DALY JOINS SENIORS AND PEDESTRIANS IN OPPOSING SEGWAY VEHICLES ON SIDEWALKS

Board of Supervisors will vote today to oppose Senate Bill 1918 which would redefine “pedestrian” to include riders of Segway scooters

SAN FRANCISCO (August 26, 2002) — District 6 Supervisor Chris Daly will hold a rally and press conference to in opposition to SB 1918.  The press conference is co-sponsored by the Senior Action Network and pedestrian advocate group Walk San Francisco.

Sponsored by Senator Tom Torlakson, SB 1918 would redefine “pedestrian” to include riders of Segway vehicles, and would  allow these scooters  capable of speeds up to 12.5 mph, on all California sidewalks.

Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards have all been banned from San Francsico sidewalks.  SB1918 is being ushered through the State without any studies to determine whether Segway scooters are safe for sidewalk use.

Seniors, pedestrian and disability advocates all agree that Segway scooters would be dangerous on sidewalks.  SB 1918 does not require California to have independent safety testing of this Segway motor vehicle, nor require users to be tested, licensed, or insured.

“Changing the meaning of ‘pedestrian’ for the benefit of the Segway manufacturers  is outrageous.  Sidewalks are no place for these Segway vehicles.  Seniors, children, and folks with disability would be especially endangered.” says Supervisor Chris Daly.

Chris Daly’s resolution opposing SB 1918 will be voted on by the Board of Supervisors today.  Board President Ammiano, and Supervisor Sandoval, Peskin, Maxwell, Gonzalez and McGoldrick have co-sponsored the resolution.