Memo of Opposition re: NYS Assembly Bill A2744 and New York State Senate Bill S579

NO on Assembly A2744 and Senate S579-B

Keep Motorized Vehicles - Including the "Segway" Device - Off of Sidewalks

We write as representatives of New York pedestrian, bicycle, transit, transportation, environmental, children's, senior's and persons with disabilities advocacy groups to express our opposition to A2744 and S579 legislation allowing motorized vehicles like the "Segway" device on sidewalks. Our organizations are opposed to any legislation that would allow "Segway" devices on sidewalks in New York State.

We oppose these bills because they would:

Define motorized "Segway" scooters as pedestrians.
Allow motorized "Segway" scooters to be driven on sidewalks in New York State.
Put children, seniors, persons with disabilities and the blind in great danger.

The "Segway" is not a pedestrian friendly device and should not be allowed on our sidewalks.

"Segways" weigh over 70 pounds
"Segways" can reach speeds up to 20mph.
Bicycles weigh less, are human powered and are banned from sidewalks.

The average bicycle weighs 30 pounds, yet most states and localities bar adult bicyclists from sidewalks because they are too big, too fast and too threatening to safely share space with small children and other vulnerable pedestrians. Similarly, "Segway" devices should also not be allowed on sidewalks.

Pedestrians are already a vulnerable and beleaguered group, especially young and old pedestrians. One-third of all pedestrian crashes in New York State are children and seniors. It is wrong and unsafe to make toddlers and seniors share scarce sidewalk space with any motorized vehicle-whether it is called an "Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices" or a motorcycle.

"Segway" devices belong in the street with cars, motorcycles and other motorized vehicles. New York's pedestrians should not be part of the national testing ground for the "Segway" scooter.