Almost got to Eat Some Pavement Today
I was cruising along, full speed, on a darkened sidewalk less than a quarter mile from my work. All of a sudden the Segway hits something and does a little bounce-turn to the left, then back right, then wobbles almost enough to toss me off as I lean back to slow it down. All that in about 1 second of real time. My heart was racing with the adrenaline of almost getting to eat pavement for an early breakfast.
I stopped and went back to see what I hit. I recognized it instantly. It was a fist-sized rock, and amazingly, it was a rock I had noticed a couple of days before on the afternoon trip. I thought I would never have to worry about it because it had been about 2 inches from the edge of the sidewalk, and I usually never get a wheel that close to the edge. But this morning I did, for some reason; maybe just drifted.
Anyway, I kicked the rock off the sidewalk into the gravel, and I hopefully will not have to worry about that rock ever again....
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Well, Life Does Change !!!
Been a few months since my last post, so I guess I should say I'm still a-kickin' and still a-Seggin'.
In fact, I'm on my Segway for an hour and 20 minutes every day now.
My Mom is retired, and has moved from Clyde, TX to live with my two kids and me in Phoenix. She is my "unofficial" nanny and is taking care of the kids for me during workdays. This means I save about $6000 a year in child care fees, some of which I am paying to her for room and board and I give her a little "allowance" every week so she can have pocket money. She turns 62 years old on November 30th, so she will start her Social Security withdrawals at that time. I will get to claim her as a dependent on my 2007 taxes, so that will help me even more. It's really a win-win situation for both of us.
What this means in term of the Segway is that now I get to seg all the way from home to work and back every day. This means 12 round-trip miles a day, at 40 minutes per leg of the trip. This is piling up the miles.
Before this new development, my goal for miles had been 1,700 for the first year on the Segway. With my new, longer commute, I'm going to hit about 1,839 miles by my 1 year anniversary date, which is March 10th. That's great, and means my Segway will have saved almost that many miles for my car (not every mile was commuting but most of it was.)
So things are going well. Still loving the Segway, still getting honks and waves and questions from complete strangers. All is well !!!
Been a few months since my last post, so I guess I should say I'm still a-kickin' and still a-Seggin'.
In fact, I'm on my Segway for an hour and 20 minutes every day now.
My Mom is retired, and has moved from Clyde, TX to live with my two kids and me in Phoenix. She is my "unofficial" nanny and is taking care of the kids for me during workdays. This means I save about $6000 a year in child care fees, some of which I am paying to her for room and board and I give her a little "allowance" every week so she can have pocket money. She turns 62 years old on November 30th, so she will start her Social Security withdrawals at that time. I will get to claim her as a dependent on my 2007 taxes, so that will help me even more. It's really a win-win situation for both of us.
What this means in term of the Segway is that now I get to seg all the way from home to work and back every day. This means 12 round-trip miles a day, at 40 minutes per leg of the trip. This is piling up the miles.
Before this new development, my goal for miles had been 1,700 for the first year on the Segway. With my new, longer commute, I'm going to hit about 1,839 miles by my 1 year anniversary date, which is March 10th. That's great, and means my Segway will have saved almost that many miles for my car (not every mile was commuting but most of it was.)
So things are going well. Still loving the Segway, still getting honks and waves and questions from complete strangers. All is well !!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Segway is a CAR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE not a substitute for Walking
I just wanted to say that in a lot of news stories which provide "comment" sections, there seems to be a lot of people who call Segway owners "lazy" or refer to the Segway as a replacement for WALKING.
That's not REALLY what the Segway is for.
What the Segway should REALLY replace is the use of a VEHICLE.
In my case, that's exactly what it does. I park my car and ride my Segway for the last 4 miles of my commute. People who live close enough to their jobs, such as in a downtown environment, can and should look into doing the same thing. I could WALK that commute, but it would take me too long. I could BIKE that commute, but in Phoenix I would get too sweaty, involving showers at work, showers at home, multiple sets of clothes, etc etc. And at my age that's just too much trouble.
A Segway can replace a car for certain short commutes in certain situations. It is far more energy efficient and far less polluting.
I just wanted to say that in a lot of news stories which provide "comment" sections, there seems to be a lot of people who call Segway owners "lazy" or refer to the Segway as a replacement for WALKING.
That's not REALLY what the Segway is for.
What the Segway should REALLY replace is the use of a VEHICLE.
In my case, that's exactly what it does. I park my car and ride my Segway for the last 4 miles of my commute. People who live close enough to their jobs, such as in a downtown environment, can and should look into doing the same thing. I could WALK that commute, but it would take me too long. I could BIKE that commute, but in Phoenix I would get too sweaty, involving showers at work, showers at home, multiple sets of clothes, etc etc. And at my age that's just too much trouble.
A Segway can replace a car for certain short commutes in certain situations. It is far more energy efficient and far less polluting.
Friday, August 18, 2006
New time record on Segway?
I made a GREAT speed run from Holdeman to Thornwood this morning. I hit EVERY light green or yellow, and the only pause of any type I had was to wait for a school bus driver at an intersection to see me, which was about a 5 second pause.
Best I can tell is I made it somewhere between 17:30 and 17:45. Really fast. I also hit 755 miles on the Segway this morning. That's 755 miles of not driving the car !!!
I made a GREAT speed run from Holdeman to Thornwood this morning. I hit EVERY light green or yellow, and the only pause of any type I had was to wait for a school bus driver at an intersection to see me, which was about a 5 second pause.
Best I can tell is I made it somewhere between 17:30 and 17:45. Really fast. I also hit 755 miles on the Segway this morning. That's 755 miles of not driving the car !!!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Approaching 700 miles
Was of today 8-4-06, I am at 696 miles on the SegSter. That's 696 miles I did not pollute by driving my car. I am averaging about 145 miles a month on the Seg.
I managed to survive the whole summer with the Phoenix heat. I'm looking forward to the Fall and Winter rides too, prepared to bundle up for the 40-55 degree weather. Seldom in the 30s here, even in the coldest part of the mornings.
Based on my experiences in March 2006, I know that my ears and face get very cold on the 20 minute glides in the coldest mornings. I might have to find somekind of pullover face and ear covering or something to keep the heat.
Keep on Seggin' !!!!!
Was of today 8-4-06, I am at 696 miles on the SegSter. That's 696 miles I did not pollute by driving my car. I am averaging about 145 miles a month on the Seg.
I managed to survive the whole summer with the Phoenix heat. I'm looking forward to the Fall and Winter rides too, prepared to bundle up for the 40-55 degree weather. Seldom in the 30s here, even in the coldest part of the mornings.
Based on my experiences in March 2006, I know that my ears and face get very cold on the 20 minute glides in the coldest mornings. I might have to find somekind of pullover face and ear covering or something to keep the heat.
Keep on Seggin' !!!!!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Segway Tire Air Level Matters A Lot
I noticed yesterday the the Segway tires were low of air. I had been using a lot more battery on each commute, and noticed a little softer ride, and noticed a better grip in the dirt. Once I thought about it, I realized the air was low.
Put them back to 22 lbs this morning, and BOY did I notice the diff today !! Stiffer ride and less traction in the dirt. I had to go offroad today to go around a construction pickup which was parked on the sidewalk of all places and I had to go up and down a little dirt hill. Tires did slip a bit.
I think I got the best end of the battery usage thing though, as more air means less rubber friction on the road.
I noticed yesterday the the Segway tires were low of air. I had been using a lot more battery on each commute, and noticed a little softer ride, and noticed a better grip in the dirt. Once I thought about it, I realized the air was low.
Put them back to 22 lbs this morning, and BOY did I notice the diff today !! Stiffer ride and less traction in the dirt. I had to go offroad today to go around a construction pickup which was parked on the sidewalk of all places and I had to go up and down a little dirt hill. Tires did slip a bit.
I think I got the best end of the battery usage thing though, as more air means less rubber friction on the road.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Segway a BIG HIT at Family Reunion...
Took the Seggie to the Family Reunion 2006. Everybody liked it. MANY people tried it. My Mom probably liked it best and picked up on it fastest (genetics, perhaps?) She had literally rode it for about a minute and she took off down the road unsupervised. Most people, I made them ride it while I escorted them in case they had a problem. The only incidents were that Uncle Ronnie tried to use the turn control to stop and almost left the sidewalk but I stopped him, and neice Amber was having trouble on a downhill getting stopped, and tried to step off but stepped back on, then I got in front of her to stop her.
All in all, Segway was a cool thing to have at the reunion. Much fun.....
Took the Seggie to the Family Reunion 2006. Everybody liked it. MANY people tried it. My Mom probably liked it best and picked up on it fastest (genetics, perhaps?) She had literally rode it for about a minute and she took off down the road unsupervised. Most people, I made them ride it while I escorted them in case they had a problem. The only incidents were that Uncle Ronnie tried to use the turn control to stop and almost left the sidewalk but I stopped him, and neice Amber was having trouble on a downhill getting stopped, and tried to step off but stepped back on, then I got in front of her to stop her.
All in all, Segway was a cool thing to have at the reunion. Much fun.....
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Just wanted to let you conspiracy types know that once AGAIN Bin Laden has implicated himself as the perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks. See the ABC news website today for a transcript.
But he was just a "patsy" for G-Dub huh?
Here are his words:
"From Usama bin Muhammad bin Ladin to the American people: Peace be upon he who has followed the guidance.
This is a brief message whose topic is my testimony on behalf of the Muslim prisoners you are holding, and in it I will talk about the truth concerning them, which is something that the Bush administration hates and is hostile to.
I begin by talking about the honorable brother Zacarias Moussaoui.
The truth is that he has no connection whatsoever with the events of Sept. 11, and I am certain of what I say, because I was responsible for entrusting the 19 brothers — Allah have mercy upon them — with those raids, and I did not assign brother Zacarias to be with them on that mission. And his confession that he was assigned to participate in those raids is a false confession that no intelligent person doubts is a result of the pressure put upon him for the past four and a half years."
So all you Conspiracy Freaks get a life....
But he was just a "patsy" for G-Dub huh?
Here are his words:
"From Usama bin Muhammad bin Ladin to the American people: Peace be upon he who has followed the guidance.
This is a brief message whose topic is my testimony on behalf of the Muslim prisoners you are holding, and in it I will talk about the truth concerning them, which is something that the Bush administration hates and is hostile to.
I begin by talking about the honorable brother Zacarias Moussaoui.
The truth is that he has no connection whatsoever with the events of Sept. 11, and I am certain of what I say, because I was responsible for entrusting the 19 brothers — Allah have mercy upon them — with those raids, and I did not assign brother Zacarias to be with them on that mission. And his confession that he was assigned to participate in those raids is a false confession that no intelligent person doubts is a result of the pressure put upon him for the past four and a half years."
So all you Conspiracy Freaks get a life....
Monday, May 15, 2006
ANOTHER (broken record) Commute Lowest Time Ever Report
Once again, I have set a land speed commute record on the Segway. This morning I left at 6:32:50 and arrived at my parking space at work at 6:51:10.
That's 18 minutes, 20 seconds I do believe.
That means I have set a speed record which will be VERY difficult to beat. This one even involved at LEAST 20 seconds of "goof off" time. Once when I was trying to decide whether to cross the road, I waited several seconds before deciding it was too busy. Another time, I dropped my Spicy Hot V8 bottle into a trash can at a bus stop as I was cruising past it, but I missed the can, so I had to stop, go back, pick it up and can it, and leave again. I know those two delays cost me AT LEAST 20 seconds of wasted time.
To beat this record, I will have to have ZERO red light time and ZERO goof off time. Not easy to do.
Once again, I have set a land speed commute record on the Segway. This morning I left at 6:32:50 and arrived at my parking space at work at 6:51:10.
That's 18 minutes, 20 seconds I do believe.
That means I have set a speed record which will be VERY difficult to beat. This one even involved at LEAST 20 seconds of "goof off" time. Once when I was trying to decide whether to cross the road, I waited several seconds before deciding it was too busy. Another time, I dropped my Spicy Hot V8 bottle into a trash can at a bus stop as I was cruising past it, but I missed the can, so I had to stop, go back, pick it up and can it, and leave again. I know those two delays cost me AT LEAST 20 seconds of wasted time.
To beat this record, I will have to have ZERO red light time and ZERO goof off time. Not easy to do.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Segway Land Commute Record
Set my record for fastest commute time today. Unfortunately, it's just an estimated time, since I did not check EXACTLY what second I left Holdeman. I made it somewhere between 18:40 and 18:55 though, which beats my record of somewhere around 19:00 even. The benefit today was not hitting ANY of the red lights; I had to pause not even for a SECOND of delay time. I don't think that has ever happened before. Gonna try and best it this afternoon.
Set my record for fastest commute time today. Unfortunately, it's just an estimated time, since I did not check EXACTLY what second I left Holdeman. I made it somewhere between 18:40 and 18:55 though, which beats my record of somewhere around 19:00 even. The benefit today was not hitting ANY of the red lights; I had to pause not even for a SECOND of delay time. I don't think that has ever happened before. Gonna try and best it this afternoon.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Why Segways Should Be Allowed *virtually* Anywhere Pedestrians Are Allowed
I read on a news report that a park department leader somewhere in America declared the Segway "banned" from the city's park trails because it is a "motorized vehicle."
That's just an incorrect policy, and let me tell you why.
A Segway is nothing like a motorized razor scooter or a mini-motorcycle.
First off, Segway is a vehicle designed for PEDESTRIAN USAGE. Anywhere a pedestrian can walk, anywhere on a fairly even surface where the tires can get traction, that should be considered OK for a Segway. Segways can travel on grass, gravel, thick or thin dirt - anywhere the tires can gain grip.
A Segway in width takes up about as much room as a broad shouldered man. A Segway takes up LESS ROOM on a sidewalk than most wheelchairs, and less room than anyone walking with crutches.
Segways can get out of a pedestrian's way in a split second. Segways can stop almost on a dime, and CAN turn on a dime - zero footprint turns are possible with a Segway. A Segway can stop and balance the rider perfectly still, remaining in one spot.
Segways can go backward, and can get off the sidewalk to let a bike or a group of people pass them, and can go down or up a curb. Segways can travel as slow as the slowest walking person if required.
Segway tires were engineered to evenly distibute the weight so that Segways do not carve severe tracks into grass or dirt trails. If a Segway rider happens to "bump" into another person, it's really nothing more than if a person walking bumped into another person walking.
Segways are very quiet - the two motors, even when at full speed, produce little more than a loudish hum. Segway motors are quieter than most home computers.
As far as using them on a park trail, whether a Segway is appropriate for the trail depends on the trail itself and the terrain. If it is a dirt or gravel or grass trail, with no severe inclines and no stairs, then a Segway rider would have no trouble negotiating that trail. Stairs are handled by dismounting from the Segway and pulling the Segway up the stairs while using the Segway motor to assist the pull.
So the arguments against Segway are what? Too noisy? Nope. Too large? Nope. Unwieldy? Nope. Dangerous? Nope. Comparable to other "motorized vehicles" like gas scooters or mini-motorcycles? Nope.
Officials and authorities who are in charge of making policy for pedestrians need to put Segway clearance on their agenda. There really are no valid reasons for banning a Segway from a pedestrian area.
I read on a news report that a park department leader somewhere in America declared the Segway "banned" from the city's park trails because it is a "motorized vehicle."
That's just an incorrect policy, and let me tell you why.
A Segway is nothing like a motorized razor scooter or a mini-motorcycle.
First off, Segway is a vehicle designed for PEDESTRIAN USAGE. Anywhere a pedestrian can walk, anywhere on a fairly even surface where the tires can get traction, that should be considered OK for a Segway. Segways can travel on grass, gravel, thick or thin dirt - anywhere the tires can gain grip.
A Segway in width takes up about as much room as a broad shouldered man. A Segway takes up LESS ROOM on a sidewalk than most wheelchairs, and less room than anyone walking with crutches.
Segways can get out of a pedestrian's way in a split second. Segways can stop almost on a dime, and CAN turn on a dime - zero footprint turns are possible with a Segway. A Segway can stop and balance the rider perfectly still, remaining in one spot.
Segways can go backward, and can get off the sidewalk to let a bike or a group of people pass them, and can go down or up a curb. Segways can travel as slow as the slowest walking person if required.
Segway tires were engineered to evenly distibute the weight so that Segways do not carve severe tracks into grass or dirt trails. If a Segway rider happens to "bump" into another person, it's really nothing more than if a person walking bumped into another person walking.
Segways are very quiet - the two motors, even when at full speed, produce little more than a loudish hum. Segway motors are quieter than most home computers.
As far as using them on a park trail, whether a Segway is appropriate for the trail depends on the trail itself and the terrain. If it is a dirt or gravel or grass trail, with no severe inclines and no stairs, then a Segway rider would have no trouble negotiating that trail. Stairs are handled by dismounting from the Segway and pulling the Segway up the stairs while using the Segway motor to assist the pull.
So the arguments against Segway are what? Too noisy? Nope. Too large? Nope. Unwieldy? Nope. Dangerous? Nope. Comparable to other "motorized vehicles" like gas scooters or mini-motorcycles? Nope.
Officials and authorities who are in charge of making policy for pedestrians need to put Segway clearance on their agenda. There really are no valid reasons for banning a Segway from a pedestrian area.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Cruising "Sweet Spot" Located
Good drivers over 35 yrs of age will recongnize this scenario. Say you have a car which does not have cruise control. When you first get the car, it's difficult to "hold the perfect cruising speed" at highway speeds because your foot has not learned the perfect pedal position yet, and your leg has not memorized the perfect position to hold your leg and foot so that locating that sweet spot is possible. But after a few weeks, your muscle memory takes hold and you know EXACTLY where to hold your foot, how much pressure to apply, etc., in order to HOLD that perfect cruising speed.
I hit that moment on my Segway last night.
I found that there are at least three components to holding the Segway at top cruising speed, which I estimate to be somewhere between 11.8 and 12.2 MPH.
1. Position of my feet on the platform. They need to be centered and not angled.
2. Position of the handlebar in regard to how close I have it to my stomach. Too close is bad, too far is bad, about 1-2 inches seems to be perfect.
3. The most important one: The sound of the pitch and whine of the little electric motors. I can tell by the sound that the motors have reached the peak position where if I go any faster, the accelerometer is going to forcibly slow the Segway down. If I can use my ears and keep the whine about the same place all the time, I stand a better chance of maintaining that perfect "top speed" without being forced to slow down.
This is going to make for faster commutes over time, as I perfect the method of recognizing and maintaining that sweet spot speed.
Also from yesterday: I forgot to mention that my dentist also took a huge interest in the Segway. He came outside with me to see me ride it and asked many questions about it. He seemed genuinely interested. I love the social aspect of the Segway more and more as time goes by.
Good drivers over 35 yrs of age will recongnize this scenario. Say you have a car which does not have cruise control. When you first get the car, it's difficult to "hold the perfect cruising speed" at highway speeds because your foot has not learned the perfect pedal position yet, and your leg has not memorized the perfect position to hold your leg and foot so that locating that sweet spot is possible. But after a few weeks, your muscle memory takes hold and you know EXACTLY where to hold your foot, how much pressure to apply, etc., in order to HOLD that perfect cruising speed.
I hit that moment on my Segway last night.
I found that there are at least three components to holding the Segway at top cruising speed, which I estimate to be somewhere between 11.8 and 12.2 MPH.
1. Position of my feet on the platform. They need to be centered and not angled.
2. Position of the handlebar in regard to how close I have it to my stomach. Too close is bad, too far is bad, about 1-2 inches seems to be perfect.
3. The most important one: The sound of the pitch and whine of the little electric motors. I can tell by the sound that the motors have reached the peak position where if I go any faster, the accelerometer is going to forcibly slow the Segway down. If I can use my ears and keep the whine about the same place all the time, I stand a better chance of maintaining that perfect "top speed" without being forced to slow down.
This is going to make for faster commutes over time, as I perfect the method of recognizing and maintaining that sweet spot speed.
Also from yesterday: I forgot to mention that my dentist also took a huge interest in the Segway. He came outside with me to see me ride it and asked many questions about it. He seemed genuinely interested. I love the social aspect of the Segway more and more as time goes by.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Lots of Segway Inquiries/Comments on Cinco De Mayo
First comment of note was a 20-something young dude in a car who yelled, "Right on bra, that thing is SICK!" as he drove by.
At REI, a guy in a black diesel truck asked me, "What the Hell is that?" I said, "Segway." He said, "What?" I said, "Segway." He said "How fast can it go" and I said "12.5 miles per hour" and he said, "can I see how fast it can go?" And I said, "sure" and gave him a little 20 foot and back demo. He said, "Cool, thanks." and took off. I apologized to the young lady waiting behind him in the green car and she said "That's OK."
On my last leg home, I saw a guy standing in his drive and he waved me over and asked me a bunch of questions. He thought it was "tight, Bro."
Had at least two other people yell and honk at me today. I guess it's the Margaritas !!! LOL
First comment of note was a 20-something young dude in a car who yelled, "Right on bra, that thing is SICK!" as he drove by.
At REI, a guy in a black diesel truck asked me, "What the Hell is that?" I said, "Segway." He said, "What?" I said, "Segway." He said "How fast can it go" and I said "12.5 miles per hour" and he said, "can I see how fast it can go?" And I said, "sure" and gave him a little 20 foot and back demo. He said, "Cool, thanks." and took off. I apologized to the young lady waiting behind him in the green car and she said "That's OK."
On my last leg home, I saw a guy standing in his drive and he waved me over and asked me a bunch of questions. He thought it was "tight, Bro."
Had at least two other people yell and honk at me today. I guess it's the Margaritas !!! LOL
Segway Scares a Doggie
Came up on a lady walking her two large hound dogs/labs this morning. We were on a skinny sidewalk, so I stopped on the side and let her pass. When the dogs approached, I gave a little high-pitched "Hi puppies, what are y'all doin'?" and they wagged their tails. As they got about 4 feet from me, one of them noticed I was not just a "tall guy" standing there, and he quickly "sidepedalled" it away from me, looking very scared. The owner said, "It's not gonna get you" and we both gave a little chuckle. First time I scared a dog.
Renewable Energy on my Electric Bill
I signed up for the SRP Renewable Energy program, in which I pay $3 extra on my bill which SRP then invests into renewable energy such as solar, wind farms, etc. That $3 will just about charge my Segway for a month, so now I'm paying for "clean electricity" for the charging of the Segway. Makes me feel good inside.
Came up on a lady walking her two large hound dogs/labs this morning. We were on a skinny sidewalk, so I stopped on the side and let her pass. When the dogs approached, I gave a little high-pitched "Hi puppies, what are y'all doin'?" and they wagged their tails. As they got about 4 feet from me, one of them noticed I was not just a "tall guy" standing there, and he quickly "sidepedalled" it away from me, looking very scared. The owner said, "It's not gonna get you" and we both gave a little chuckle. First time I scared a dog.
Renewable Energy on my Electric Bill
I signed up for the SRP Renewable Energy program, in which I pay $3 extra on my bill which SRP then invests into renewable energy such as solar, wind farms, etc. That $3 will just about charge my Segway for a month, so now I'm paying for "clean electricity" for the charging of the Segway. Makes me feel good inside.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
New Commute Speed Record
I was really cooking on the commute this morning. Hit EVERY light green or yellow, and had NO delay points. Made it in just under 20 minutes, somewhere between 19 and 20.
I also realized that being a good driver of cars and being a "pedestrian" who cares about other people's commute is a bonus as a Segway rider. Let me 'splain:
One of my "pet peeves" is a pedestrian who is in a crosswalk just TAKING HIS/HER SWEET TIME crossing the road when there are cars waiting to turn right or left across the crosswalk. I have always told my kids I think that is the RUDEST behavior a pedestrian can have, because they are holding up cars just because of their slowness. Don't they realize that although THEY THE PEDESTRIAN might not have anywhere they need to be, that the car drivers MIGHT be in a hurry? I always say that if you are in a crosswalk, get your ASS through it if there are cars waiting. Jog or run, but get your slow ass moving !!
Today I had two instances where being a "caring pedestrian" came into play.
I usually ride on the "left side sidewalk" going against the traffic because that gives me a better view of upcoming traffic situations and makes it easier for me to see what's coming up behind me on my left, which is the traffic which is going the same direction as me. Today I had a situation where I was coming up to a side street intersection and there was a pickup in the left turn lane going my direction who wanted to turn left down the sidestreet I was about to cross. I looked ahead and saw a "break" in the traffic coming toward him, and I knew he would try to make his left turn because the group of cars coming up after the break was a large group. Because of the timing, if I had gone across the road and he had to wait for me, he would have been forced to wait for that large group of cars. So to help HIM out, I stopped at the corner and indicated with my hand that he should go. He went, and I had no obstruction after that. It worked out great for everyone. The most important point is that I, as a pedestrian, did a little tiny favor to the driver so HIS commute was less stressful. That makes me feel good.
The other thing was a couple of cars going the opposite was of me who were trying to turn right, just ahead of me. I gave a finger wave to both of them indicating they should go, rather than block the right turn lane waiting for me. I find that it is very easy to "direct traffic" by hand waves to influence cars who are either waiting for me or GOING to have to wait for me unless something is done. In almost EVERY case, I try to get the cars out of the way, unless I am busting it trying to make a green light or something. It's my little way of being a good citizen and "caring Segway pedestrian."
I was really cooking on the commute this morning. Hit EVERY light green or yellow, and had NO delay points. Made it in just under 20 minutes, somewhere between 19 and 20.
I also realized that being a good driver of cars and being a "pedestrian" who cares about other people's commute is a bonus as a Segway rider. Let me 'splain:
One of my "pet peeves" is a pedestrian who is in a crosswalk just TAKING HIS/HER SWEET TIME crossing the road when there are cars waiting to turn right or left across the crosswalk. I have always told my kids I think that is the RUDEST behavior a pedestrian can have, because they are holding up cars just because of their slowness. Don't they realize that although THEY THE PEDESTRIAN might not have anywhere they need to be, that the car drivers MIGHT be in a hurry? I always say that if you are in a crosswalk, get your ASS through it if there are cars waiting. Jog or run, but get your slow ass moving !!
Today I had two instances where being a "caring pedestrian" came into play.
I usually ride on the "left side sidewalk" going against the traffic because that gives me a better view of upcoming traffic situations and makes it easier for me to see what's coming up behind me on my left, which is the traffic which is going the same direction as me. Today I had a situation where I was coming up to a side street intersection and there was a pickup in the left turn lane going my direction who wanted to turn left down the sidestreet I was about to cross. I looked ahead and saw a "break" in the traffic coming toward him, and I knew he would try to make his left turn because the group of cars coming up after the break was a large group. Because of the timing, if I had gone across the road and he had to wait for me, he would have been forced to wait for that large group of cars. So to help HIM out, I stopped at the corner and indicated with my hand that he should go. He went, and I had no obstruction after that. It worked out great for everyone. The most important point is that I, as a pedestrian, did a little tiny favor to the driver so HIS commute was less stressful. That makes me feel good.
The other thing was a couple of cars going the opposite was of me who were trying to turn right, just ahead of me. I gave a finger wave to both of them indicating they should go, rather than block the right turn lane waiting for me. I find that it is very easy to "direct traffic" by hand waves to influence cars who are either waiting for me or GOING to have to wait for me unless something is done. In almost EVERY case, I try to get the cars out of the way, unless I am busting it trying to make a green light or something. It's my little way of being a good citizen and "caring Segway pedestrian."
Monday, May 01, 2006
Free Segway Rides For Kids
My kids' school had an "after school Carnival" on Friday, and somehow I started giving free Segway rides and a big long line formed. After about 25 kids had ridden, the assistant principal told me to cease and desist due to liability concerns. I understand their concern, but as all Segway owners know, there is nothing at all dangerous about "owner supervised Black key rides" when the owner is standing right in front of the Segway while the ride is going on. It was just a lack of knowledge thing on the school's part, but I understood and stopped the rides. The kids who got to ride really liked it. I enjoyed giving the rides. It was cool.
My kids' school had an "after school Carnival" on Friday, and somehow I started giving free Segway rides and a big long line formed. After about 25 kids had ridden, the assistant principal told me to cease and desist due to liability concerns. I understand their concern, but as all Segway owners know, there is nothing at all dangerous about "owner supervised Black key rides" when the owner is standing right in front of the Segway while the ride is going on. It was just a lack of knowledge thing on the school's part, but I understood and stopped the rides. The kids who got to ride really liked it. I enjoyed giving the rides. It was cool.
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