Segways

[BrizCommuter]

Is a Segway faster than the Ferny Grove Line?
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/is-segway-faster-than-ferny-grove-line.html

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/9/2/police-to-trial-segways-in-pedestrian-areas

Media Release
Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Police to trial segways in pedestrian areas

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) will begin the first Australian trial of the use of segways to test their suitability to police operations.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the three month trial would be undertaken by general duties officers at Brisbane's South Bank and the Cairns Esplanade Police Beat.

"New technologies such as segways need to be tested to determine how they can enhance policing and provide better service to the community," Mr Dempsey said.

"Segways have already shown to be useful tools for police overseas and it is great to see Queensland police testing how segways will benefit the community.

"Segways will allow police to cover large distances faster and more frequently.

"The areas chosen both have a high population of pedestrians and people enjoying the outdoors making these areas perfect to test how effective segways will be."

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart welcomed the trial and said he would be interested to see if the personal transporters met the operational expectations of the QPS.

"Segways are used by many police departments and law enforcement agencies in the USA and Europe as an alternative mode of transport for operational officers," Commissioner Stewart said.

"Police officers taking part in the trial will be comprehensively trained in the safe use of the transporters and the model used has been specifically designed and equipped by the manufacturer for policing applications."

Commissioner Stewart said QPS would be the first law enforcement agency to trial the equipment in Australia and the Service looked forward to testing its capabilities in two heavily populated areas.

"It will be important to assess the response times and to gauge the community acceptance before we know if the equipment would be a viable option," Commissioner Stewart said.

[ENDS] 2 September 2013

[ozbob]

Twitter

Matt Macklin ‏@Matt_Macklin456 10m

The police segway officers with Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Transport Minister Scott Emerson @612brisbane http://t.co/PGzaE0skiI

[ozbob]

 Queensland Police launch Segway trial

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

http://www.alex4gaven.com.au/3992/why-do-police-need-segways/

Why do police need Segways?

Queensland Police using Segways on public footpaths are likely to contribute to a rising accident profile in Brisbane and Cairns, according to Dr Alex Douglas, the Member for Gaven.

"It's  obvious that the State Government is trying to prove Segways on public footpaths are a good idea and trying to condition the public into accepting their ignorance of overwhelming overseas research by getting the police to use them first," he said this morning.

Queensland Police will undertake a three-month trial using Segways on Cairns Esplanade  and Brisbane's Southbank.

Dr Douglas said recent well-regarded American studies had shown a spike in injuries from Segway accidents with victims suffering massive facial trauma, brain injuries and serious fractures of clavicles, ribs, ankles and arms.

"Most fell off the devices, usually when they encountered a bench, tree or pole and many were tourists trying out segways as part of sightseeing tours," he said.

"There is already a problem with mobility devices in Australia but that seems to be no obstacle for Premier Campbell Newman and his newfound Segway enthusiasm.

"Is this really about boys with their toys rather than a serious attempt to progress preventative policing?

"Despite Segways being declared one of the top 50 worse ever inventions, the Newman Government is determined to inflict this on our already challenged public footpaths.

"The police have helicopters, cars, boats, motor bikes, bikes, horses and now Segways.

"Just exactly what they need these dangerous cumbersome gimmicks for escapes me.

"Does anyone in authority ever in dealing with this poorly read Premier ever just stare him down and say no?  It seems not."

[ozbob]

Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Cairns Segway trial off to a good start

Officers from the Cairns Police Beat have hit the Esplanade rolling as a part of an Australian-first trial of the use of Segways in policing.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey earlier this month announced officers in Cairns would take part in the three month trial being conducted on the Esplanade and on Brisbane's South Bank.

"Officers in Brisbane have already reported operational benefits, including the ability to see over the large crowds from the extra height provided by the Segways and the ability to cover large distances faster," Mr Dempsey said.

"These new technologies need to be tested to determine how they can help police provide better services to the community.

"The Cairns Esplanade was chosen as one of the areas for the trial due to its high number of pedestrians and its large flat area which is ideal for Segway use.

"Segways have already shown to be useful tools for police overseas and it is great to see Queensland police testing how Segways might benefit the community.

"Two Segways, fitted out with police livery and flashing lights, will be used here in Cairns as part of the trial and a further two are in use in Brisbane.

"Officers involved in the trial have been comprehensively trained in the safe use of the Segways."

If the trial is successful, the use of Segways could be rolled out to other areas in the state.

The combined Cairns and Brisbane Segway trial is worth $8,500.

[ENDS] 13 September 2013

[ozbob]

Twitter

Henry Palaszczuk ‏@HenryPalaszczuk 4m

What's going on!! A sign banning Segways on Victoria Bridge. Is this a sign of things to come? #qldpol http://t.co/qAT6LZDLou

[ozbob]

Segway Blog --> Segway Announces Development of a Three-Wheel Personal Transportation Device for the Public Safety Market

[#Metro]

I saw a group of people on Segways going around Kangaroo point. They were a tour group and the tour guide was also on a segway too. I think it will be very useful for tour groups.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Ian Stewart ‏@CoPStewart 14s

Talking 2 front line police in Cairns this morning. Segways attracting lots of interest. Thx 2 all staff -grt work! http://t.co/fzu1odBIgs

[johnnigh]

They look really aggressive! I think it's the helmets...

What speed can they do? Anything like what their MTBs can do, esp when steps are involved (bikes down a set of stairs should be part of bike squad training as in NSW)?.

[ozbob]

Segways on footpaths for citizens are set to 12 km/h max.  Although I understand the Police are able to go up to 20 km/h or thereabouts.

This is no doubt to allow to them to successfully pursue an errant Segway rider ... 

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider 15m

First CBD sighting of man on Segway! http://t.co/zQlC4PKdst

[STB]

Geez, they look so derpy.  Thanks Qld Government for making Brisbane look derpy!

[curator49]

I was in San Francisco last week and saw a group of tourists (about on Segways with a guide showing them around the Fisherman's Wharf district.. They were very much learners swerving across to the wrong side of the road and spinning around and almost coming off these things.

There were some near misses and lots of spinning around with a few almost dislodging themselves. I didn't see anyone actually come off but their guide seemed to be concerned at times by his mannerisms and riding around the perimeter of the group - like herding cats. It was heavily trafficed with the America Cup in progress. Accident/s waiting to happen.

[techblitz]

just thinking about our current and future expansion of bikeway/pedestrian paths. BCC need to get the Segway icons painted. Currently have ones for bike and pedestrians.

[HappyTrainGuy]

just thinking about our current and future expansion of bikeway/pedestrian paths. BCC need to get the Segway icons painted. Currently have ones for bike and pedestrians.

I walked along the Brisbane river not too long ago and they had no segway signs up. I had a chuckle. No tours along the shared pathway by the looks of it then.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/1/9/police-segway-trial-to-be-extended

Acting Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable John McVeigh
Thursday, January 09, 2014

Police Segway trial to be extended

Queensland Police will continue to trial the use of Segways in the state's pedestrian areas with an additional two Segways to be trialled on the Sunshine Coast.

Acting Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister John McVeigh said police would continue the existing trial of Segways at South Bank and along the Cairns Esplanade.

"The extension of the initial three-month trial period will also allow police to extensively test the capabilities of the Segways during the peak holiday period," Mr McVeigh said.

"The extension and expansion of the trial period will allow police to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the use of Segways by police.

"The Newman Government is committed to ensuring police officers have all the equipment they need to help keep Queenslanders safe, including the trialling of new technologies such as Segways.

"This trial is another example of how, after years of Labor neglect, the Newman Government has taken steps to move the Queensland Police Service into the 21st century.

"The Queensland Police Service is also currently conducting a mobile data trial which will see police officers have access to Queensland Police databases with the swipe of a finger."

Member for Noosa Glen Elmes, who inspected the new Segways on the Sunshine Coast today, said he looked forward to seeing the Segways patrolling the Noosa and Mooloolaba/Alexandra Headlands areas.

"The Segways are proving to be a useful form of transport to help officers protect Sunshine Coast communities," Mr Elmes said.

"The Segways are a fantastic community engagement tool and if they help officers to build stronger relationships in the community and make people feel safe, then we are taking a step in the right direction."

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the personal transporters had assisted officers in the investigation of armed robberies, break and enters, wilful damage and numerous street offences.

"Officers involved in the trial have said the use of the Segways has been beneficial in their day to day work," Commissioner Stewart said.

"Some of the benefits include improved sight lines, slow manoeuvrability in crowds and the distance covered during patrols."

Commissioner Mr Stewart said the Segways had been used on 35 shifts in the Southbank area and during the trial, 140 street checks had been performed, nine eviction notices issued, four suspects located, four people located wanted on warrant and four helmet warnings issued.

In Cairns, the Segways had been used on 22 shifts and officers had been involved in more than 112 public engagement jobs, two street checks, issued seven cautions for drinking in a public place and located one person wanted on a warrant.

[ENDS] 9 January 2014

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Brisbane could become famous for its Segway tours as thousands roll up to Riverlife for a ride

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> South Bank police say Segway trial has quadrupled their efficiency while patrolling Brisbane

[ozbob]

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Segway trial extends to the Gold Coast

Policing on the Gold Coast will take another step into the 21st century with two Segways to be assigned to Broadbeach for officers to patrol the popular tourist strip.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Acting Assistant Commissioner Steve Hollands announced the Gold Coast District would join the state-wide police trial of Segway personal transporters.

"This is another example of how after years of Labor neglect, the Newman Government is moving the Queensland Police Service into the 21st century," Mr Dempsey said.

"With a fully badged police helicopter, more officers on the beat and new laws to crack down on organised crime, the government is ensuring the Gold Coast is a safer place for residents and tourists alike.

"Trialling of new technologies, such as Segways, ensures police officers have all the equipment they need to keep Queenslanders safe.

"From today, two additional Segways will be based at Broadbeach for trained general duty police officers to patrol the main esplanades and surrounding areas. 

"The Segways are a fantastic engagement tool and if they help officers to build stronger relationships in the community and make people feel safe, then we are taking a step in the right direction."

The Gold Coast will become the fourth area in Queensland to trial the Segways with officers at South Bank, Cairns and the Sunshine Coast already benefitting from the technology.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Steve Hollands said the personal transporters had assisted officers in the investigation of armed robberies, break and enters, wilful damage and numerous street offences.

"Officers involved in the trial say the Segways have been beneficial in their day-to-day work and we look forward to seeing how they could help our policing strategies on the Gold Coast," he said.

"Some of the benefits include improved sight lines, manoeuvrability in crowds and a greater distance covered during patrols."

The trial is expected to be completed towards the end of May, after which a state-wide evaluation will take place.

The Segway personal transporter is a self-balancing, two wheeled electric vehicle designed to carry one person, and steered by the weight of the rider.

[ENDS] 12 March 2014

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland cop takes a stack on segway, spins it into a fundraiser for sick kids

[ozbob]

Twitter

ABC News Queensland ‏@abcnews_qld 4 minutes ago

After much public fanfare, the Qld Police Service quietly abandons Segway squads. #backpedal http://ab.co/1LApg5I 

[ozbob]

Queensland - the place for the big decisions ...