I’m hoping to resume focus on green transport and realize that a specialist website may serve this purpose somewhat better. Therefore please see here for a new site currently under construction devoted entirely to transport:
https://wordpress.com/view/transportability.wordpress.com
I no longer promote the use of ewheels given that manufacturers are now making them with top speeds of over 50mph which is obviously completely unsafe. So focus is likely to be on scooters and urban commuter systems.
Reading time about 5 minutes
Our current situation
Starting around March, 2020 the pollution levels in Sutton Coldfield, UK, went down considerably during the first lockdown and many of us started to appreciate cleaner air and birdsong as the noise levels went down. But with the dangers of public transport well documented many have resorted to their cars pushing pollution levels back up to where they were before and possibly beyond. Many drive alone which is hopelessly inefficient and wasteful. Some drive together with others in the vehicle which as of January 2021 is still often unsafe health wise (even though masks and open windows can help mitigate the risk).
The pollution problem in and around Birmingham has become steadily worse over many years with increased traffic anyway so we really do have a traffic and pollution crisis.
The solutions
In the long term we need more electric and hybrid vehicles as well as improved public transport such as trams or light railways. For now though, we also need awareness campaigns to remind people to turn off their engines when parked and waiting and we need the legalization of electric scooters including personally owned ones. But perhaps most importantly we need better cycling infrastructure.
A cycle superhighway along Monmouth drive
I have written about transport for a number of years and have never seen a more ideal location for a cycle superhighway (henceforth CSH). The wide grassy verge on the park side is almost entirely unused. The potential usefulness is shown by the sheer amount of traffic along this road.
The traffic is unsurprising given that it connects Sutton with the highly populated areas of Kingstanding and reaches out towards Walsall and Wolverhampton.
At least some of these drivers would sometimes cycle if this CSH were created therefore reducing pollution and noise for residents. The main benefit though would be vastly improved safety for cyclists compared to going on the road.
The one obvious question is ”Why bother? People can cycle in the park.” Taking a bike through the park to get to Sutton would be a detour for anyone going from some areas around Kingstanding and West of Wylde Green. Obviously those coming from Streetly and surroundings will likely still cycle through the park, but congestion in the park would be reduced enhancing safety and healthy distancing. Importantly it would also provide a safe night-time cycling alternative to going through the park.
Map above showing the proposed route in blue
(All map images from Map data ©2020 Google Earth – used in accordance with Google’s attribution guidelines)
This simple proposal would also create almost zero interference to drivers. Between Banners gate and Somerville Rd there are literally only two places where cars would have to pull out – the entrance to the Sailing club and golf club and then Stonehouse Rd. Drivers would in fact likely be happier given that many cyclists would be off the road altogether.
This is in contrast to the hastily removed Brassington avenue cycle lane which stopped drivers from taking a left turn along park road.
Lessons from Brassington Avenue
I personally was very much in favour of the pop-up cycle lane along Brassington avenue and used it frequently for the few weeks it was there. Going off a main road onto a well-designed separated cycleway greatly enhances the riders’ peace of mind. – this is something more of us need to experience to realise the true value of such bike schemes. The Brassington avenue scheme didn’t even last to the end of its trial period so very few people got a chance to experience this ‘bike-lane peacefulness’. We need to give some such schemes more time to gain traction and enter into people’s consciousness as alternatives. People need time to get used to them and to even be converted to liking them.
Designing for the future – extensions
In the case of Brassington avenue scheme one complaint was that it was isolated and not part of a network.
The truth is that it takes time for a network to emerge and it has to start somewhere. A CSH going along Birmingham Rd to Wylde Green and Chester Rd has been mentioned by others and this would still be both feasible and highly valuable.
In this case let’s be clear from the outset as to how this Monmouth Drive CSH could be extended in future.
Note how Monmouth drive is already a highlighted road within the Starley network plan and how it connects with the TfWM (Transport for West Midlands) route going down to Perry Barr from where the cycle superhighway leads to the city centre.
Shown below is a picture of the various possible future extensions.
Luckily Rough Rd (light blue-left) is more than wide enough to accommodate a full CSH. On the Sutton side (right) one option would be for one small section of Somerville Road and then Wilkinson close (green – right) to be restricted to residents’ cars and cyclists only to form a safer route to Wylde Green train station. This may not be popular among some drivers but the busiest section of Somerville Road beside the park would still be accessible. Alternatively or additionally (and far more ambitiously) Digby Rd (pink – right) would be made one way only for vehicles and incorporate an extension of the CSH connecting to an elevated CSH alongside the railway line leading to Sutton train station and possibly even Wylde Green train station (light blue vertical line – right). This is just an option for many years into the future but would certainly put Sutton ‘on the map’.
Alternatively, a conventional CSH could be built going through the park towards Sutton station.
The future extensions would be optional steps pending the popularity of the initial Monmouth drive scheme and consultations with the public.
Designing for the future – Accommodating transport gadgets
We’re currently witnessing unprecedented innovation in the field of lightweight transport devices with ever more transport tools, ever more features and constantly increasing range and speed. It’s obvious that lightweight portable transport tools – such as escooters – will play a role in our future so we need to allow for this. Legalisation of scooters in Sutton would warrant a name change, I would suggest ‘cycle scooterhighway’ (still abbreviated to CSH so no need to amend any maps).
It’s also absolutely essential that wheelchairs are also allowed on the CSH to create equality of access and equality of joyful peacefulness!
I strongly believe that any well designed CSH nowadays should be wide enough to have at least two people side-by-side going in either direction. I would recommend two lanes – fast and slow, in both directions making a total of four lanes with a total width of at least 4 to 5 metres.
Separation between the two directions of travel is vital to enhance safety and distancing and I would recommend using an uneven or gritty surface for the central reservation making it unpleasant to ride over at any speed but still usable in emergencies.
Some thoughts
There are times when we need to be conservative, hunker down and resist new ideas. There are also times when we need to be liberal and progressive and embrace change. Now, in the middle of a pollution crisis caused by increasing traffic in the middle of a pandemic which threatens to make it even worse is absolutely the time to be progressive and think outside of our metal boxes known as cars. Obviously cars are going to be around given their convenience, but we mustn’t let ‘car fundamentalism’ stop the adoption of other safer, cleaner and more healthy solutions as well. Opportunity presents itself to those with an open mind.
If you think this idea is worthwhile please do share this article and also go to: https://covidmeasuresbirmingham.commonplace.is/overview
Then click ‘Suggest a change to improve walking or cycling’ and navigate to Monmouth drive in Sutton using the map tool and click ‘agree’ with this proposal or any others you would like to see happen.
You can also go to the following URL and ‘upvote’ this proposal.
https://www.widenmypath.com/birmingham/?category=closure#10/52.4066/-1.5391
Thank you for reading. If you can come up with another possibly better idea then please leave a comment. Wishing everyone all the best.
To download a PDF of this proposal click HERE
This is a brief summary of the proposal – reading time 5 to 7 minutes. Further information is available via the hyperlinks in the text.
The current situation
In Birmingham, UK, car traffic has steadily increased in recent years leading to deteriorating air quality and various safety issues.
Given that during the current covid-19 crisis non-essential public transport is discouraged we face the possibility that even more people may be using their cars. This not only poses a danger to the environment and human health in terms of air quality, but also in terms of the virus because many of the extra car journeys will also be with groups of people in the same vehicle.
An additional problem is that many in the city are now turning to motorbikes (the most dangerous form of transport) and petrol scooters (many times more polluting than most cars and far more dangerous for the riders). The noise and anti-social behaviour that sometimes go with their use is also a problem.
The solutions
In March, 2020, we wrote an open letter with the following suggestions:
Most local governments have voiced agreement with points 1 and 2 and escooters have now been legalised with a rental scheme beginning in Birmingham from the late Summer. (No doubt we were simply adding our voice to the existing chorus of calls for change).
More escooters and bikes require more space in which to ride them safely in order for their benefits to be realised so we believe suggestions 1 and 3 are now more important than ever. Therefore, we have created a map of suggested routes in the city to devote to bikes, scooters and other non-polluting lightweight portable transport (henceforth LPT)
Other research has been done in this regard and the local government also have a coherent and impressive network of proposed cycle-superhighway routes (shown later).
After we created our first network of routes we referred to the above research and found that the local government’s plan already incorporates some of the routes we also found to be suitable. Furthermore, the local government’s current map of proposed pop-up cycle lanes uses the same system we have suggested – direct pathways converging in the city centre forming a radial pattern. This radial starfish design allows fair distribution of access for residents from all sides. We strongly support the local government in this excellent initiative and urge them to refer to our routes and those suggested by others to see whether they can also be incorporated. This work needs to be done as quickly as possible.
We envisage three kinds of pathways for bikes, scooters and possibly other forms of LPT (lightweight portable transport).
All three types of pathways above must allow for safe use by, or create alternative provision for, those using mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and for disabled cyclists. This needs to be a top priority in all transport planning and is why we emphasize adequate width and use of speed lanes. Shown below are the pathways we suggest for the city. Where two or more pathways run in parallel then one of them needs to be chosen.
Thin blue=existing cycle superhighway
Wider blue=proposed cycle-scooter highway
Thin green=proposed greenlane
Wide green=proposed urban greenway
Specific information about each pathway will appear HERE very soon.
Shown above are the Birmingham emergency active travel plan routes – for more information see HERE). Note the similarity to our plans. These routes are longer given that our routes were designed to be extended later pending demand. In fact, given the urgency of the situation and to ensure adequate usage we agree with creating the longer routes right away.
Shown left: locations where temporary cycle lanes could be quickly created and would likely prove most useful as identified by research by Dr Robin Lovelace, Dr Joey Talbot, Dr Malcolm Morgan (University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies) and Martin Lucas-Smith (CycleStreets). More information HERE and HERE.
These designs above also share some of the same routes but include a complete ring road as well.
Public views on where infrastructure amendments are required to allow for more walking and cycling can be found HERE
Our Methods & factors
Safety is paramount. Therefore we only chose routes with sufficient width space and where absolute separation from vehicles was possible. It simply cannot be emphasised enough how important it is to fully separate cyclists and pedestrians from vehicular traffic – both in terms of safety as well as health.
We also prioritised roads with less junctions and road crossings to allow for more speedy progress for the LPT users.
Another important factor was the creation of fair access to various areas of the city as well as future extendability of the initial pathways.
Also very important is to minimise disruption to drivers and especially to local residents. Any roads with large numbers of personal driveways are not suitable to convert into Urban Greenways unless we allow access to residents. We know this can work – as shown by the successful ‘school streets’ campaign – but it would mitigate safety, speed and air quality. Some urban greenways could allow resident access for the first phase until a review would determine whether to:
A: revert it back to a normal road
B: keep it as it is
C: transform it into a full ‘Urban Greenway’ by banning all large vehicles apart from emergency vehicles.
Our routes were chose using the above principles combined with intuition rather than using any mathematical formulae and so on.
However, we have created two methods of mathematical analysis to evaluate and compare the various pathway options – information about these methods will be provided HERE very soon.
The Value of Urban Greenways
Although more challenging to implement, we believe that ‘Urban Greenways’ are likely to be one of the safest and most effective solutions: minimal to no infrastructure required, maximum safety and social distancing, maximum encouragement to get people out of cars and onto bikes and scooters, massively enhanced air quality for residents on those roads and completely reversible in future if need be. Furthermore, the width is sufficient to allow for safe and comfortable use by those on mobility scooters and modified bikes.
Only a few long routes are required to allow for speedy and safe long distance travel across a city with minimal to no disruption to car drivers on the other roads. Although small-scale local projects and improvements are also valuable, overall we strongly believe this will prove far safer and more cost efficient than peppering a city with a multitude of narrow or hastily created bike lanes. This is also a future proof solution that will fit in well with future developments in transport – especially developments in lightweight transport gadgets or even forms of lightweight electric taxi services – such as electric tuk-tuks. More information on Urban Greenways can be found HERE.
This proposal fits with the Ghent model
Birmingham has sought to model itself on the Belgian city of Ghent with ideas to restrict car flow between adjacent areas to encourage more walking, cycling and possibly scooting. Although it ultimately proved to be very successful, the Ghent plan was highly controversial initially and would likewise cause discontent among some drivers in Birmingham (at least initially). If, however, we create a network of divergent green pathways using the radial pattern, and then limit the numbers of car crossings then we very naturally achieve the Ghent model because this would restrict car movement between areas. In this case it’s also likely that many drivers would be less inclined to complain given the clear visible reason for the blocks. Furthermore, some access routes could be maintained – at least initially and as usage of the green route goes up then some junctions could be blocked to cars, thereby enhancing health, safety and speed for the LPT riders on the route.
Overall conclusion
Hopefully, it’s very clear that this is a cost-effective, efficient and elegant solution that helps us achieve many goals at once and allows us to enhance safety, health and well-being.
Extra Notes
What scooters to use?
https://peacemakerfoundation.com/2020/07/27/transportables-portable-transport-tools/The local government must now choose which scooter vendors to use. For a thorough and objective evaluative comparison of scooters as commuting tools see our own unique interactive matrix evaluation chart HERE where you can quickly find some appropriate scooters based on your priorities. For an extensive specs comparison table see HERE. Although not the most important factor, we would also advocate using any scooters with quite low decks and minimal roll resistance so that riders can use them as regular kick scooters to get exercise or if out of battery. From personal experience I know that using electric scooters manually can also help oncoming pedestrians to feel more at ease. ET-WOW scooters seem especially suitable in this regard.
Alternative solutions
In the long term, perhaps the safest and most convenient approach will be to create elevated greenways or cycle-scooter ways as done in BEIJING and XIAMEN (shown left) in China. https://dissingweitling.com/en/project/xiamen-bicycle-skyway
We could use the space above roads, canals, the river Rea or even above railways for this purpose.
We also previously proposed a network of automated pods to run above the canals in Birmingham, projects like this will be valuable in the long -term. Given current circumstances we believe the immediate focus should now be on safe travel using LPT.
Get in touch
This is still a work in progress and we may incorporate other pathways into the map and are open to suggestions. If you have any queries, comments or would like me (the author) to work with/for you as a researcher and advisor on transport plans, then please do get in touch with me at luc@peacemakerfoundation.com
If any local government would appreciate any input then I’m happy to work with them as one of the designers of the new transport plan or humbly take part in any online meetings.
Thank you for reading.
BELOW IS THE OLD VERSION OF THIS POST – TO SEE THE NEW UPDATED VERSION SEE OUR TRANSPORT WEBSITE HERE: https://greentransportideas.org/2020/07/27/transportables-portable-transport-tools/
Here is an attempt at providing the most rigorous, objective and accurate evaluative comparison of LPT (lightweight portable transport) gadgets to date (2020). They are rated as commuting tools using an extension of the ‘Pugh matrix’ known as the Group Average Matrix Evaluation (GAME) system invented by the author (Luc). Transport tools are in the left column & factors (considerations) are on the top row. Each factor has a weighting (importance value) which is the average importance number given by participants. For example, participants saw the portability factor as important so gave it high importance numbers with an average of 8.6 (weighting). The top speed factor was seen as less important & the average is just 5.8 (weighting). For each factor a gadget is given an achievement score which is how well it performs in that factor area. For example, the Urmo with a handle gets a perfect achievement score of 10 for the portability factor because it’s so light, small & can be pushed by the handle. The achievement score is multiplied by the weighting to produce a weighting x achievement score. So for the Urmo in portability it’s 8.6 (weighting) x 10 (achievement score) = 86 (weighting x achievement score) . The overall score for each gadget is the sum total of all weighting x achievement scores.
This will likely be regularly updated in future so best to come back to this page once in a while.
To view or download a PDF of the above chart click HERE
LIGHTWEIGHT PORTABLE TRANSPORT TOOLS – INTERACTIVE COMPARISON CHART USING THE SELF-ADJUSTING MATRIX EVALUATION (SAME) SYSTEM (also invented by the author)
So which gadget is right for you personally or for your rental scheme? Simply click on the interactive chart below & enter your own weightings (importance values) for the factors. The scores automatically adjust every time you enter a value & when complete each tool will have an overall score to show how suitable it is likely to be for you. We’re attempting the impossible – it will never be 100% accurate or comprehensive but should give you a clear objective picture on which to base your intuition. Just replace the default weighting of 5 with your own weighting (from 1 to 10). Works best with a touchscreen – just swipe within the chart to move around. You can also use the scroll bar within the chart or arrow keys to move around. Your amendments will be reset if you leave this page. For more exact instructions swipe or scroll to the top of the chart.
For scooter rental schemes
If you are looking here for a scooter to use in a rental scheme with a capped speed lower than all the top speeds of the scooters shown then you should enter ‘0’ as a weighting (importance value) for the speed factor. Likewise, you may wish to give ‘portability’ a lower weighting given that most users will dock their scooters rather than push or carry them around. We advocate giving ‘manual use’ (pushing with feet) a high weighting given the importance of exercise, convenience of carrying on if out of charge. Using electric scooters manually can also help oncoming pedestrians to feel more at ease (personal experience) and a lightweight scooter suitable for manual use may also translate into enhanced pedestrian safety. Factors contributing to ‘manual use’ but not included in the matrix are ‘deck height’ and ‘degree of roll resistance’. A low deck and minimal roll resistance allow a scooter to be used manually. Among others ET-WOW scooters (AKA uscooters) seem especially suitable in this regard and they are being promoted as suitable scooters for rental schemes. Furthermore some of the ET-WOW scooters have received top ratings from users – see HERE.
If you would like us to make a revised matrix with additional factors specific to your rental scheme just let us know – happy to help.
UPDATE JULY 2020 – The ‘Zoom’ company seems to be out of business now. Also various other scooters not included here have been highly rated on Electric Scooter Guide.com so check them out as well HERE if interested.
We believe that we now need to embrace lightweight portable transport to help slow global warming, boost people’s well-being through cleaner air & maintaining a safe social distance while avoiding enclosed spaces with others. If you agree & wish to see more electric devices such as scooters legalised for personal use as well as in rental schemes then please sign this petition: http://chng.it/JgCQNW2pZW
To see mindmaps showing pros and cons of different transport gadgets click HERE
Some older gadgets – a comparison chart made in 2015
Download
PDF: Transportables
Word File: Transportables
So what should we call these things? I suggested:
‘Transportables‘ (transport tools that are portable)
& also ‘Lightweight Portable Transport‘ (LPT).
Here are some competing names:
Personal transport gadgets (PTGs?)
Personal Light Electric Vehicles‘ (PLEVs) (the term used by the UK government),
‘Powered Transporters‘,
‘Rideables‘ (possibly from Wired magazine).
An open letter from the Peacemaker Foundation (Reading Time 2 to 3 minutes)
Update May 2020: Since the time of first sharing these ideas in early March 2020, more and more places have already started following some of these suggestions. We need to make sure we keep up the momentum and see these beneficial changes happen in more places.
THE PROBLEM
At present we face the challenge of providing people with safe forms of transport in which they do not occupy enclosed spaces with others and can maintain a safe social distance. The hazards of public transport right now are well documented, but many are falsely assuming that car journeys are safe. A car is an even more enclosed space than a train or bus, so the only way it’s going to be safer is if you travel alone or with people you know for sure to be virus free and take precautions.
Hordes of people avoiding public transport by travelling in cars alone is a scenario we must avoid for obvious health and environmental reasons. The virus may just be Mother nature’s wake up call, reminding us of our biggest problem – global warming. We absolutely need to take this fleeting window of a chance to do better.
THE SOLUTION
1. Widen and improve existing bike lanes and cycle-superhighways now while we have less traffic in order to enhance cycling safety and allow greater social distancing. Any cycle superhighways should have at least two lanes in either direction (slow and fast) with clear barriers to divide the two directions and further enhance safety. All efforts should be made to separate cyclists from vehicle traffic and pedestrians – even if it means elevating the cycle pathway over some or all roads. See a good example from Beijing HERE.
2. Legalise electric scooters as a matter of urgency and other allow them to be used on the improved bike lanes and cycle-superhighways – henceforth ‘cycle-scooter ways’.
3. Make ‘Urban Greenways’. Rather than peppering a city with inadequate bike lanes, simply take a small number of roads and devote them entirely to green lightweight transport devices by banning cars: minimal to no infrastructure required, maximum safety and social distancing, maximum encouragement to get people out of cars and onto bikes and scooters, massively enhanced air quality for residents on those roads, maximum fun and completely reversible in future if need be. North-South and East-West routes converging in the city centre would be a perfect start to allow speedy and safe long distance travel!
THE TIME IS NOW
If local governments do this now there will be far less pushback than if they wait. This is what we should have done long, long before anyway, but we’ve been blinded by our obsession with cars for so long that it hasn’t happened in most places. Smoke gets in your eyes. Nevermind, we can do it now, we must do it now.
THE KINDS OF CHANGES WE NEED TO SEE:
In Germany, Paris, New Zealand and elsewhere local governments have created pop-up cycle lanes using various removable materials. Later on these widened bike ways could be made permanent.
In Birmingham, UK, pollution has risen with excessive car use in recent years. The local government created two high-quality cycle superhighways which have been criticised for hardly being used. As soon as we legalise electric scooters it’s obvious that they will become well-used and this will help to clear the air. The existing two cycle-superhighways form a disconnected South-to-North pathway – we now need an East-to-West path as well please.
In London various cycle-superhighways are now becoming victims of their own success and are far too busy to allow for safe social distancing. They’re also often quite unsafe given that they’re bi-direction without separation – so cyclists pass each other at high speeds. Identical paths parallel to or elevated above the existing ones should be created without delay. Then each cycle-superhighway can become one way only – safer in every respect. If parallel, then we could simple allocate one of the traffic lanes for now, and later on make the change permanent.
SUMMARY
We need to:
Let’s do this now please. If we do, we may look back one day and see that in fact it was the virus that saved us.
To see our letter written in early March 2020 to the Future of transport team in the UK click HERE
Introduction
In Birmingham, UK, car traffic has increased in recent years leading to increased pollution and congestion which pose a threat to health and well-being.[1]
This is a proposal to use small lightweight vehicles known as pods or pod cars on elevated tracks to help resolve the city’s transport problems.
Pod car proposals for Birmingham
Pod cars
Pod cars are a form of personal rapid transport (PRT). They are automated pods which move on a track. The passenger simply steps in a pod at a station and selects the destination station. The pod will then move continuously to the destination without stops at other stations along the way. This is possible because stations are set alongside the main guideway track. Despite low speeds (often between 10 and 25 mph), journey times are quick thanks to the continuous motion. The pods are generally small and may accommodate only several people at once.
Benefits of pod cars on an elevated track
• Light
Given the relatively light weight of the pod cars an elevated track can be made using less materials than used for an elevated track for trains, trams or other large vehicles. Therefore the design can be less conspicuous, more elegant and the track can even be designed to let light through.
• Safety
Once elevated or separated from other traffic, pod cars are a far safer alternative to any other form of transport that shares the same road space with other kinds of transport. Rail transport such as trams and trains, are known to be a very safe mode of transport, however; when they share the road space with other vehicles this can cause accidents and delays.[2] Furthermore, the tram tracks are a serious risk to cyclists and those on scooters.
• Good views
An elevated track brings good views along the way.
• Air Quality
Air quality usually improves with height [3] – so the air quality for passengers on an elevated track is likely to be far better than on the ground.
• Security
With regard to crime and security concerns such as terrorism, pod cars offer one of the very safest forms of public transport. Given the fixed routes on a track there is no threat of them being used as weapons (as with cars or trucks). The small size of the pods also means there is no potential for attacks among large groups of people on the journey. Safety is further increased by the fact that the pods do not stop along the way. Areas where the pods run (such as canals) are likely to experience enhanced safety owing to the increased visibility, especially if the pods are raised above the ground allowing passengers a good view of surroundings.
• Long-term utility
An elevated track is more future proof because we avoid future interference when ground-level infrastructure undergoes repair or change. Also whether or not innovations such as driverless cars become very popular, the elevated pod car network will retain its value as a way to reduce congestion on ground level – and the capacity of the network can be adapted to suit the city’s changing needs.
• Reliability
Transport on a well designed elevated track is less likely to be influenced by leaf fall, trespassers and so on.
Benefits of pod cars in general
• Environmentally friendly
Pod cars are a sustainable and pollution free alternative mode of transport.
• Cheap
Pod cars are relatively cheap to build and offer higher rates of return than many other transport modes. The cost of constructing the pod car network is far lower than for the equivalent length of subway or elevated rail track.[4]
• Relaxation
Once a destination is selected, the pods move with no driving necessary, so the passenger can relax and enjoy the view.
• Even more Safety
The low but continuous speed enhances safety yet further.
• Efficiency
The continuous motion saves energy – starting and stopping is hugely wasteful in terms of energy. They are also more energy efficient than large vehicles or mass transport tools at times of low usage. This is because running a whole train, bus or tram with few people on is obviously inefficient and wasteful. Usually only those pod cars with passengers are in motion, while the other pods remain at stations ready for other passengers, however; empty pods can be directed to busy stations if need be.
• Tried & Tested
The ultra PRT pod car network in Heathrow airport has been running since 2011 and has proven itself to be efficient, reliable and highly popular.[5] The system was ‘‘voted by customers as their favourite airport passenger service’’.[6] Other systems are running elsewhere, such those in Masdar city, Suncheon, Korea and Morganstown, United States.[7]
• Simultaneous entry
A number of pods can wait for passengers at every station so that potentially several groups of people could get on at once. So wait times would likely be far less than for many bus, tram or train services. In the Heathrow pod car system the average weight time is around 10 seconds. [8]
• Quiet
The pods are far quieter than most trains or other large vehicles.
• Novelty
The novelty and convenience of the pod cars would help boost the fame of the city and bring in more visitors.
• Gradual construction in stages
The pod car network could be built in stages allowing for a trial period before a full scale network is constructed. Likewise, we could add more pods to the network if or when the demand rises.
• Compatibility
Given the relatively low cost of the network it can be built in addition to other transport solutions. So it need not, and should not, replace other recent worthwhile initiatives such as the cycle superhighways, the tram network and so on.[9]
Disadvantages of pod cars
• Large numbers of pods required
Because pod cars are small, many pods are required to provide a high-capacity service. This increases likelihood of mechanical failure or some other problem with a given pod on the network. However, the technology has already proven itself to be extremely reliable and if a pod car breaks down on the main track then there is a way to ‘‘push failed vehicles from behind to the nearest station.’’[10] Furthermore, given the small size and relatively low cost of each pod compared to a train or tram, each pod can be moved, taken away, serviced or even replaced with far greater ease than many larger transport tools.
Given the large number of pods required, the track will likely experience a high volume of pod traffic. So the pods will probably pass by people’s homes and offices with more regularity than trains or trams. However; the fact that the pods are relatively quieter, small and pollution free should help them to gain acceptance or favour.
• Ugly?
Some may find them visually unappealing especially if on an elevated track. Hopefully the lightweight construction and light permeability of the design will help increase acceptance. A strategically located track above a pedestrian path, canal tow path or bike lane, could even serve as a very useful rain shelter while allowing enough light in from the sides and a good view of the surroundings.
Recommendations for Birmingham – pod cars over canals & rivers
We propose putting a pod car network above the canals, and possibly the rivers, in Birmingham. This would bring yet more benefits in addition to those already mentioned.
Benefits of pod cars above canals
• Space & ownership
There is enough space so no infrastructure needs to be moved. Also none of the space is privately owned.
• Less negative impact
The canal boat traffic is far less than vehicle traffic, so any inconvenience caused by the elevated track or construction will influence far fewer people than if the track were constructed above a road.
• Direct routes
The canals offer extremely direct routes into the city centre from various locations – many not served by trains.
• Regeneration
The small size of the stations means they would be numerous and be built in various neglected parts of the city, helping regeneration.
• Serving new developments
The main areas of large scale building projects such as Broad Street, Eastside, Smithfields and Paradise Circus will all need improved public transport access. Luckily these areas are all in close proximity to canals so would be served by the pod cars. This will then reduce pressure on other the transport services.
Image taken from 2020 Google Maps Data & highlights added. A map showing some possible pod car routes above canals in blue and major building projects in yellow. The river Rea route (narrower) could be a future extension pending demand.
Image taken from Google maps data (2020) & amended. Map showing a possible initial pod car network in blue. Extensions could be added in future, perhaps going over rivers or some roads like the A4540 to form a loop around the city centre.
• Improving canal-side safety
Thanks to the resurfacing of the canal towpaths, the canals are now used regularly by cyclists and pedestrians. However; this brings obvious safety issues when there is competition for space.[11] It’s likely that many of the pedestrians and some of the cyclists would use the pod car service thereby reducing the canal side congestion and improving safety.
A very helpful addition to the city, even without the pod cars, would be an elevated walkway for pedestrians running over the canal towpath. This would separate cyclists and pedestrians. The pod car stations would be easily accessed from this walkway using stairs and ramps or lifts (for disabled access).
• Enhanced security on the canals
There have been various reported incidents of robberies on the canals in Birmingham. The enhanced visibility the pods would bring, will increase personal safety for those walking or cycling along the canals as well as for those in canal boats. It may be that the canals outside the city centre even become pleasant places for a night stroll, presenting new business opportunities such as canal-side cafes and so on.
• Less disruption
The construction of the network above the canals would bring less disruption to traffic than if it were constructed above roads. In addition, air quality for construction workers will be far better than alongside busy roads.
• A major tourist attraction
The canals are a scenic attribute of Birmingham and an important tourist attraction. Riding along the canals in a pod car will likely become a popular activity for tourists and residents alike.
• Integration into existing infrastructure
Bridges over the canals can support the structure of the track and lead to pod car stations. This could potentially reduce construction time, costs and materials.
Disadvantages of pod cars above the canals
• A high track
The track would need to rise over the canal bridges such as road and rail crossings so would need to allow safe passage for all vehicles driven over the bridges. Either the entire track is made high enough or gentle rises can take it over the bridges. Where space allows, the track could also be diverted under the bridges although the height may actually add to the novelty and enhance views from the pods.
• Peace and tranquility of the canals
Some may view the pods as an ugly distraction from the peace and tranquility of the canals. But equally many may regard the pods as a welcome visual addition that adds life to otherwise dull areas.
Alternative or complementary transport solutions
1. Greenways over the canals
To help combat pollution, big cities around the world will need to cater to the increased popularity of small electric transport devices such as scooters and electric bikes, as well as bicycles. An alternative to having an elevated pod car track would be to have elevated ‘greenways’ – green gadget super-highways reserved only for small lightweight non-polluting transport devices such as bikes and scooters.[12] This could also be built over the river Rea, and perhaps along some roads, while the pod cars run above the canals.
A greenway over a canal
Birmingham’s population is rising, so it’s likely that in future we would benefit from a combination of both elevated pod car and greenways. The hanging pod cars network could be adapted so the space above is used as a greenway or walkway. This may require further bolstering of the structure to support the increased weight but is a clear advantage of this design and ensures yet further future-proofing (long-term utility).
Dual purpose pod car track & greenway (bike & scooter path)
2. Turning roads into greenways
In addition to the pod cars and other ideas we strongly believe that a necessary solution for many cities around the World is to take a select few roads leading into the city centre and convert them into greenways. In 2019 the local Birmingham government wisely chose to build two cycle-superhighways instead of six bike lanes. Likewise, several greenways with complete segregation from vehicular traffic would be far safer and more worthwhile than a myriad of bike paths alongside roads. A greenway would be entirely reversible if need be, but if popular then more infrastructure could be added such as pedestrian bridges enhancing safety and allowing continuous flow for pedestrians and those on the greenway alike. See HERE for more information.
Above: A proposed greenway with pod car track as an optional later addition
3. An elevated light rail system
DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
An elevated monorail, or tram system could also be built. For example, Birmingham airport’s people mover (see image) would be a good option for the city because elevated, but this would require heavier more costly infrastructure and the trains/trams would have to stop at every station along the way. Therefore we believe it makes more sense to use elevated pod cars while reopening unused railway lines or transforming them into tramways, greenways or a combination.
A conclusion
Whatever we choose to do, we need to segregate pedestrians, bikes and other vehicles wherever possible. We believe that pod car tracks over canals and possibly rivers is clearly a very good answer to Birmingham’s traffic and transport problems. Even if built over roads many of the benefits would be kept. By looking logically at the various aspects of this idea the potential benefits become clear. We have shown how this is a low cost, sustainable and safe transport option. Even the main design issue of how we can incorporate the bridges into the design are entirely resolvable. So the greatest hurdle to overcome will be people’s apprehension towards new ideas. In Birmingham, the traffic has now become so busy, with air quality so poor in certain areas, that we now need to overcome our apprehensions and look for solutions urgently.
If you also feel this is a valuable proposal, for Birmingham or any other city, then please do share with others. If you have any recommendations, comments or queries please get in touch and help get our transport on the right track!
[1] https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/research-campaigning/hot-topics/transport-and-congestion/.
[2] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/623366/light-rail-tram-ending-march-2017.pdf
[3] http://www.wsp-pb.com/PageFilesn/80156/WSPPB%20City%20Air%20Quality%20at%20Height.pdf
[4] https://www.ultraglobalprt.com/how-it-works/costs/
[5] https://www.ultraglobalprt.com/wheres-it-used/
[6] http://www.futureairport.com/features/featuremy-pod-heathrows-capsular-travel-system-4377991/
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_rapid_transit
[8] http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20140910-hands-off-with-heathrows-pods
[9] https://www.business-live.co.uk/opinion-analysis/dont-think-birmingham-solving-traffic-10914789
[10] https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/personal-rapid-transit/
[11] https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jul/27/on-roads-cyclists-are-vulnerable-but-on-towpaths-theyre-the-menace.
[12] https://peacemakerfoundation.com/category/world-health/urban-flow-plan/
To download this proposal in PDF form please click HERE
All images & writing by Luc@Peacemakerfoundation.com unless credited otherwise
Here are some Mindmaps showing the various advantages & disadvantages of different lightweight portable transport (LPT) tools. Please let us know if you feel additional information needs to be included.
Download a PDF of the above mindmap HERE
Download a PDF of the above mindmap HERE
Download a PDF of the above mindmap HERE
To see a far more in depth analysis of the pros and cons of various lightweight portable transport gadgets click HERE
Download PDF
It’s about time we each take responsibility for saving our climate & stand on our own two wheels! The chart below was made in 2015, updated version soon to follow.
Note: table is based on information online in 2015. Phunkeeduck details may be incorrect – received no response from the company to confirm. If you see any errors or have any useful suggestions please let me know.
Download this table
Lean Machines PDF
Lean Machines Word file
See this post in Mandarin Chinese (看中文版)
In case you plan to buy one and intuition isn’t telling you which one to go for then you can make a decision matrix using the table. A great technique if it’s done well. Click below to see an example.
The text below is really important if you’re going to learn to ride a self-balancing scooter. It’s based on my own experiences learning the Hovertrax.
Learning to Ride an Electric Self-balancing Scooter
Self-balancing electric foot scooters are fun and convenient but not as safe as you might think. It’s essential that you master the following steps before even considering riding beside a road, in a busy public place or other challenging environment.
When learning you will need a safe place with lots of space and a large open flat surface such as a running track, the center of a gymnasium, a tennis court or a playground.
Before going out with your scooter
1. Understand the functions
Read the manual and other information carefully and make sure you know how to turn it on, off, and so on.
2. Understand the concept
Before you hop on, be sure you understand the concept of how it works and can visualise how the angles of the feet correlate with speed and turning.
Tilt forward = go forwards.
Tilt back = go backwards.
Right tilt forwards, left back = turn left
Left tilt forwards, right back = turn right
You can practice angling and turning your hands or sit on a chair or edge of a bed putting your feet on the device while it’s switched off pretending you’re riding.
In a safe practice location
3. Getting on
Put your dominant foot level on the scooter and bring the other foot up quickly.
4. Getting off
Step off behind the scooter keeping one foot level on the platform to prevent the scooter rolling away.
5. Stopping
Practice regular stopping as well as abrupt stopping at high speeds. For high speed stopping as you tilt your feet back crouch down with hands level to the ground until you reach a stop. You should aim to be able to come to a complete stop in the shortest possible distance (about 1 to 1.5 m for the Hovertrax at near top speed).
6. Turning
Practice turning on the spot (one foot tilting back, the other tilting forward) and turning at speed (one foot level, the other tilting forward). You could use plant pots or other such objects to form a practice slalom course.
7. Reversing
Practice going backwards.
8. Reversing & turning
Practice going backwards and turning.
9. Stepping off while moving
Many foot scooters may get stuck on rough terrain. To prepare for this learn to step off while going at speed. Be extra careful because if when you step off your foot pushes down on one side of the platform the scooter will move in the corresponding direction. It could zoom out from under your feet or even back under your feet.
Go slowly in a straight line and then while moving take a quick and little step putting one foot in front of the machine resting on your toes with the heel up. Then follow with a larger step with your other foot flat on the ground. The first foot should stabilize you and stop the machine from rolling on as it goes into the sole of your shoe.
10. Speed & stability
Only once you’re ready and have fully mastered the other steps should you very carefully and very gradually have a go at seeing how fast you can go safely maintaining stability. Take multiple goes, each time increasing your speed a little more. Once the speed control tilts you back, or the device strains or wobbles then slow down right away. You must never try to increase the speed beyond this point otherwise the device may not have enough power to keep up with your leaning and you could fall.
At speed you must make absolutely sure that you keep both feet as level as possible on the platforms to keep a straight line.
Summary
Download the above text as a PDF:
Learning to ride an electric self-balancing scooter
Links
See here for a comparison table of self-balancing electric Wheels like the Solowheel
Great video review of Solowheel, Hovertrax, Phunkeeduck & the zBoard Pro
World Peace
The Global Community (intermediate to advanced)
Zones of Peace (intermediate to advanced)
Christian Church Opens Doors to Muslims + Quizlet
Germany’s anti-Islam Marches (advanced)
Excerpts from A New Beginning Obama’s Speech for the Muslim World in Cairo (advanced)
A New Beginning Obama’s Speech for the Muslim World in Cairo (advanced)
A New Beginning Obama’s Speech for the Muslim World in Cairo (Chinese translation)
A New Beginning Obama’s Speech for the Muslim World in Cairo (Arabic translation)
The Environment
Legal Limit on Vehicles Idling Set to be Enforced + Quizlet (The above text)
Link to related video
London Drivers Face Idling Fine + Quizlet
The Bicycle Kingdom Starts Living up to its Name (intermediate to advanced)
Questions about cycling in the city
Now that’s a First Class Delivery! Posties Trial Futuristic Electric UNICYCLES + Quizlet
Filling a City With Moving Walkways + Quizlet (intermediate to advanced)
Link to Video
*A Short History of Nearly Everything (excerpt) + Quizlet (The above text) (intermediate to advanced)
*A Short History of Nearly Everything (full text) + Quizlet (advanced)
A Short History of Nearly Everything (Quizlet flashcards)
*(About Claire Patterson: the man who campaigned to get lead taken out of petrol)
Rise of the Asian Megacity + Quizlet (advanced)
City Sponsored Study Touts Benefits of Pedestrian Plazas and Bike Lanes + Quizlet (The above text)
Paris Launches Electric Car-Sharing Scheme (created by Rob at Davids English)
Questions about electric vehicles and car sharing
Looking for the Happiest Place on Earth. Head Straight for Denmark + Quizlet
People in Taiwan Waste about NT$240 Billion Worth of Food per Year: Poll + Quizlet
Penguins’ Slick New Look: Woolly Jumpers Help Save Hundreds of Birds Caught in Oil Spills + Quizlet
‘Penguins’ Slick New Look’ article (Quizlet flashcards printout)
In 2015 we hosted the ‘Let’s Clear the Air’ poster contest. The two themes were: ‘Stop Engine Idling’ and/or ‘Use green/public transport.’ Pictures related to one or both of these themes.
The competition had three age groups:
1:Elementary school
2:Junior High School
3:Senior High school
The artists of the top three posters in each age category have been awarded certificates, and their posters are displayed below. The top poster in each age category will be reproduced in the form of stickers or cards. These stickers or cards will be given to people in challenging financial situations (such as homeless people) for them to sell. So by participating the students will help the world, children’s health, their school’s reputation, as well as those in need of an income.
The Winnning Posters
Elementary school
Junior High School
Senior High School
See this post in Mandarin Chinese
See here for more information about engine idling
Click here for ideas & advice on making the posters in class
Idling engines wastes fuel and money, reduces engine life, emits greenhouse gases, and creates harmful air and noise pollution.
If you would like to help improve the air quality wherever you are then you can print the pictures out yourself and distribute (copyright free). Good places to display or distribute the images include within schools, school gates, driving schools, scooter and car dealerships, bus and train stations, refuse collection vehicle compounds, car parks and construction sites. Putting up images by elevators, urinals, or anyplace where people stop is likely to be effective. If you want to help this campaign then please like and share this post. You can also contact Luc via the contact form or send an email to: Luc@peacemakerfoundation.com.
If you work for a bus, coach, taxi or delivery company then click HERE
A brilliant engine idling animation done by Matino (www.studiomatino.com) for the Peacemaker Foundation. Thank you Matino!
1. Health effects of air pollution‘Emissions from motor vehicles … have a severe impact on air quality and public health.’(1) Air pollution from vehicles has many health effects including ‘cardio-vascular disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and diabetes,’(2) respiratory problems, allergic illnesses, pregnancy and birth problems, influence on male fertility, risk of death, cardiopulmonary problems, increased risk of heart attack, and changes in the autonomic nervous system.(3) ‘Idling vehicles suffer from less ventilation inside the vehicle leading to a toxic buildup of pollutants.’(4) Idling vehicles can create as much pollution as if they were moving.(5) Motorbikes and scooters often emit far more pollution than cars.(6) Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of pollution.(7) Many parents and school bus drivers idle their engines when they drop off and pick up their children from school creating pollution hot spots.(8)
Conclusion: Idling is a serious issue and it is especially important to stop idling around schools.
‘Idling for over 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 emissions than restarting your engine.’(9) ‘Every gallon of gas burned emits nearly 25 pounds of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases into the atmosphere.’(10) ‘A vehicle idling for five minutes produces more than a quarter kilogram (271.4 grams) of the greenhouse gases that are destabilizing our planet’s climate patterns.’(11)
Idling is noisy. Research indicates that traffic noise ‘harms the health and well-being of children,’(12) impacts work quality and bio-chemistry, and increases tension, blood pressure and pulse frequency.(13)
‘An idling car uses between 1/5 to 7/10 of a gallon of fuel an hour. An idling diesel truck burns approximately one gallon of fuel an hour.’(5)
In America it is estimated that reducing idling would generally save between US$70-650 (NT 1,824 – 19,761 as of January 2014 ) a year for one vehicle.(5) In the UK it is estimated that reduction of idling ‘could save businesses as much as £3.3 billion per year in fuel’ (NT 164.88 billion as of January 2014).(14) ‘Letting an engine idle actually does more damage to the engine than starting and stopping. Running an engine at low speed (idling) causes twice the wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular speeds, which can increase maintenance costs and shorten the life of the engine.’(15)
Information sources
(1) Environmental Protection Agency in Taiwan. (2010). Control of mobile sources of air pollution (移動污染源管制). Retrieved 01/02/2014 from: http://www.epa.gov.tw/en/epashow.aspx?list=99&path=128&guid=8d668c67-e27f-4a96-ac41-323149899ff2&lang=en-us
(2) John Wargo, Ph.D., Linda Wargo, MES., Nancy Alderman, MES. (2006). (The Harmful Effects of Vehicle Exhaust. A Case for Policy Change.Environment & Human Health, Inc. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.ehhi.org/reports/exhaust/exhaust06.pdf (www.ehhi.org)
(3) Krzyzanowski, M., Kuna-Dibbert, B., & Schneider, J. (2005). Health effects of transport-related air pollution. WHO Europe. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/74715/E86650.pdf
(4) Clean Air Network Briefing Paper on the Motor Vehicle Idling (FIXED PENALTY) Bill. (n.d.). Hong Kong Clean Air Network. Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://www.hongkongcan.org/doclib/Briefing%20Paper%20on%20Motor%20Vehicle%20Idling%20(English).pdf
(5) Environmental Defense Fund. Attention drivers! Turn off your idling engines. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.edf.org/transportation/reports/idling
(6) Vasic, AM,& Weilenmann, M. (2005) Comparison of Real-World Emissions from Two-Wheelers and Passenger Cars. Environmental Science and Technology, 40 (1), 149–154. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/7340852_Comparison_of_real-world_emissions_from_two-wheelers_and_passenger_cars
(7) Kleinman, MT. (2000). The Health Effects Of Air Pollution On Children.
South Coast Air Quality Management District. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.aqmd.gov/forstudents/health_effects_on_children.html
(8) United States Environmental Protection Agency. Idle Free Schools. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www2.epa.gov/region8/idle-free-schools
(9) Government of Canada. Natural Resources Canada. (2013). Emission impacts resulting from vehicle idling. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/node/4415
(10) Union of concerned scientists. (2014). 1 gallon of gas = 25 pounds of global warming emissions. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/why-clean-cars/global-warming/
(11) Idle Facts Smog Summit.(n.d.). clean air partnership. Retrieved March 25, 2014, from: http://www.cleanairpartnership.org/idle/idlefree_appendices1to4.pdf
(12) Cornell University. (2001). Researchers Find Everyday Traffic Noise Harms The Health And Well-Being Of Children. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/05/010523072445.htm
(13) Ising, H., Dienel, D., Günther, T., & Markert, B. (1980). Health effects of traffic noise. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 47(2), 179-190. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7440003
(14) Fleet News. (2013). Engine idling costs businesses £3.3 billion in wasted fuel per year. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/2013/8/21/engine-idling-costs-businesses-33-billion-in-wasted-fuel-per-year/48058/
(15) EPA New England. (2002). What You Should Know About Truck Engine Idling. Retrieved January 2014 from: http://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/diesel/pdfs/Diesel_Factsheet_Truck_Idling.pdf
5 Reasons to STOP idling (The above text)
5 Reasons to STOP idling (Taiwan version)
Posters
5 Reasons to STOP idling poster
5 Reasons to STOP idling poster (Taiwan version)
America
http://www.sustainableamerica.org
http://nyc.missionelectric.org/2013/12/27/new-york-citys-efforts-to-stop-idling/
http://www.idlethreatmovie.com/
http://tri1025.com/city-of-fort-collins-breathe-easy-anti-idling-campaign-video-interview/
Around schools: interweaving stop-idling campaigns with children’s education
Click to access Make%20a%20Good%20Choice..Choose%20No%20Idling_Lesson%20PLan.pdf
http://www2.epa.gov/region8/idle-free-schools
http://www.cleanaircampaign.org/Your-Schools/About-Clean-Air-Schools
Around the World
http://earthitude.com/ A great up and coming website by my friend Rey. Collection of resources, and a lot of eye-opening information on green living and saving the Earth. Take a look!
Hong Kong
Free stickers and posters provided by the HK government: http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/idling_publicity_materials.html
http://www.cleartheair.org.hk/
http://www.hongkongcan.org/doclib/Briefing%20Paper%20on%20Motor%20Vehicle%20Idling%20(English).pdf
Stop idling technology:
Really important. Giving truckers a way to enjoy AC plus more without idling: http://www.idleair.com/
Hybrid refuse collection vehicles means HUGE savings in terms of money and people’s health: http://www.govtech.com/technology/Hybrid-Garbage-Miami-Dade-040511.html
The technology we desperately need as long as we keep using petrol vehicles:
http://world.honda.com/motorcycle-picturebook/idling-stop/
Taiwan
The brilliant work in Taipei, Taiwan, by John Fleckenstein, Torch Pratt and others:
B: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2011/05/17/2003503424
C: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2011/09/28/2003514359
Government website: http://plan.chepb.gov.tw/idling/promotion.html
News article and video about anti-idling campaign in Taiwan: http://news.pts.org.tw/detail.php?NEENO=256337
Guide to greener driving: http://ecodriving.itri.org.tw/
Not directly about idling or Taiwan, but if you are thinking about buying a scooter (in Taiwan) then first read this:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2005/dec/21/travelandtransport.transportintheuk
The following copyright free images can be used in the classroom, either for colouring in and adding text or as a reference. Especially suitable for language, science, and art classes. Some text ideas are provided to help ‘kickstart’ the children’s inspiration. Hopefully they won’t be idle.
See this post in Mandarin Chinese 看中文版
In 2015 we held a poster contest. For the results see HERE
LPT* (Lightweight Portable Transport) is on the rise and so is the Earth’s temperature. The idea: Just take a few long roads or routes in a city and make them car-free. At first on weekends, using road blocks, and later perhaps keep them permanently car-free. Simple, cheap, effective, and completely reversible. The pictures below are of Taipei, but this idea could be used in almost any city.
UPDATE: MAY 2020 – We really need to do this NOW to allow people to avoid enclosed spaces together and give them safe, healthy travel options. Bike lanes will quickly become too busy to accommodate everyone safely. This can be done immediately with zero infrastructure!
Chongqing South Road, Taipei
As a car-free road (‘greenway’)
Fuxing South Road, Taipei
Fuxing South Rd as a Green Lane
Yongkang Street, Taipei
What about the residents parking?
Residents would be given free parking nearby, compensation or special access to a side lane along the road on condition they drive below 5mph. Electronic ID could automatically open the gate or barrier if there is one.
What about all the cars that need the road to drive on? This just means the adjacent roads will become busier!
At first nearby roads may have more cars but if that happens then they will be less pleasant to drive along so less people will. Less pleasant car journeys and more pleasant LPT journeys may well mean that many drivers replace their cars with LPT for certain journeys decreasing the overall number of car journeys in the city. Another important point is that in the beginning nearby roads may also have less cyclists and others on LPT.
What about emergency service vehicles and delivery vehicles?
They would be given special access (electronic ID could automatically open the gate or barrier if there is one). It’s highly likely that small lightweight delivery vehicles would emerge rapidly.
I don’t believe this can be done. It’s just silly.
“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” (George Bernard Shaw)
It already has been and is being done very successfully in many places all around the world. See HERE and HERE. The only addition here is to keep the road and devote it to LPT rather than just give it to pedestrians alone. As technology improves and transport tools become lighter, smaller, safer and more efficient, and as cities become taller and more densely populated this is just one of those things that will need to happen anyway because it makes sense. Let’s just make sure we do it right.
You can get an idea of what this could be like from this video taken in Kuala Lumpur
If you like this post then please share it with others!
*LPT (Lightweight Portable Transport) is a term coined by the Peacemaker Foundation meaning any transport tool that is small and light enough to be carried or moved by hand. Examples are bikes, skateboards, rollerskates, scooters, electric wheels (Eucs), self balancing foot scooters (Hoverboards) and Segways.
Update in 2022
I no longer promote the use of ewheels (eucs) given that manufacturers are now making them with such high top speeds which is obviously completely unsafe. So focus is likely to be on scooters, other gadgets and urban commuter systems from now on.
Update in 2020: The Kingsong S series of eWheels are known now to be among the safest. Safety should be your top priority. The Inmotion ewheels also have a good reputation & are the rebranded versions of the original Inventist wheels (such as the Solowheel). Airwheel & various other brands are known to be cheap & of lower quality. A new updated table will hopefully appear here soon but for now see HERE
Below is an old post with outdated information
New terminology suggested by the Peacemaker Foundation
The new inventions are great, but our names for them are not: electric “unicycles” are not unicycles because they involve no cycling. “Hoverboards” don’t hover and they’re not boards. Furthermore when real hoverboards appear it will become even more confusing. Here are some suggested names:
Electric wheel or eWheel (electric self-balancing “unicycle” or “euc”)
Electric Foot Scooter (Self-balancing Dual Motor Electric Foot Scooter – a “hoverboard”)
LPT (Lightweight Portable/Personal Transport: transport involving devices that can be easily carried)
Transportable (Portable transport tool)
Self-balancers (self-balancing transport tools – as listed above)
If you can think of better names then please comment or get in touch.
Viewable PDF format
Word File: Electric Wheels Compared (February 2015)
PDF: Electric Wheels Compared (February 2015)
Winners Podium
Gold medal: Solowheel Orbit and Solowheel Extreme each are the winners in three categories, but they are also the most expensive.
Silver medal: Firewheel and Rockwheel also do quite well with each one winning in two categories. Hovertrax wins two categories as well but loses in four – just depends which categories are more important for you.
Bronze medal: What do you reckon? Perhaps Freeman A4.
Update: Recently a very promising and popular eWheel has been the Gotway which will certainly appear in the next edition of this table.
Author’s opinion
Personally I like the electric foot scooters because they’re easier to learn (apparently) so I bought Hovertrax which is great fun and very well built although it lacks stability at speed and only works well on smooth surfaces. If you have enough money and you value patent ethics you might wish to buy from Inventist seeing as they hold the patents. Furthermore, as of January 2015 the Solowheels generally gets the best reviews, such as on Amazon.
I’ve looked around so you don’t have to. Here are some links to some great videos.
Fantastic review of Solowheel, Hovertrax, Phunkeeduck & the zBoard Pro. Also shows how important it is to ride carefully!
Fun advert for the solowheel
The Solowheel in London
Fun advert for Ninebot 1
Super slick super cool ad for Ninebot 1
Fun advert for IPS F400
Airwheel Mail Delivery
Airwheel stunts
More Airwheel stunts
Foot Scooter videos
Hovertrax
Chic-smart video from Korea
Links
Lean Machines: Comparison Table of Self-Balancing Dual-Motor Electric Foot Scooters
The question is how to meet our energy needs in a safe and sustainable way. The answer is blowing in the wind.
(Photo from http://www.govtech.com, text added)
”Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”
W. H. Murray in The Scottish Himalaya Expedition, 1951, paraphrasing Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
This is to promote renewable energy in general rather than just wind turbines. Other renewable energy options have some advantages over wind energy. For example, solar power requires no moving parts so potentially means less maintenance, no threat to birds and no noise. However; wind energy is likely here to stay for now: the energy output of some of the largest wind turbines is colossal, small turbines can conveniently be put up onto roofs or various other places and furthermore new wind turbine designs claim to offer numerous advantages such as less noise, less cost, less threat to birds, use of less space and greater efficiency.
If you want to help reduce global warming you can support Avaaz
Petrol Scooters versus Electric Scooters
Save the Earth Competition
See these posters in Mandarin Chinese
汽油車對比電動車
愛護地球比賽
The Peacemaker Foundation 
