April 22nd, 2003 : Monthly Kona Traffic Safety Committee Meeting
I was invited today to attend the monthly Kona traffic safety committee meeting
and was even on the agenda to give a demonstration to the board members and attending visitors.
There was a lot of discussion about the traffic congestion problems we have in Kona and one person
even suggested to not have any more cars on the streets and encourage other modes of transportation.
A few people had concerns about allowing a "vehicle" on the sidewalks that can go 12 miles an hour and
run over pedestrians. I think this is what people visualize in their heads before they actually see a
Segway in front of them or even get a chance to ride one. Just because the Segway can do 12MPH doesn't
mean that's the speed it'll be doing on the sidewalk. I hope the demos I gave today will help other
pedestrians come to a better understanding of the capabilities and safety of the Segway.
I gave a 15 minute demonstration outside the police station and talked about the features of the Segway
and answered a lot of the usual technical questions ... What does it run on, how long does it last, how
do you make it turn etc. The group was very interested in the Segway and one jokingly asked "Who do I
make the check out to ?". One gentleman even stayed around for an extended demo and asked lots more questions.
Another concern was that our sidewalks were crowded enough as it is. Well if you live in Kona, you know
that we barely have any sidewalks, mostly just shoulder lanes. After gliding around town with my segway
for the past three weeks, the only sidewalk with lots of people is the short strip on Alii drive
that goes through Kailua Village. When I notice too many people on the sidewalks there, I'll usually
glide off to the side of the road (bike lane) and continue on to my destination.
As for the rest of town, the sidewalks here are deserted!
Even during lunch time there was hardly anyone on the Kuakini road sidewalks, Henry street sidewalks and
Hualalai connecting to Alii drive. I feel like I have the sidewalks all to myself when I'm in these parts
of town.
Mahalo to Ann Peterson for allowing me to demonstrate the Segway today and everyone else who took the time
to learn more about it.
Aloha,
Sam
April 23, 2003 Update !
Just heard back from Ann and it looks like my visit has changed some minds :-) Here's what she had to say :
Aloha Sammy,
We all enjoyed your demonstration - I definitely have a more positive attitude toward Segways. Thanks for the education.
warmest Aloha,
Ann
and another :
Dear Sam,
It was good to meet you at our KTSC meeting and finally get officially introduced to the segway. I had heard of this invention almost 4 or 5 years ago. Like Ann, I am not all that excited about another piece of motorized equipment on our roads but after hopping on and feeling how easy it is to operate, I am now convinced that there is a place for this in Kona.
Thanks for bringing it by for a demo. I enjoyed observing your excitment for your segway.
