Boston Bans Segways

Boston Bans Segways

Boston Bans Segways. A tourism company has filed suit against Boston over its banning of Segway people movers from city sidewalks.

Boston Glides, which conducts tours of Boston using the two-wheeled electric-powered Segways, said it would be forced out of business if the ordinance, signed by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, were enforced, ABC News reported.
The company was granted an injunction on the ordinance while the case moves through the judicial system, the report said.

"Boston is known as a walkable city, and to have these motorized devices on the sidewalk is just absolutely dangerous to pedestrians," said Sal LaMattina, a member of Boston city council.

Boston Glides' officials said there have never been any accidents there because of the Segways.

"Where they're coming from, I have no idea," said Edan Shekar, a guide for the tour company. "We've never had an incident. They're trying to legislate us out of business and if they succeed, I'm going to be out of a job."

Segways can travel at up to 9 mph. The devices are controlled by two computers and are remarkably stable, Shekar said.

"We bring several hundred people and their tourist dollars into Boston every day," said Shekar. "We've done everything in our power to ensure safety."

A study published in September in the Annals of Internal Medicine said Segway-related injuries "are significant and seem to be increasing … further investigation into the risks of use, as well as the optimal length and type of training or practice, is warranted."

Source: boandjim.lonestar925