The Unofficial Segway Code
This idea started out as a post in another thread but I thought it might deserve it's own thread.
I've started to build what I'm calling The Unofficial Segway Code to include on my website: www.LegaliseSegways.co.uk/segwaycode.html. The code is aimed at helping gliders follow an appropriate etiquette when gliding. I've made a start, and copied it below. And if you're happy, your suggestions may be included in the final document. I want to build some instructions for dealing with kerbs, stairs and other real-world issues gliders come up against. When I get my next seg, I plan to top it up with videos I'll upload to youtube.com. Until then, I'll have to get creative with some words... --------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents The Risks The Golden Rules How to deal with:
Every time you glide in the public on a Segway, you are taking a risk. There is a risk you may be involved in an accident, you may injure yourself or other people or property, and there is the risk that your Segway might be confiscated by the police and subsequently crushed ! It happens to mini-motos, it could happen to your Segway. You may be sued or even prosecuted. As with all risks, there are two important factors: impact and probability. If the risk actually happens, e.g., a collision, how severe is it likely to be (impact)? How likely is it that a risk will occur is a measure of its liklihood or probability. High impact and high probability are largely determined by the actions of the glider. The Golden Rules Lets start with "The Golden Rules". These are the gliding fundamentals that will apply to every glider, wherever they glide and at all times. Follow these rules and you won't go far wrong. In no particular order, The Golden Rules are:
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Folks, this is a GREAT post... I have made this a sticky, so that this thread will be on top. If you wish to engage in tangential discussions, please start another thread and refer back to this one:
http://forums.segwaychat.com/showthread.php?t=20035 I don't want this thread to get cluttered and risk going into ratholes as it does provide much value, IMHO. BTW, please don't QUOTE Gareth's post often unless adding directly in the quoted text. One or two liner posts may take up entire vertical screen real estate if you QUOTE. I am sure Gareth will keep adding to the code.... with your help. Thanks for this wonderful resource! Sal |
Very excellent, Gareth! Well written and detailed, all with the consistent purpose of instilling civilized and considerate behavior of Segway gliders. Very well done for codifying this. It should be, at the very least, food for thought for every glider.
A few things I might add: Beware of gliding past store entrances for the possibility of colliding with unsuspecting pedestrians exiting the premises. Reduce speed and try to glide far enough away to reduce the chances of collisions. Give notice when overtaking or coming upon pedestrians standing in your path or going slower than you. Use a bell, horn, or call out politely and audibly with the intention not to startle. However, if those pedestrians are behind or amongst other slow-moving or stopped pedestrians, find another route around them or blend in at their pace. Be especially careful of pedestrians with pets or with small children. Slow down and be prepared to stop instantly. |
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Jim |
A few thoughts on a great post:
It would help it a bit if it could be made (with assistance) a bit more international. The actual content isn't particularly UK-specific, but it sort of sets up the expectation that it is. You'd like to make international readers comfortable that "It applies to me." One strategy might be to make the text generic and conservative, with a link to a table at the end with country-specific details? You (we -- you'll need international help, of course) will probably need to experiment to find what works best. It's not just doors of stores -- any blind corner needs a great deal of caution. For example, in downtown areas with sidewalks right up against the buildings, slow WAY down at the corner, try not to be right up against the building, and cautiously stick your head out. The further you are away from the blind corner when you go around it, the more chance people have to see you (and you to see people). At the local hospital, I was coming out of the laboratory where I was having blood drawn, and I was following this rule, and I *still* had someone walk around the corner and almost run into me. The only harm done would have been to the Segway's reputation, but still, anything we can do to minimize the "startle factor" is good. In fact, that's a good point to emphasize -- when people suddenly see someone towering over them, they tend to have a negative reaction even if no harm is being done them and even if the entire interaction is because they were being inattentive -- like the guy I saw yesterday reading a Kindle with an iPod plugged into his ears, while walking the crowded streets of the San Francisco financial district at 8:55 AM. |
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Fantastic!...Thanks for the effort....this is great!
...SegwayJay |
One of the fun things about this community is....
The fact that we all love Segways, but come from such different cultures where we find out that different spellings for words that sound similar mean the same things. Kerbs and curbs.
Now "mind the gap" and glide! Americans just love that saying "mind the gap" Let's work on this guide to be universal and get input from as many different users in different countries as possible. Oh and should there not be a line in there that will say, he who has a Segway PT then gives it up for a motor scooter, then comes back to the Segway PT, should be reminded about that every once in a while? |
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I've sooooo wanted to mention that but was figuing out how to phrase it. :D |
Ha ha guys! I don't think I'll ever live it down. My new biker chums find it hilarious too. They think I can't handle anything that goes faster than 12.5mph!
I've updated the guide on my site and will see about updating the top thread here. I appreciate the positive comments and suggestions, and I've started working them in. I've started the kerb/curb/mind the gap section! However, to make it international is going to require some more thought and structure. At the moment I'm just updating whenever I feel like, changing it all the time. Something more controlled might necessitate a wiki, but I was hoping to have a printable guide. More thought needed. |
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