Article Contributed on: 11/27/2008 8:26:44 AM
On a recent trip way out west, I noticed a lot of scooters, carts,and people-movers (human transporters) in use around town. I was amazed at how fast the Segway products can go. These products really seemed like a viable alternative for short commutes, especially for our aging population. I wondered why Detroit isn't producing this kind of product, and why more of these modes of transportation are not used in our metro area.
This got me thinking that government regulations may be infringing on their ability to produce inexpensive modes of transportation. When I look at all of our trails and walkways, I wonder whether or not a people-mover or a battery-operated cart or scooter is allowed to be used here. I wonder if our streets are safe to use these vehicles. It made me realize that we have plenty of "walk and run" paths for transport; we have lots of automotive paths; but we don't have paths for these slower green vehicles.
I think we need to plan for the future, and start making paths for battery-operated vehicles to use to get to and from shopping centers, and to and from work. This is especially important with our new demographics;
AND to prepare for the next gas crunch. Let's make our city open and friendly to all modes of transportation. I'm sure if we put our heads together, we can find ways of making our environment and our paths - both safe and green; and set the example for the rest of the state.