Have your say about segways

A new discussion paper that looks at the possibility of extending the commercial use of segways in the ACT has been released today for public comment by Attorney General, Simon Corbell.

Last year Mr Corbell made a special exemption that allowed an already existing company to trade around Lake Burley Griffin, but a wider review of the segway's feasibility started at that time.

"Segways have proven to be a popular activity around Lake Burley Griffin, and the government has taken a detailed look at a range of situations where they could be used, like on or off roads," Mr Corbell said.

"Segways operate in many great cities around the world where they are used for tourist, general transport and mobility reasons, and the ACT government is looking into the possibility of creating legislation that would allow segways to be more widely used in the ACT."

A Segway is a self balancing, two wheeled vehicle that is currently illegal to use in the ACT other than on private property or in accordance with the Road Transport (General) (Segway Exemption) Determination 2011 (No. 2).

Mr Corbell said that special consideration had been given to the safety of those riding segways and also other road users in developing the discussion paper.

"Safety of all road users and pedestrians is paramount in this discussion, and community views from key stakeholders are welcomed as part of the consultation period," Mr Corbell said.

A number of case studies, from around the world, have also been considered in the discussion paper, which give an important insight into some of the challenges and benefits that segways have presented in a practical sense already."

"Canberra boasts a range of national institutions and beautiful lake frontages, and segways are a fun and unique way to experience some of these major attractions."

I encourage all Canberrans with a keen interest in segways to engage with the process which gets underway today, and to get online and have their say."

The discussion paper can be accessed at http://www.justice.act.gov.au/. Submissions close on 13 April 2012.

Information about the segway review can be found at www.justice.act.gov.au or by calling the Road Transport Authority on (02) 6205 1454.