Q:What are the laws governing Segway riders on sidewalks? And also, what is considered common courtesy for those who are walking on the sidewalks? Should the Segway riders be allowed to beep us out of the way? I don't know if they come with horns.

I feel like they should be out on the street, but I know that's dangerous, too. -- A reader

Answer: I couldn't find the term "Segway" in the state code. But Tom Lambert, a legal specialist with the state police, told me that the code refers to them as an "electric personal assistive mobility device."

Don't you love legalese?

In general, Segways can be used on sidewalks in Virginia. But towns and counties are allowed to write their own laws on their use.

So if some locality were to outlaw their use on sidewalks, I wonder how the police would pursue a Segway desperado who refuses to stop. Would they drive along beside the outlaw with lights flashing and sirens wailing? Or would they get out of the squad car and just stroll up? And then do they call a tow truck to haul off the Segway, or just toss it into the back seat?

If Segways are ridden in the street, they are subject to the same rules as bicycles. In particular, the user should "ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway." One exception is when they are passing a slower vehicle.

Is that possible?

As for pedestrians, the law states that anyone using a Segway on a sidewalk, path or crosswalk "shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian."

Obviously, common courtesy applies. I hope I won't have to be writing about Segway rage.

. . .

Q:What's with the tow truck stationed before the northbound Powhite toll plaza at the merge from Chippenham Parkway each morning? Who's funding that? And has there been an increase in truck traffic on the Powhite recently, or is it just our imagination? My husband and I both think we've noticed more trucks during the morning commute. -- Terri E.

 

Answer: I asked Linda McElroy of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority. Her response:

"A tow truck is stationed at the toll plaza during the morning rush as a precautionary measure in the event of a breakdown or accident. There is already a congested condition on the road due to construction. Motorists are moved to a safe location yards away from the toll plaza at no charge. Relocation elsewhere is between the motorist and the tow truck service."

As for trucks, if there is an accident or traffic situation on Interstate 95 or Interstate 64, motorists will see increased truck traffic on the Powhite Parkway, she said.

. . .

Q:This is a request to trim some trees: Drive west on Grove Avenue and you can hardly see half of the stop signs. -- A reader

 

Answer: I told city officials about this. Spokesman Chris Dettmar said the obstructing limbs should be trimmed by the time you read this. .

. . .

Q:I don't have a question or complaint (for a change), just praise.

 

It's remarkable how this column makes a real difference almost every week. People write in about a missing sign or needed change to a street and within a few days, the right person is contacted and doing it!

This is probably the best example of media truly serving the public. Keep up the good work! Now, if only The Times-Dispatch could figure out a way to do the same thing with our political process. -- Jerry W.

Answer: Thanks. If you can put up with my Segway jokes, it's the least I can do.