WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Segways on the Bike Path?

Segways on the Bike Path?

Burlington, Vermont - November 4, 2009

The tourism company 802 Segway has proposed a plan for guided Segway tours of Burlington to the Park and Recreation Commission.

"Our policy has always been that no motorized vehicles are allowed on the bike path. But apparently these kinds of vehicles are not classified as motorized vehicles by the state," says  Steve Allen, chairman of the commission.

So what exactly is a vehicle? It will be up to the city officials of Burlington to decide whether or not Segway will be allowed on the bike path or sidewalks.

"This is one of those game changing technologies. You have something new come in and it changes the way we look at things. So how does it relate with pedestrians and bicyclists and motorists," says Chapin Spencer of Local Motion.

The path sees a lot of activity from pedestrians and cyclists. Some running, others walking their dogs or just cruising on their bikes. Regulars of the bike path have mixed opinions of the potential Segway traffic.

"I don't see it as a problem. There is more fun for everyone, I think it can be easily self-policed and no one will get hurt," says Mike Maggs of Waterbury.

"Yeah I definitely think ti will be a little strange to see a group of Segway...whatever riding around, but I don't think it will be a big deal at all," says Sarah Loya of Burlington.

"The bike path is not large enough and therefore it would-could potentially be dangerous for others that are using the bike path. And I think that it could create a lot of chaos and injury as a result of having that resource on the bike path," says Allison Reagan of South Burlington.

The commission is interested in hearing what current bike path users have to say about the idea before they make any decisions.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is holding a public hearing November 17th on the Segway proposal.

Molly Smith - WCAX News