2. For the sake of argument, let us assume a number of
things.
-The skateboard is taboo.
-The simple majority of U.S. citizens cannot ride a
skateboard
-People are afraid of the culture of the skateboard
-People have decided the skateboard has no place in
transportation planning
3. It is my opinion that the skateboard is a viable means
of transportation.
-The skateboard moves at a greater speed than walking
-The skateboard can travel on most wheel-compatible
pathways
-Many trips are short enough to warrant NMV use,
including the skateboard.
4. Consider
• Although very good, a bicycle has cons.
• A skateboard excels where a bicycle has
problems, and vice versa.
• An individual capable of using both can have all
available pros for the NMVs.
• Bicycles are for long trips. (the difficulty in
parking, need for a lock, etc. make it inconvenient
for many short trips)
• Skateboards are for short trips, and are portable
enough for most imaginable multi-modal trips.
5. Bicycles vs. Skateboard
Bicycles
• Excellent for single vehicle
trips.
• Travels very quickly, but is
not good for carrying.
• Does not fit well into cars or
onto mass transportation
• Is allowed on roads and
sidewalks.
Skateboards
• Excellent for multi-modal
trips
• Travels more moderately,
but leaves hands free to
carry or interact.
• Fits very well into cars or
onto mass transportation
• Is not allowed on roads or
sidewalks.
6. So in theory, the longboard could make mass
transportation feasible despite urban sprawl.
7. We could make our cities look like this.
Transit exits could be at the top of the hills
Transit entrances could be at the bottom of the hills
This would mean we could go downhill both ways!!!!
“LONGBOARD!!”
8. If the longboard can arguably travel at 8 mph on
good sidewalk, and the direct route bus is 1.1 miles
away, then a longboarder can travel to the bus stop
in 10 minutes and skip the neighborhood trawler
bus.
They can board the bus in the same time and fashion
as a pedestrian, occupy the same seat as a
pedestrian, and get off the bus the same as a
pedestrian. They didn’t block the aisle, or make the
bus wait for them to load something onto an
external rack!
AAAND, America didn’t have to build a thing! (we
need more nmv roads)
