August 2, 2007
SFist Photo: Segways On Sidewalks In San Francisco
Grove Street near Civic Center recently got a visit from two "SUVs of the Sidewalk".
Remember 2002? We do. That's when Supervisor Chris Daly led the drive to ban Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices from S.F. sidewalks. Even those who disagree "fervently" with the District 6 Supe on other issues were behind this measure. So, we thought that would be the end of it, and we'd spot these contraptions only at celebrity polo matches or in other cities. But whenever we see them these days it seems they're cruising down sidewalks. Not the multi-use kind, the regular kind where even bicyles are not allowed. Are organized groups currently flouting the ban?
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I saw a group of them down at Fort Mason the other night when I was out at Greens. It looked like an organized tour of some kind. They shouldn't be hard to find. Oh, here it is...the first one to pop up on a search engine http://www.sfelectrictour.com/segway/san_francisco_city_tours_info.html
I'd say they are flaunting the law. But they do offer a "rules of the road" class. Here's from their website
"As of October 2004, the Segway is able to operate on sidewalks and/or streets in 43 of the 50 states in the USA. In San Francisco, Segways are not allowed to operate on the sidewalk. We offer guided tours only and use a combination of designated bike paths and low speed / light traffic streets. Segways are allowed on sidewalks in Sausalito. Because of the crowded sidewalks in parts of Sausalito we follow the same route rules as San Francisco.
We emphasize courtesy, rules of the road, and common sense when riding a Segway in the city. The San Francisco and Sausalito Electric Tour Company advocates safe tour routes, careful Segway use, and detailed rider education. We want a positive tour experience for our guests and encourage respect for residents and visitors sharing the roads, sidewalks, and bike paths in both cities."
The only place Segways are appropriate is under the feet of Gob Bluth on Arrested Development. In real life, they are too sad to be funny.
It's "flouting" NOT flaunting. Sorry, but this mistake is a huge peeve for me.
And yes, I see these trekky types on their dorkmobiles constantly in Fort Mason. They're not in the way, they're just annoying as hell. How lazy do you have to be to ride one of these things?
There's another group (possibly the same people) who rile up business at the Ferry Building on Saturday mornings. The little b@stards chase people around the plaza on those ridiculous Segways to take their fliers.
Awhile back I heard Google and Apple put them in the foyers of their buildings for people making long treks across their respective campuses. Can anyone confirm anybody actually uses them?
They are flouting the law by flaunting their Segways at the indifferent crowds.
There's a place in Rockaway Beach that rents them, too. I guess those treacherous mountains pathways in Pacifica are too much for the typical pasty tourist...
I bet if you got a shot of them on their Segways, riding on the sidewalks while holding a cup of hot coffee you could get this post up to 500 comments.
Only if Ruby Rippey-Tourk is one of the riders, and they go through GG Park.
Damn, that is just the stupidest law. We need more Segways, not less!