When the Future Deviates from the Glorious Plan

[james_davis_nicoll]

CBC is running an interview with a segway fan, who is angry over the failure of society to accomodate this revolutionary transport device.

Comments

Re: History of bicycles

[james-nicoll.livejournal.com]

Bicycles did NOT revolutionize transportation.

Well, they did for kids, at least in NorAm. Also for people around the world who could not afford cars.

I'm sure I've read a book by an African set in Africa where the very first hint that the outside world was on a collision course with the protagonists was the appearence of a British man on a bicyle.

Re: History of bicycles

[robertprior.livejournal.com]

Reading literature of the period, they were seen as revolutionary. Comparitively affordable, with very low maintenance (compared to horses), they allowed ordinary people to travel further than usual. The sports car of the (late) 19th century.

You can read editorials in small town newspapers deploring the invvention, which allows city-folk to invade their tranquil towns and wreak havoc, then ride off leaving the locals to clean up. Preachers deplored people who went bicycling on their day off (Sunday) instead of going to church.

Re: History of bicycles

[armb.livejournal.com]

Allegedly provided enough travel opportunities to alleviate potential problsms of inbreeding in some small communities....