ZEPPELIN: "It's been a long time since I Rocked and Rolled..."

TOP PHOTO:  Hyannis News Editor and Publisher Rob Bastille receives valuable instruction from Chief Paul Macdonald   

BOTTOM PHOTO: Detective kevin Connolly hovers to answer questions 

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HYANNIS- The Barnstable Police have acquired a wonderful piece of equipment designed with the intention of keeping people in touch with each other.

It balances on two wheels and will move officers gracefully along the busy downtown sidewalks, but will also accomplish much more. 

At first glance these odd contraptions may seem to be humorous modes of transportation… that’s until you step up onto one and feel their genius.

Elevated a mere 8 inches above the sidewalk you enjoy a new refreshing stature where you are at a better vantage point than before.  You can see the world anew for you are not just standing on some machine… the experience is much more than that.

You haven’t just merely stepped on to some sort of new fangled vehicle, you’ve become part of one.

An intelligent coupling of man with a machine which follows your intentions before you can even express them with words. 

You’re still allowed to converse with the  obsolescent pedestrians while fluidly hovering or drifting along side by side… although you’re now a member of the “things to come...” the future can still embrace the past.

Upon suddenly evolving up onto my new improved stature, I tried not to let those watching know that I was now member of "The Future" (it probably would have freaked them out). 

Floating along at a swift 12.5 MPH I saw the world at a speed and perspective never before experienced- not too slow, not too fast.  It was much more different than a bicycle, skateboard, bus, trolley, or sedan.  I could fast forward to the next scene with a slight gesture.  Or I could stop, after some practice, a bit more difficult because I’m a person with a racing mind.

After some instruction from Barnstable Police Chief Paul Macdonald I felt like Forest Gump when he finally shed his leg braces- "I- WAS- ROLL-ING!"  I must admit I entertained thoughts of making a “roll-for-it” and never coming back… which would be considered “Larceny Over,” a felony in this state.  Not a very smart move!

It’s called a “Segway” and it’s the newest, most innovative piece of policing transport.

Chief Macdonald likes it because it will move his officers swiftly while they’re on the beat in a very special and unique way; for at any moment, just as if he were on foot, an officer may instantly hover and speak with someone quite naturally.  It’s the logical choice for an officer engaging in community policing.  Aside from its practicality, its novelty attracts people to the officer and conversations are born, connections developed…  Chief Macdonald envisions the community and police as team and he’s using technology to assist in that process.  If his officers find the Segway useful, he'll consider getting another one.

I am pleased to give the specially designed Police Model Segway an enthusiastic thumbs up! 

When asked if it would be fitted with a shotgun rack the good natured Chief just laughed…

I’m sure the readers of this article have many more questions about the Segway and I certainly have answers… but I won’t tell you anything more!  I leave you with your curiosity and urge you to visit the downtown area where you can ask our Segwaying Patrol Officers yourselves.

I- WAS- ROLL-ING! and it was a splendiferous occasion.

(I’d like to thank Chief Macdonald for the privilege and instruction on this fine machine… I wish I could immediately own one, take it apart, and see how it works.)