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Roller Skiers Hoping for State Road Access

January 26, 2010 - AUGUSTA -- Ryan Kelly said drivers sometimes express "outrage" at him and other roller skiers as they train on Maine roads.

An assistant ski coach at Colby College and a professional triathlete, Kelly asked legislators Tuesday to support a bill to legitimize their use of local roads.

"This is very important in setting parameters and expectations so everybody knows what to expect," Kelly told members of the Legislature's Transportation Committee.

Kelly was one of a handful of people to testify in support of L.D. 1640, "An Act to Provide for the Safety of Maine Athletes." The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Michael Carey, D-Lewiston, will be voted on by the committee Friday.

The bill would apply all rules of the road that pertain to bicyclists to roller skiers, many of whom train in good weather for the cross-country ski season.

The bill would require drivers to allow at least 3 feet between their vehicles and roller skiers. It also would require anyone younger than 16 to wear a helmet.

As defined in the bill, a roller ski is "an object affixed to a foot, separately from the other foot, primarily propelled by human power and driven by the operator on the ground via wheels."

Essentially, roller skis are shorter than snow skis, with wheels on both ends.

While no one testified in opposition to the bill, at least two legislators said they are concerned about safety, particularly for young children.

"I worry to death some kid is going to get out there with his buddy and not be responsible," said Rep. George Hogan, D-Old Orchard Beach.

Rep. Doug Thomas, R-Ripley, asked those who testified if lawmakers should establish a minimum age or restrictions on roads that are suitable for roller-skiing.

Kelly said it's up to roller skiers to balance using rural roads, where there is less traffic, with more urban areas, where the roads may be in better shape.

Charlie Jacobs of Winthrop, a parent of a Nordic racer, said the bill recognizes the growth of Nordic racing in the state.

"My primary concern is safety, and I think this bill will enhance the safety of roller skiers," he said. "Maine has become a place for world-class athletes to train and participate in the sport."

The Maine Department of Transportation took no position on the bill but submitted testimony indicating it has agreed to erect 10 "Share the Road" signs for roller skiers on four routes in Aroostook County.

"Maine DOT is aware that roller-skiing is growing in popularity," wrote Nina Fisher, a legislative liaison with the department. "Part of the challenge as this sport grows is ensuring that motor vehicle operators know that they may encounter roller-skiing on rural roads."

By SUSAN M. COVER, Kennebec Journal, January 20, 2010


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