3 ms·
There are different kind of small EVs of course. It depends on the role the EV fills. Sidewalks absolutely have to be reserved for pedestrian-level traffic, but
by mcv 4y ago
There are different kind of small EVs of course. It depends on the role the EV fills. Sidewalks absolutely have to be reserved for pedestrian-level traffic, but people who are unable to walk need to be able to go there, so EVs on the sidewalk should be as small as they can possibly be, open, and go a maximum of 5 kph.
Ideally, all urban street traffic should be slow enough to accommodate all other forms of traffic, so about 30 kph. Large connecting roads where you want cars to go faster than that should have a separation between car-level traffic and bike-level traffic, with bike traffic going about 15-25 kph and being narrow and preferably open, while car level traffic goes 40+ kph and is preferably enclosed.
Of course there will always be vehicles that don't quite fit one of those categories, which leaves the question to what extent traffic design should accommodate those vehicles, and to what extent those vehicles should just try to fit into the category that fits best.
- throwaway290 4y agoAgree on mobility vehicles for disabled persons, I didn't mention them specifically but they are in their own category as they do need to navigate walkable surfaces. I believe that a modern city should not tolerate powered vehicles not fitting any of the specific categories though. There is no limit to technical possibilities, but if we can it doesn't mean we should and meanwhile people have to live and go places without feeling constantly in danger, that's just not healthy.
- ryukafalz 4y agoProviding safe infrastructure for smaller powered (or unpowered) mobility devices means disabled people can get around more effectively too, because wheels work better on pavement than on (often uneven) sidewalks. I posted this in another thread but it’s relevant here too: https://youtu.be/xSGx3HSjKDo https://youtu.be/xSGx3HSjKDo Or for a longer look, this interview with Maya Levi who has MS was also really inspiring: https://youtu.be/knpDMq6wab0 https://youtu.be/knpDMq6wab0
- throwaway290 4y agoWhat speeds are you talking about where a normal sidewalk is a problem? What kind of ruined pavement is unfit for a mobility device moving at pedestrian speed?
- ryukafalz 4y agoMany mobility devices can move at speeds higher than pedestrian speed, but they can only effectively do that on a smooth surface that’s designed for it. (As shown in both of those videos.) This is especially beneficial for people who can’t drive. But as to your question about ruined pavement unfit for a mobility device moving at pedestrian speed, that describes a nontrivial portion of the sidewalks near my apartment in Philly. (And that’s if you can even navigate around all the parked cars blocking the crosswalks and curb cuts.)
- mcv 4y ago> I believe that a modern city should not tolerate powered vehicles not fitting any of the specific categories though. A lot of people are surprised that electric kick-scooters (I think that's the correct English word for it? Standup scooters maybe?) are illegal in Amsterdam, but this is exactly why. They're motorized, but they don't meet the standards of motorized vehicles around here.