This paper examines the safety implications for a growing category of lightweight, vulnerable, wheeled devices in the context of the introduction of the Segway. Looking like an old-fashioned mower, this conveys individuals at more than four times normal walking speed yet legislation permitting its use on footpaths is being introduced in the USA. This is the latest in a growing category of movement assistance devices ranging from toy vehicles such as roller blades, skateboards and push scooters through to the electric 'Gopher' sit-on scooters. Even wheelchairs are acquiring more powerful motors. Attracting varying degrees of sympathy and tolerance, most of these devices have been accepted on our footpaths as 'honorary pedestrians', but additions to the number and nature of these devices may stretch the welcome to breaking point, if that point has not already been reached! While segregation and special provision for this category of road user would appear to be the safest option, the insertion of a third category network based on existing cycle routes will present its own challenges and road safety problems. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract No. E208290.
Abstract