A land use ordinance that would allow Segway sales and tours was preliminarily approved at Delray Beach commissioners’ March meeting, with the discussion of safety issues a dominant theme at the first public hearing.
A second public hearing is scheduled for April 5. Representatives of tour operators who spoke at the public hearing March 15 said they were largely satisfied with the ordinance, which would allow tours to operate on the west side of A1A, except for a block north and south of Atlantic Avenue. Delray Beach staff recommended against allowing tours on the east side because an already congested beach area would create safety problems.
The beachside sidewalk is populated with bicycles, skateboards, motorized skateboards, roller blades, racing strollers, unicycles — and even a bagpipe player, Andy Katz of the Beach Property Owners Association pointed out.
The BPOA’s membership is mixed on the proposition. “As with all public matters, people are different. We have to allow for many things. It’s all part of city life — as long as it doesn’t become a problem.”
Katz suggested safety precautions including a reasonable speed limit and that Segways be restricted to the areas of the sidewalk/roadway that bicycles use. The BPOA also want the Segways to operate in single file rather than two or more abreast.
Other safety suggestions for tour operators, which include Segway Tours and The Electric Experience, included requiring operators to wear helmets and easily seen vests, drive facing traffic and to undergo a set amount of training.
“It’s something new, something different, but safety still trumps everything,” said Commissioner Gary Eliopoulos.
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