Segway Commuter Just Keeps Rolling Along Despite Tornado - Segway Keeps Him Moving in Crisis

A tornado touching down in NYC crippled the MTA subway system, stopping commuters from getting to work. But for Jonathan Gleich on his Segway it was just another day.

New York, NY (PRWEB) August 11, 2007 -- A Tornado touched down in Brooklyn last Wednesday, streets where ripped up, trees fell, traffic snarled, rain water flooded the subways shutting down most of the system, buses packed, roads snarled with cars.

But it was just a normal day for Segway commuter Jonathan Gleich.

"It was crazy out there," he says, "the bridge was over crowded with people walking from Brooklyn to get to work, people kept stopping me (on my segway) asking for a ride."

"How did you manage with downed trees and debris on the ground?" we asked. "The Segway is really maneuverable, when there was debris I was able to go around it, since I can stand still or move slowly on it, I could safely steer clear."

Jonathan has used his segway for the last two years to commute from his home in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn to his office in Midtown Manhattan. A 15 mile trip that takes him 1.5 hours each way "I just completed my 166th commute a few weeks ago, that means I have gone over 5000 miles on my Segway."

After doing some quick math we found that Jonathan using his Segway to get to work has saved him over $1300 in train fare. "My total cost has been $50 in electricity and also a fine of $100 for having a unregistered vehicle."

The segway is still not legal in NYC and it is classified as a "motorized skateboard."

There is a law that has been given to Governor Spitzer to sign, it's New York Senate Bill 1353 that would give Segways' a Legal definition as a EPAMD (Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device).

When signed, New York SB 1353 will regulate Segway PTs like a bicycle in all areas of the state except New York City. It does not mean that the Segway PT will unilaterally be allowed on sidewalks. The bill does allow for local Municipalities to proactively pass legislation to give Segway PTs access on sidewalks. Those cities would have to pass a local ordinance to do so. The legislation does not apply to New York City, so things will remain status quo here.

"But this bill won't make them legal in NYC?" we asked.

"No they won't be, but the Mayor has always said if he is handed a bill to make Segway's legal in NYC (Like they are in Washington DC, and Chicago) He would sign it; this bill (SB 1352) would bring Segways one-step closer to becoming legal in NYC."

www.letmeregistermysegway.com

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