You are correct in saying that I copied your blog to serve my point only. If we think we have problems now with golf carts..imagine what problems segways will cause.

Again, I'm sorry. I am only one blogger..flip212 only!

I don't mind that you pasted in my post to illustrate your point. I was concerned by bad_ptc's assumption there was another contributor on the site using multiple names.

Would it have killed you to give proper credit to the original writer of the post?

Now, on to the Segway portion of tonights entertainment.

"If we think we have problems now with golf carts..imagine what problems segways will cause."

That's funny, 20 years ago we said if you think we have problems with 20,000 people living here..imagine the traffic 20,000 more people will cause.

Just how many Segways do you think will be riding around on the cart paths? The cost of purchasing a Segway varies depending on which model is chosen. In the US, a new Segway currently (MSRP, August 2007) costs between $5,145 and $6,175

I understand the we have some rather "well-to-do" types here that will buy their kid almost anything, but not at that price.

Another point you may no be aqware of; there are motorized wheelchairs that can go faster than a Segway's 12.5 mph. Are we to ban them as well?

Special to The Christian Science Monitor

But, in the wake of last month's decision to allow 15-year-olds with a learner's license to drive the carts as long as they are accompanied by older siblings, many are questioning whether the city has taken its experiment too far.

The consequences of the city council's vote were immediate. So many people paid attention to the decision that the paths were jammed with 15-year-olds the very next day – all illegally, because the ordinance didn't actually take effect until a week later.

The regular jam of four-wheel carts outside McIntosh High School worsened overnight. It's a situation complicated by the school's policy of not allowing students to park on the campus – there just isn't enough room.

Now, local businesses are feeling the effects. Congestion outside offices and retail stores in the area is worse than ever, and there have been complaints about bad parking and discarded fast-food cups and bags along the road.

Indeed, the carts have created a lot of work for the local police department. Today, the worst crime problem is kids stealing golf carts – over 90 percent of which eventually are found and returned.

And, if driver ed is part of the reason for allowing teens to get behind the wheel, many kids have a lot to learn. Already, some 50 citations have been handed out – at $46 a piece. Last Monday, a group of senior girls were seen unjamming the brakes on two carts in order to push them aside to create room for their own – a move that would be a felony offense in the real world. "Basically, all the police have to do in this town is chase teenagers," says Keith Cumbie, a teacher at McIntosh.

The cops have had to develop their own strategies to police this city's unique road system. They use gas-powered ATVs called "mules," souped-up golf carts, and a brand-new GEM car to patrol the winding paths. They've even been known to strap on rollerblades.

But it's teen traffic that remains the primary challenge of Peachtree's golf-cart system, and a problem that communities developing similar structures may also face.

"I think half the freshman and sophomore classes are driving them now," complains Whitney Hanlon, a senior. Adds sophomore Andrew Morton, "you got to get here early for a good parking space, or else you'll be walking."

Speaking of walking, people here admit that, at this point, it would be tough for Peachtree City kids to go back to promenading or even riding bikes to school. "That's not going to happen in this town," chuckles Maj. Dupree.

Golf carts are safe?

During 2005 in Peachtree City, there were 45 golf carts wrecks, 14 with injuries and one fatality, according to Peachtree City police.

During 2004, there were 40 crashes, 18 with injuries, according to police.

So far in 2006, there have been 20 accidents involving golf carts, 14 of which have involved injuries, according to police.

Lets see if I have this straight.

2004-2006, Golf carts, 105 wrecks, 46 injuries
2004-2006, Segways, 0 wrecks, 0 injuries

Does that about sums it up?

Interesting blog on the subject of a Segway

As with most all things PTC, it’s the ‘enablers’ that cause most of the problems. Parents, think of it as buying your kid a bike, car, motorcycle or weapon. If you’re going to buy your kid a $5,000 toy, see to it that they use it correctly and responsibly. If you don’t, the state of Georgia may be serving them their next Thanksgiving dinner.

P.S. I have no intention of purchasing a Segway.