2008 Woodie Awards
Rebel with a cause
Segway will 'create chaos,' endanger students, campus security says
Coumba Tamboura
Issue date: 10/31/03 Section: Features
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This warrior in the bicycle helmet is Dr. Clark Parsons, instructional technology specialist at Bakersfield College, and owner of a contemporary marvel called the Segway Human Transporter.
Intrigued by the technology of the device, Parsons said he saw the Segway as a means to not only protect the environment, but also save money on energy and car repair.
"I'll prevent pollution, it will cost me 25 cents a week for electricity to keep it charged, and I will also prevent wear and tear on my car," he said.
However, the main reason he bought the Segway was to avoid the inconvenience of the hot summer.
Living about a mile and a half away from the college, the usual walks he takes leave him sweaty once he arrives at work.
"I thought it was a great way to get back and forth to work in the summer when it's too hot to walk."
People often wave at him when he passes by, or stop to chat and ask questions. Others simply follow him with astounded eyes as he disappears from their sight.
He also has been asked for rides.
"There are some people that don't like it, and some others jump on it," he said.
Campus security is probably among those who will not jump on the opportunity of testing Parsons' Segway.
"The problem is they consider it a motorized vehicle, because it has a battery and it has motors in it. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the internal sidewalks unless they are campus vehicles," Parsons said.
Mark Graf, campus security chief, confirmed the policy.
"An individual bicycle, moped, skateboard and Segway are not allowed to ride on campus," Graf said.
For him, allowing a Segway or any other kind of motorized vehicle would not be safe for students.
"I have nothing against the Segway at all," he said, "but there is just too many people walking around on campus, and there is an expectation from students that walking on the sidewalk they don't have to worry about any vehicle coming their way."
Although he is allowed to ride the Segway on the streets of Bakersfield, Parsons could not get a permit for it on campus when he asked for one.