Velomobile on the Lake Murray running trail

A different kind of transportation made its debut at Lake Murray on October 14 at about 2:30 p.m.

A long, hot-dog-shaped, bright red car/bike rolled along past joggers and walkers as they stared. As it sped along, many walkers thought that it was powered by some kind of motor, which is not legal on the lake running trail. Only HPVs, human-powered vehicles, are allowed on the trail.

Scott Dion said he was driving the first velomobile in San Diego County. Dion, a bicyclist who commutes 11 miles to work from La Mesa to San Diego every day, said that from now on he plans to use his velomobile instead of his bicycle.

Dion said his velomobile is from the Netherlands, but he ordered it from Canada. It is a combo of a recumbent bike and tricycle with the addition of a full fairing (or shell) for aerodynamic advantage and protection from weather and collisions.

Dion said he had a goal to promote and encourage bike commuting to and from work.