The Adirondack Council
Scott M. Lorey ~ (O) 518 432-1770 ~ (C) 518 810-5766
American Lung Association of New York State
Michael Seilback ~ Albany: (518) 465-2013 x318 ~ Hauppauge: (631)
265-3848 x16
New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG)
Russ Haven ~ 518 436-0876 ~ Jason K. Babbie ~ 212 349-6460
Sierra Club
Theresa Cassiack ~ 518 426-9144
Transportation Alternatives
Noah Budnick ~ 646 873-6022
Released: August 16, 2007
ENVIRONMENTAL, PUBLIC
HEALTH AND CONSUMER GROUPS
PRAISE GOVERNOR SPITZER'S VETO OF SEGWAY LEGISLATION
Environmental preservation, public
health and consumer protection organizations praised Governor
Eliot Spitzer for vetoing legislation that would have legalized
Segway motorized scooters on highways, roads, hiking paths and
sidewalks outside of New York City. In their opposition the
groups cited concerns about Segways damaging hiking and pedestrian
paths, legalizing a new energy-consuming mode of transportation
that would not displace automobiles, and discouraging pollution-free
activities like cycling and walking.
"With a stroke of his pen,
the Governor has kept our pedestrian paths safe from these 'Sidewalk
SUVs," said NYPIRG Legislative Counsel Russ Haven. "Seniors,
parents with toddlers and disabled New Yorkers can breathe a
sigh of relief that they won't have to contend with fast moving
motor vehicles on their sidewalks."
"We are pleased that Governor
Spitzer has decided to veto this inappropriate legislation,"
said Adirondack Council Legislative Director Scott M. Lorey.
"If it had become law, hiking and biking trails in the
Adirondacks would be imperiled. A whole new class of motorized
access would have been permitted."
"The Sierra Club applauds
the Governor for protecting New Yorkers who are committed to
healthy activities and a healthy environment," said Theresa
Cassiack, Legislative Associate for the Sierra Club. "This
bill is against everything that conscientious New Yorkers support."
"We applaud the Governor
for protecting public health at a time when the costs and health
threats of obesity are becoming better understood and air pollution
levels show little signs of abating," said Michael Seilback,
Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for the American
Lung Association of New York State. "We look forward to
continuing to work with Governor Spitzer on efforts to promote
a healthy New York."
"Allowing someone to mount
a 120-pound machine and pilot it at speeds up 12 mph on bike
paths and sidewalks is a threat to walkers, bikers, hikers, joggers,
children, the elderly and people with disabilities," says
Noah Budnick, Deputy Director of Transportation Alternatives.
"Thank you Governor Spitzer for your common-sense veto."
Segways weigh as much as 120
lbs. and attain speeds up to 12.5 mph on flat surfaces. The
United States Department of Transportation reports that Segways
take up to 21 feet to stop from their full speed. Environmental
preservation, consumer protection, public safety, senior and
disabled advocacy groups around the country have opposed legalizing
Segway usage on public roads, trails and sidewalks.
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