Harrop: The Segway must go

[geekfactory]

Fire up your letter to the editor pens. My personal favorie line is the first one: 'Let's dump it in the landfill of toxic new inventions."

Have fun, all...

-Peter


Froma Harrop: Cities must stop the Segway
01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, August 17, 2003



THE SEGWAY IS AN ADORABLE and ingenious machine. Let's dump it in the landfill of toxic new inventions.

We refer, of course, to the Segway Human Transporter. A human standing on this battery-powered platform can travel almost 13 miles an hour.

Segway lobbyists have been pestering state legislatures to allow the transporter on sidewalks. And they've had great success. Despite opposition from pedestrian advocates, 44 states have given the green light. Sidewalks are now open to Segways in Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago and Atlanta. (Holdouts include San Francisco and New York, where only police officers may ride Segways.)

Perhaps you've heard the promoters' big visionary spiel about how the Segway will transform our car-choked world. As they see it, people going a mile or two for groceries or their caffe latte will hop on their Segways and leave the Navigator in the garage. Fewer car trips mean less traffic, less parking-lot asphalt and less muck in the air.

But the exact opposite would happen. Segways aren't going to replace SUVs on our roads. They will replace pedestrians on our sidewalks, and that's not a very green outcome.

Sidewalks were specifically invented to separate walkers from motorized vehicles. Segways can easily hog two-thirds the width of a sidewalk. We see the future, and it's pedestrians jumping out of the way as Segways roar by.

Thirteen miles an hour doesn't sound like a lot in a Corvette. But it breaks the sound barrier on a sidewalk. A brisk walker moves at about 4 miles an hour. Bicycles can't go much more than 10 miles an hour on a city sidewalk, and they still terrorize pedestrians. That's why so many cities and towns don't allow them on walkways.

Some of the new laws permitting Segways say a lot about where pedestrians rank on the transportation food chain. Washington state, for example, letsSegways torment people on the sidewalk. However, they are not permitted on any city street where the speed limit exceeds 25 miles an hour -- lest they slow traffic and inconvenience drivers.

As Segways invade the sacred oases for pedestrians, more people will simply give up walking. And no, most of them are not going to shell out $5,000 for a high-tech scooter. They are going to drive.

Nor is it realistic to believe that our determined motorists are about to hop on a scooter that exposes them to unconditioned air. (Besides, suppose the battery wears down and they're stuck in a downpour.) Such individuals will forever drive their Oil Warriors to Starbucks, where they will command a parking space -- two if necessary.

How did Segway manage to close the deal in so many enlightened and sophisticated regions? It did so through an irresistible pitch that married environmental concerns with a neat-o Bill Gates-ian story. Segway's founder-inventor, we are told, is a genius of world-altering proportions. That would be Dean Kamen, who hopes to get quite rich off his brainstorm.

An out-of-the-box thinker and quoter of Einstein, Kamen predicts that his invention will change the way cities are designed. (Oh, the things that a scooter can do!)

The message to local government is clear: Ignore Kamen's plan for the new urban future, and you will be left behind in the 20th Century, if not the 14th.

The good news about the Segway is that it isn't selling. There's apparently no forced overtime at the New Hampshire factory, now producing well under the 40,000 Segways a month it is capable of. Brilliant new ideas always take time, the company assures us.

Herman B. Leonard, professor of public management at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, has this response to the Segway: "Unless you are elderly or have limited mobility, why wouldn't you use a bike?" The one good answer is that a bike has to fight Hummers on the road, and the Segway has only pedestrians to bang into.

Still, we're going to miss Segway talk. "At Segway LLC," says Matt Dailida, the company's director for government affairs, "we hope there can be creative alternatives to the status quo and that the Segway . . . just might bring momentum to a movement that gets us out of the gridlock in thinking that the only possibilities are the status quo or some nostalgic past where everyone walked."

Landfill, here we come.

Froma Harrop is a Journal editorial writer and syndicated columnist. She may be reached by e-mail at: fharrop@projo.com.

[geekfactory]

Forgot to include the source:

http://tinyurl.com/kaad

[ryanvasan]

"Sidewalks were specifically invented to separate walkers from motorized vehicles."

So THAT'S why we have sidewalks...I always wondered if sidewalks existed before the invention of motorized vehicles like cars. Guess not, good thing the author researched that one for me.

-Ryan

[BruceWright]

Well, this is what happens when you rely on Free publicity. Anyone with a two-bit column can and will set the tone of the debate.

The Segway company is silent in these matters, in the court of public opinion.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[jdrive]

Actually, forerunners to the 'sidewalk' go back at least as far as Roman times, separating Chariot from proletariat. Out west a hundred years ago,'boardwalks' separated horses from establishments and introduced less mud into same.

Ultimately, I would guess that Segways will be legal wherever bikes or scooters are, but will probably require some of the usual trappings required on 'motorized' vehicles, including lighting, markers, etc. Or, maybe we'll get lucky (I'm in NY so need this kind of luck given recent legislation).

+++ Glide On +++

[pam]

quote:Originally posted by BruceWright

Well, this is what happens when you rely on Free publicity. Anyone with a two-bit column can and will set the tone of the debate.

The Segway company is silent in these matters, in the court of public opinion.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream


Doesn't matter, because even if they had a multi-million dollar ad campaign, you'd still have people who hated the machine and have access to newspapers and who would "set the tone" in their columns and commentary. And a multi-million dollar ad campaign would just give them something further to comment negatively about. After all, they comment negatively now about the money spent on legislation. That's a no-win game for Segway. I think they're taking the high road, myself.

Pam

[BruceWright]

Just sent this:




Ms Harrop,

My name is Bruce Wright, and I ride a Segway to work 3 days a week in Los Angeles. I think you misunderstand what a rider on a Segway is like.

My ride to work is smooth and gentle. I rarely see people on the sidewalk, usually 2 or so per mile on my 14 mile daily round-trip. I stop and say hello to each one, exchange good mornings. I give all walkers the right of way, and so far have had hundreds and hundreds of positive reactions. People like seeing the Segway on the sidewalk, at least everyone I've met.

I think you misunderstand the gentle nature of a rider on a Segway, and the machine when controlled by a person. See, unlike cars where you are shielded from people, the Segway has you out in the open, any rudeness is not anonymous. Especially on a Segway, where you are known in the neighborhood as "that guy with the Segway." Anything I did to be rude to anyone would get back to me!

Also, the machine itself is very docile. Anyone whom I've given rides to immediately says "THIS is the thing they banned in San Fransisco?!!? From the reports, I would have thought they banned a hot rod!" It's a very mild thing. It is not the SUV of the sidewalk that folks would have you believe. Hundreds of people have test-ridden my Segway. And none of them, after trying it has said, "wow, they should ban this!" And that includes lots of people who were pro-ban before they saw it.

I think you underestimate the speed of bicycles on the sidewalk. At least in Los Angeles, bicycles travel on the sidewalk (legally, btw), at speeds up to 15 miles an hour and beyond. In my commutes, I have NEVER passed a bicyclist. Daily I am passed by bicyclists travelling twice my speed.

That's the difference between you and me. I am actually out there on the sidewalks, I can actually report to you what's happening. When you imagine Segways on your sidewalk, it's easy to imagine the worst. That's the problem with writing an article based on trying to imagine the Segway on the sidewalk, rather than riding one for a few weeks and seeing what the reality is. So one reality is, bikes are much faster. And at least in my city, and also Seattle and quite a few others, bicycling on the sidewalk is perfectly legal.


Also, you seem to fixate on the top speed of a Segway. Let me tell you, I very rarely am going the top speed. You'd have to ride a Segway for at least a few hours to understand why Segway riders travel at slower speeds most of the time. I'm sure you won't guess why. It has to do with conserving battery life, and also the nature of a non-tandem wheeled device. Non-tandem wheels make it hard to speed with the aplomb of a bicycle, a Segway rider has to always watch not to "trip" a wheel.

So again, when you imagine the worst, you imagine a rider pegging at the top speed all the time, no matter what the circumstances. Of course that never really happens. That's the problem with imagining the worst. That's the problem with writing an article based on your imagination, and not real experience.

Well, you'll like the new model of Segway. It's much narrower, and can only go 10mph tops. It's no wider than a person's shoulders, and it only goes about half the speed of the bikes that pass me every day on the sidewalk.

I think your article messed up on the reasons sidewalks were invented. They date back to Roman times, so you missed a bit there. Mostly it was to seperate horses from walking folks, and to keep stores from getting mud tracked in.

Rather than keep the traffic laws designed by the ancient Romans, however, a more modern look at them is in order.
I wouldn't, as you did, make a blanket judgement and say something like motors=street. Why? Well, because there are lots of exceptions to that already, and we don't want to change that. For example motorized wheelchairs. Those don't belong in the street. And well, if you are using a scooter because you are elderly, for assistive purposes. You might not be disabled, but if you want to use a little Rascal scooter to help you regain your mobility, more power to you, and those go a top speed of 8mph. Other brands can go faster. And, well, there are a lot of other things with motors I wouldn't put in the street. The little electric Barbie Jeep, or a child riding one of these http://store.yahoo.com/razorama/razxlscoot.html at a top speed of 10mph.

The rule of thumb used in transportation is that a child can ride a bike at roughly the same speed as their age. So I wouldn't put 10-year-olds into traffic on a bike, or these toy devices.

I say we look at the various things that pedestrians encounter on their journey on the sidewalk, and see where a rider on a Segway fits in. Bikes, rollerblades,skateboards, push-scooters, wheelchairs, racing wheelchairs, joggers pushing strollers, runners, cars turning in and out of driveways. There's a lot of different things on the sidewalk. I would put the Segway as being less obtrusive than most of them, and certainly less dangerous for bystanders. As far as top speeds, the Segway is going the speed of a ten-year-old or a twelve-year-old on a bike. As far as manuverability, the Segway can manuver at slower speeds much better than a bike. As far as stopping distances, the Segway stops much quicker than a bike. As far as impact with a pedestrian, it impacts much less than a bike (because of reactive braking technology). So all around, better than bike. That's why I'd allow it everywhere a bike is allowed at least. Maybe places bikes aren't allowed.

Here's a tip: If you ever think you might be hit by a Segway, grab the handlebar. That stops the device, and the rider can't make it go if he tries with all his might. It also stops like that if the handlebar comes into contact with anything. Funny, isn't it? It's the one wheeled thing on the sidewalk that gives total control up to the non-rider. Again, another instance when fearing the worst about a Segway doesn't match the reality. It's a pretty nifty device.

But another thing you might not know about Segways, especially when you merely imagine the worst, is who owns them. Who do you think are buying the Segway? In your imagination, perhaps it's scary skateboarding teens. In reality? Seniors. That's right. Most Segway owners are over 50 years old. Some are in their 90's. Many are disabled, or have mobility limitations. People suffering from Parkinsons have found that their tremors are actually cancelled out by the balancing mechanism of the Segway. Folks with MS find they have the energy on a Segway to go places they never could before, and they could blend in with people the way they never could on a convelescent scooter. The Segway moves in much the same way as a person walking. And as members of the disabled community will tell you, it's "use it or lose it": they want to remain standing, not be confined to sitting their whole life.

This is a device that has been welcomed by seniors, and folks seeking to regain lost mobility. Why do you imagine the segway to be a frightening device, when it is actually docile enough to be appealing to seniors and members of the disabled community?

But the main point I want to emphasize in my letter is this. In your column, you keep talking about banning the Segway. "The Segways are invading", "the Segways roar past people", "the Segways hog our sidewalk." NEVER do you say, "a RIDER on a Segway". Do you think Segways roll around the city riderless, or are you purposely trying to make faceless villians out of us?

Here's my point of view:

The Segways aren't invading. I am using my city sidewalk too.

I NEVER roar past people. (I'm not sure I can roar, unless I do it with my mouth!)

I don't hog YOUR sidewalk, I use OUR sidewalk.

See? We're people, not robots. We aren't faceless villians. Most of us are probably your parents' age. A lot of us are giving up a car ride or are regaining mobility lost to age or disease. We are your neigbors. I invite you to visit www.segwaychat.com to read and talk with us, an online Segway user group. You'll see that we are (surprise) as interested in safety as anyone. After all, we're members of your community too. We'd like to see cities be made better places for everyone, and hopefully folks will have more transportation options rather than fewer. And some things that pollute less too, please.

Don't imagine the worst. Look at our experience. Write about that.


Sincerely,

Bruce Wright
Los Angeles





-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[pt]

nicely done bruce.

cheers,
pt

[dhugger]

Bruce, very nicely written. I completely agree with you about the "roaring past at nearly 13 mph" part. Look at most new cars toady. Most of them can max out at speeds well over 100 mph. Does this mean they constantly go that speed, even in heavy traffic? Of course not. I feel (as you do) that the same concept applies with the HT. And most of all, like I've said (many times) in the past, these people really need to lighten up.

-Derek Hugger-

[fathertime]

Bruce,
Very nice response! My hat is off to you. This is what we need more of..well reasoned and thoughtful responses. Thank you for sharing with all of us and on our behalf![^]

JR

[geekfactory]

Nice job, Bruce.

[fredkap]

Bruce, Extremely well written. Only thing that I would change is the part about tripping a wheel...sounds like you don't have control when we both know that you do. Other than that, I love it.

Fred

[PoloAk]

Bruce. Who the heck is going to take the time to read all of that??? I'm not and I own a segway. Brevity is a good thing! But I'm sure it was lovely.


Isn't this the same basic opinion we've seen time and time again? Those who oppose the HT aren't pissed at the device, they are simply wary of new technology. The morally correct individuals are also seem to view themselves as social denizens who must make us aware that WE are not exercising. I mean, even though they've never met us, we must be lazy! They, of course, are perfectly toned person's whose BMI's are perfect and frequently run marathons, but just for fun.

The concept that is so difficult for people to comprehend is why an individual would not use the sidewalk to, well, walk. That's the name, isn't it?

Also, society has no concept of how fast we, as a whole, move. 13mph sounds really fast. But I can run that fast (if I had any desire, of course, to run aimlessly about). And we walk about 6pmh. But the lack of common understanding seems to frighten "them."

Really, though, I'M SICK OF BEING CALLED FAT. . .Maybe we should just threaten to go sit on them if they don't shut up. That might help :D

CZWMDV,

Kelsey

[BruceWright]

Yeah, I think people associate the abbreviation MPH with automobiles, and so everything above 1 or 2 is assumed to be fast.

I don't think people really know how fast things really are, and they see a double digit number and get scared.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[ElectraGlide]

Great letter Bruce.......I didnt agree with the " cute look " for a Segway, but I agree 100% with everything you wrote here to that critic. Also , I dont see many people on the sidewalks where I do my normal travels on the segway..so..where are all these people that I will be " roaring by " !

Steve

[Segzy]

And we walk about 6pmh. But the lack of common understanding seems to frighten "them."

Wow - You walk 6 mph? You're very fast. I think the average person walks more like 3-4mph, unless they're really moving - like maybe a power walk. I know that if I'm goin' 6mph on the tread mill I'm at least at a jog. ;) But you're right about the lack of understanding regarding speed. I mean, they don't worry about bikes, but I know that there is a stretch on my ride to work where I can get up to about 25mph on it, and I know that's slower then a lot of real die-hard bikers go on a regular basis. So really, what's 13 (12.5) in the face of that?

[pam]

Excellent letter, Bruce. Very reasoned and to the point.
Pam

[pt]

a lot of people, reporters and critics often state the segway goes 20 mph since metric measurement education didn't really take off here (they read 20 km/h and assume it's mph). i think we've seen that in a few city council meeting notes posted here in the past.

i don't think any of us should take some op/ed article too seriously, it's all part of introducing -anything- new in these cynical times.

to avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.

froma writes lots of stuff and other people don't like what she writes sometimes.

"froma harrop insulted memory of sonny bono, a deplorable cheap shot"
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1998/Jan-18-Sun-1998/opinion/6768750.html

but if you read her other stuff, you'll notice she doesn't like suv owners that much:
http://www.commondreams.org/views02/1218-03.htm

you'd think she'd want to encourage something besides cars?

a lot of her articles deal with the enviroment, seemed odd that she suggested segways should be placed in landfills.

cheers,
pt

[BruceWright]

Thanks all. Yeah, I see very very few people walking on my local sidewalks. It's a shame really.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[pt]

bruce-

in seattle, on my commute the sidewalks are all empty all the time. everyone is driving. there's maybe a dozen total people walking where i commute in the last 9 months, at the most.

cheers,
pt

[stevew]

Those who can.... do. Those who can't, criticize those who do. Hapless hopeless Harrop offers no alternatives to cars other than walking and cycling both of which have reached their ultimate state of refinement. Just try to do something unique and there is always a legion of losers out there ready to shoot you down without offering anything of substance of their own making.

[JosephM]

Nicely written Bruce... now I'm going to go back into the shadows...

http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/icon_segway_happy.gif FIRST Pit News Mag @ www.pitnews.org

[jillmac]

Sent a loooooooooong e-mail to Ms. Harrop. My fear is that at some point the Segway will be taken out of my hands if people such as Ms. Harrop spread such silly misconceptions around the news media and I will be left sitting at home again.

Jill

Nothing is inexplicable, merely unexplained..... Dr. Who

[BruceWright]

Good going Jillmac,

You didn't buy the Segway just to regain your mobility in your driveway!

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[citivolus]

It sounds to me that Ms. HurryUp is a professional whiner. She would probably complain that hybrid cars use too little fuel.

"All those little cars using the road and not paying their fair share of gasoline taxes. If this keeps up the roads and highways will fall into disrepair because the government won't have the money to maintain them. Don't those evil hybrid and electric vehicle drivers realize that they are going to be responsible for all the accidents caused by the poor condition of the roads. These vehicles should be banned as a danger to society. They go zipping along and are capable of going in excess of 100 mph. The worst part is that they are so small that they won't be seen until it's too late." -- From A. HurryUp, the lost op-ed pages.

Maybe that's really her problem with the Segway, it's one of those cursed vehicles that doesn't come with a travel tax.

--
swiftly flying

[jillmac]

"Nor is it realistic to believe that our determined motorists are about to hop on a scooter that exposes them to unconditioned air. (Besides, suppose the battery wears down and they're stuck in a downpour.) Such individuals will forever drive their Oil Warriors to Starbucks, where they will command a parking space -- two if necessary."


Oh - she couldn't be further from reality. Being out in the fresh air instead of in my SUV is HEAVEN. Wind on my face and seeing everything up close is sooooo good and one of the great experiences I had was Segging in the rain. True, I got VERY wet, but boy, it was so refreshing and fun. Now admittedly, doing it on a regular basis (a la PT) may not be as much fun.

And no - despite the Segway being fun anywhere - I did not purchase it only to be restricted to using it on my front driveway. They will have to take me kicking and screaming and prise it from my hands before I will give up riding my local sidewalks.

Jill

Nothing is inexplicable, merely unexplained..... Dr. Who

[pt]

she didn't write back to any of us...

a bit of a "ring-and-run".

who knows, maybe she's reading these posts and changed her mind, but she might not want to admit it.

cheers,
pt