave like a pedestrian.

The law also points out that Segways are legal on sidewalks and in streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

So right now, in Peachtree City, you can ride your Segway in the street with cars, just not on the path system with golf carts.

I hope if the issue comes to a vote by the city council they consider the facts rather than the misguided comments in the article. I also hope they each take a test ride before they vote so they can see that in minutes you can ride extremely safely around pedestrians and obstacles.

Scott Holloway

Alpharetta, Ga.

[Holloway represents Electric Avenue, Inc., of Alpharetta, which bills itself on its Web site as “Georgia’s first stand-alone Segway dealer.”]

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