glen_d
08-13-2006, 06:28 PM
A recent favorable newspaper article about Segways generated some TV coverage that included a local tour operator leading a group of riders through the core of downtown.
A local resident complained in the letter to the editor below that Segways were given special consideration in the core of our downtown district. A several-block-square area is off-limits for anything with wheels, but Segways are permitted under the current law. The law was written before Segways were available. My response (edited slightly by the newspaper) was also published.
from http://www.adn.com/opinion/letters/
August 1, 2006
Segways seem to benefit from city's selective enforcement of traffic law
The July 24 "Sidewalk cruiser" article reported that Segways are legal on downtown sidewalks and cited Alaska Statute 28.05.011(a)(1) as a reference. However, according to this statute, "limitations on regulation of electric personal motor vehicles imposed under this paragraph do not apply to a municipal ordinance regulating electric personal motor vehicles enacted to meet local requirements."
This means that the municipality can regulate Segways to meet local requirements. Anchorage Municipal Code prohibits all other motorized or nonmotorized vehicles from downtown sidewalks so they do not interfere with walkers. According to Anchorage Municipal Code 9.38.070 A, "No person may ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district." Section 9.36.030 says, "No person may operate a motor vehicle upon any sidewalk." Section 9.20.085 C says, "The use of roller skates, in-line roller skates (roller blades), skateboards or other similar devices is prohibited within the area bounded by Fifth Avenue on the north, Sixth Avenue on the south, E Street on the east and G Street on the west (the blocks containing the Town Square and the Performing Arts Center)."
If no other vehicles can operate on downtown sidewalks, then why do Segways have special privileges? Downtown sidewalks are for walkers and wheelchairs. All vehicles, including Segways, should be prohibited from using these downtown sidewalks.
--- Eric Larson
Anchorage
August 13, 2006
Segway rider similar to pedestrian and should be treated as such
Regarding the letter "Segways seem to benefit from city's selective enforcement of traffic law" (Aug. 1), Segways are designed to interact with pedestrians much like pedestrians interact with one another. Segways are about the same width as a person's shoulders. Their speed is controlled from zero to running speed. Segways can stop and remain perfectly motionless, turn in place, back up or move out of the way.
Segways are treated differently under the law than other devices. State law recognizes that Segways are unique and regulates them much in the same manner as pedestrians. Just like pedestrians, the vast majority of riders are polite, and their successful integration in crowded pedestrian environments has been proven nationally and around the world by private operators, law enforcement and tour operators.
I ride my Segway six miles along sidewalks to work several times a week. Like most other Segway riders and pedestrians, I go out of my way to be polite to other people on the sidewalk. I travel the same speed as everyone else when it is crowded. I pass people only when they know I'm there, and only at a speed slightly faster than they are moving. I don't run into other people. And instead of cursing at them from my car or nearly running them over in a crosswalk, I actually get to say "good morning" and get a smile in return.
---- Glen Denning
Anchorage
A local resident complained in the letter to the editor below that Segways were given special consideration in the core of our downtown district. A several-block-square area is off-limits for anything with wheels, but Segways are permitted under the current law. The law was written before Segways were available. My response (edited slightly by the newspaper) was also published.
from http://www.adn.com/opinion/letters/
August 1, 2006
Segways seem to benefit from city's selective enforcement of traffic law
The July 24 "Sidewalk cruiser" article reported that Segways are legal on downtown sidewalks and cited Alaska Statute 28.05.011(a)(1) as a reference. However, according to this statute, "limitations on regulation of electric personal motor vehicles imposed under this paragraph do not apply to a municipal ordinance regulating electric personal motor vehicles enacted to meet local requirements."
This means that the municipality can regulate Segways to meet local requirements. Anchorage Municipal Code prohibits all other motorized or nonmotorized vehicles from downtown sidewalks so they do not interfere with walkers. According to Anchorage Municipal Code 9.38.070 A, "No person may ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district." Section 9.36.030 says, "No person may operate a motor vehicle upon any sidewalk." Section 9.20.085 C says, "The use of roller skates, in-line roller skates (roller blades), skateboards or other similar devices is prohibited within the area bounded by Fifth Avenue on the north, Sixth Avenue on the south, E Street on the east and G Street on the west (the blocks containing the Town Square and the Performing Arts Center)."
If no other vehicles can operate on downtown sidewalks, then why do Segways have special privileges? Downtown sidewalks are for walkers and wheelchairs. All vehicles, including Segways, should be prohibited from using these downtown sidewalks.
--- Eric Larson
Anchorage
August 13, 2006
Segway rider similar to pedestrian and should be treated as such
Regarding the letter "Segways seem to benefit from city's selective enforcement of traffic law" (Aug. 1), Segways are designed to interact with pedestrians much like pedestrians interact with one another. Segways are about the same width as a person's shoulders. Their speed is controlled from zero to running speed. Segways can stop and remain perfectly motionless, turn in place, back up or move out of the way.
Segways are treated differently under the law than other devices. State law recognizes that Segways are unique and regulates them much in the same manner as pedestrians. Just like pedestrians, the vast majority of riders are polite, and their successful integration in crowded pedestrian environments has been proven nationally and around the world by private operators, law enforcement and tour operators.
I ride my Segway six miles along sidewalks to work several times a week. Like most other Segway riders and pedestrians, I go out of my way to be polite to other people on the sidewalk. I travel the same speed as everyone else when it is crowded. I pass people only when they know I'm there, and only at a speed slightly faster than they are moving. I don't run into other people. And instead of cursing at them from my car or nearly running them over in a crosswalk, I actually get to say "good morning" and get a smile in return.
---- Glen Denning
Anchorage