Commuting to work in Chicago

[jbhoosier]

I'm considering buying a Segway to get to work in the Chicago loop. I live two miles from the office. Does this seem like a practical use for a Segway. I have a few concerns:

1. Crowded sidewalks
2. Storage - I can't imagine leaving it outside all day and I doubt my manager would appreciate me riding it to my cube. Storage in general is my biggest concern.

I'd appreciate some feedback from people who use their Segway for commuting to work in a crowded city like Chicago.

Thanks,

[jgbackes]

I commute in San Francisco, and I don't see any problems. Just follow someone to match their speed when it's crowded.

As far a taking it into your cube, hop off and push it like it was a bike, my cube is big enough. A friend at Apple leaves his in the hallway, I don't like the idea of leaving it outside either, but with a good chain around the base, and a nice pair of locks I think you would be OK.

Let us know how it all works out.

[RICHSYAMAHA]

YOU WILL HAVE NO REGRETS!! 514 miles and still gliding :)

[mark1qhorsey]

Dear Hoosier,
You have a right to use bike lanes, if they exist in that part of Chicago.
I think the Seg is generally better suited for on-road lanes, if possible.
And yes, creeping after some pedestrian is one way to eventually get there.
Talk to your building manager about storage. There may be lots of nooks and cranneys
in the building for that purpose, as alternatives to the cube.
Your office won't appreciate bringing in a wet / slushy PT during bad weather. But you may opt not to ride except on good weather days. But I agree that commuting is dependent on your management approval.
Give 'em a glide for jollies!
Good luck

[Roland]

I commute 8.5 miles each way into and out of downtown Seattle. Gliding on crowded sidewalks is slow, but not problematic.

As for parking - I park mine along with bicycles. Specifically, we have a bike parking area in a room in the basement of our building - I just park my i2 there. I even plug in to the wall during the day.

I have asked a couple of garages downtown that also have bicycle parking, and they all say they are fine with a segway being locked up along side the bikes. My advice is DO IT!

[4rmgt]

JB,

I live in Chicago. While I do not work in the loop. I have used my i2 there on many occasions to attend meetings. I find that for the most part I use the bike lanes to get into the loop. Once in the loop. I tend to just move along with the flow of pedestrian traffic. I do not try to speed around them, I just blend in with them.

Sometimes I can get by on the street. For me riding on the street is good (albeit full of pot holes). Just I ride next to the parked cars, so you have to keep looking to be sure no one is about to open their door on you.

Chicago is a great segway friendly city. I highly suggest you pick one up. Head out to LaGrange and see Jim at the store out there. Worth the trip!

[jryan]

I don't live in Chicago, but have been there many times. Seems like the perfect place to glide. I have never seen traffic go above 12.5 mph during busy times so you can just zip past the cars. If the roads are not that busy, I would not recommend the street. Chicago drivers are crazy (or so I have seen), and would not blink an eye at the thought one would run you over. But if traffic is backed up and only going 5-10 mph, take the street. Otherwise the sidewalk is a good option, just make sure you are conscious of people walking. Slow down to their speed and follow them. Eventually they will move over for you to go a little faster. Sounds like a great use of a Seg to me........


Jeremy Ryan