Segways

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

All the way with Segway

In an Australian first, the Newman Government will allow the use of Segways on footpaths and bikeways from later this year.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said it made sense to allow the use of Segways given how popular they were around the rest of the world.

"Queensland will be the first state or territory in Australia to allow the public to use Segways on road-related areas such as footpaths, and users will have to wear an approved helmet," Mr Emerson said.

"Opening up the use of Segways will provide additional opportunities for tourism operators to hire the vehicle out as a mode of transport around popular tourist locations and attractions.

"Segways are two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicles and currently in Queensland, their use is limited to private property only.

"Currently some tourist operators in Queensland use a Segway for guided tours however our changes will mean anyone at any time is able to use a Segway on footpaths and bikeways."

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind welcomed the announcement as a boost for the state's tourism.

"Opening up the use of Segways will provide additional opportunities for tourism operators to hire the vehicle out as a mode of transport around popular tourist locations and attractions," Mr Gschwind said.

Mr Emerson said this was another way the government was looking to innovative opportunities to encourage people to travel to Queensland.

"This mode of travel is an environmentally-friendly way to travel given it produces zero emissions," he said.

Changes to the regulations will be introduced in the second half of 2013.

[ENDS] 23 April 2013

===============

I saw a person on one of these in Melbourne, being used on a footpath,  a couple of years ago, I thought they had come and went ... but obviously a priority for our Government ...   

[SurfRail]

This is obviously the proposed fix to Cultural Centre congestion.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider 54m

Fine way to arrive at a press conference. Transport Minister to announce Segways to be allowed on footpaths. http://t.co/wCFw8CtH9m

[HappyTrainGuy]

Whats faster? A peak hour bus from Toowong or a segway along that bikeway that's there

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Minister's Segway plan for Queensland footpaths slammed

[Stillwater]

Pass the buck on a meaningful fix to the Brisbane bus fiasco and focus on the 'really important things' (not) .... Segways for Queensland.  Says it all really.  Judging by the media release, this government wants to use the term 'a first for Queensland' as liberally as the last government tried to convince us at every turn that this state had a 'world clarse' public transport network.

[#Metro]

Can't people see the Segways and Turban Deregulation are huge novel distraction devices designed to defocus the bus review fallout.

[Stillwater]

On cue, the federal government comes up with $4.1 billion for the Bruce Highway, nothing for the NCL though.  http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/400m-puts-us-on-the-road-4b-bruce-hwy-boost/1841560/

Must be an election happening sometime soon.

[ozbob]

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/04/23/1226627/409561-leahy-cartoon-segway-gonski.jpg

[ozbob]

Office Of The Leader Of The Opposition
Tuesday 23rd of April 2013

Transport Minister Attempts A Segue From Bus Timetable Debacle

The LNP Government Minister responsible for punishing pensioners by recommending axing their bus routes in a botched review is now determined to make them compete for footpaths with battery-operated vehicles.

Shadow Transport Minister Jackie Trad said Transport Minister Scott Emerson had today proven himself so devoid of new ideas he was changing laws to allow Segways to share footpaths.

"This is a Minister who is responsible for one of the biggest public transport bungles in recent history," Ms Trad said.

"He set out to cripple our bus network by slashing his way through south-east Queensland's routes and timetables only to realise it was a disaster and handball it to the Brisbane City Council.

"But he's not content to stop there.

"Now he wants to open up our footpaths for Segway vehicles, making it legal for users to ride the sidewalks, sharing them with pedestrians.

"He's a Minister who is clearly out of touch – why would the thousands of people trying to get to work every morning swap the convenience of a bus for the expense of a $10,000 vehicle that moves at 12km an hour?

"Why is making our footpaths into roadways a priority of this bungling and out-of-touch Transport Minister?

"Scott Emerson simply needs to get serious – and get real.

"While thousands of bus commuters are still panicking that the further stage of the Brisbane City Council review will slash their services, this Minister is out posing for photographs on a $10,000 vehicle that he is basically encouraging residents to purchase."

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Segway speed limits will apply on footpaths

[ozbob]

Segway Review

A Review of Segway Use and Commercialisation in the Australian Capital Territory --> here!

[ozbob]

Couriermail Letters --> Segway ruling a spin-out

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Minister's Segway plan for Queensland footpaths slammed

[#Metro]

You have to wonder who the minister for transport actually works for. There was a comment that Quirk is the 19th cabinet minister, well I think Emerson is the 27th BCC councillor.

This segway and turban deregulation is so bizzare and novel that is has become the perfect distraction while the bus review is quietly shafted out the back by the BCC. It's shifted the conversation to talking about cr*p that doesn't really matter - few people as a proportion as a whole ride segways and few would be affected by the turban deregulation.

BT MUST BE PRIVATISED.

Time to take a stand!

[Gazza]

why would the thousands of people trying to get to work every morning swap the convenience of a bus for the expense of a $10,000 vehicle that moves at 12km an hour

I thought a lot of people already did on a daily basis?

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Gold Coast councillors call for go-slow on the introduction of Segways to Queensland footpaths

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Safety steps allow green light for Segways

Segway safety measures have been finalised ahead of their legalisation in Queensland next month.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the safety laws, which were introduced following feedback from safety experts, would apply to users from 1 August.

"From next month people will be able to use Segways on Queensland footpaths and bicycle paths, but I want to ensure this is done safely," Mr Emerson said.

"While they are similar to bicycles in many respects, we are taking a safety-first approach to their introduction in Queensland.

"Segways in Queensland will have a speed limit of 12km/h, similar to other areas in Australia and overseas.

"They must also have lights and reflectors – similar to those used on bicycles – when riding at night or in poor weather.

"Like bicycles, they must have a bell or similar warning device in working order and use of mobile phones will also be banned while using a Segway."

Segways will be restricted to footpaths, bike paths and only be able to travel on a road at a normal crossing point.

Mr Emerson said users must be at least 12 years old and wear an approved bicycle helmet.

"These restrictions are tougher than many European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, and the majority of American states," he said.

"I'm satisfied we have struck a balance between safety and giving people more choice about how they get around.

"Our decision to allow Segways in Queensland will open up commercial opportunities for operators to hire them out in popular tourist spots.

"They're already used in other parts of the country for guided tours, but Queensland will be the first state to allow their wider use."

Segways will not be subject to registration requirements.

=================

Such a relief ...

Queensland Government's answer to public transport crisis -->

[ozbob]

Transport Minister Emerson was interviewed on 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast this morning on this.  Very soft interview ..

Fossil remains have been found at Geebung as part of the crossing works ..

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson

Rules for two-wheeled self-balancing personal transporters released

16 July 2013 , 8:04 AM by Spencer Howson

From next month, they become legal on footpaths and bike paths in Queensland. And the rules and regulations for using them have now been set out.

Let's call them two-wheeled, motorised, self-balancing personal transporters - although others might know them by a different name.

Transport Minister, Scott Emerson:

CLick --> here!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Segways given green light to be ridden on Queensland footpaths and bikeways from start of August

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Pedestrians to share pavements with Segways in Queensland from next month

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Segway to a weighty issue

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Woman taken to hospital with injured arm after clash with Segway at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast

[Gazza]

Cant wait 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Minister's own department warned against allowing Segways on footpaths and bikeways

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Minister's own department warned against allowing Segways on footpaths and bikeways

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Emerson rejects he ignored Segways warnings for use in Qld http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-30/emerson-rejects-he-ignored-segways-warnings-for-use-in-qld/4852066?section=qld ... @abcnews #qldpol #auspol

[#Metro]

"Segway" into disaster!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Segway safety advice not ignored, says Transport Minister Scott Emerson

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

My Sunshine Coast --> Newman Government Must Stop Segways And Listen First

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Transport and Main Roads staff raised fears about Segways on paths and bikeways with Minister Emerson

[ozbob]

Sort fares?  Sort the buses?  No, but hey, we can roll out segways ...

Queenslander!!

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Segway use in Queensland - key pointers

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/is-segway-faster-than-doomben-line.html
Is Segway faster than than the Doomben Line?

[SurfRail]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/is-segway-faster-than-doomben-line.html
Is Segway faster than than the Doomben Line?

Certainly is on Sunday, or after 7pm.

[ozbob]

Report of a Segway in Ann St this morning.  Must be a trial run for the peak ...   

[ozbob]

The Washington Post --> Putting the Hype Back in Hyperloop