Hovering Over Some Dangerous Legislation

Predictions of what our lives would be like, according to “Back to The Future,” were projected on October 21st.  It’s interesting to see the technology and gadgetry that presently exists which “Back To The Future” didn’t even foresee.

These babies are HOT!

Interestingly enough, the hoverboard (or a similar version of the skateboard-like device) is one of the personal transportation modes showcased by the popular 1980s movie, which many enjoy in society today. Okay, so the hoverboards presently on the market don’t levitate feet above the ground and we won’t be cascading through the streets like we’re effortlessly surfing waves at the beach. It’s still an exciting looking Segway that’s – guess what – illegal!

Bronx City Councilman Andy King wants to make your “Back To The Future” fantasies come true…Somewhat! He recently told Channel 11 news that he’s interested in pushing to legalize these motorized marvels so that New Yorkers can ride them in certain recreational places such as parks and playgrounds.

Let’s get real…Residents already treat their cars, motorcycles and other modes of transportation recklessly! They’re speeding, trying to outrace another driver through an intersection and some even manage to overturn their cars while “making too sharp of a turn!” Gimme a break.  No one’s car - while traveling at the normal speed limit – completely flips over unless they’re attempting to turn their community into a NASCAR race!

Is it just me or do we have more accidents NOW involving motorcycles and cars than ever before? Even looking back at Canarsie Couriers from the 1980s when “Back To the Future” was popular, there weren’t nearly as many hit-and-runs and flipovers as there are now.

Regular bicycles, which are street legal, are already a hazard to those who pedal against traffic or into traffic – and cyclists have plenty of clear and open places they can trek for miles on end in our elusive city! While ATVs (all terrain vehicles) are not allowed on the streets, plenty of people get into accidents with these too. Just last May, in Gerritsen Beach, a man’s ATV overturned in the brush in the Marine Park ballfield. So what if it was illegal to operate? This “law” wouldn’t have prevented the man’s death!

I even took photos of an accident involving a man who was racing up East 92nd Street on his bike when he slammed into a driver’s open door. Witnesses at the scene told me the biker wasn’t paying attention to cars on the road – not even the ones that were parked. Something as simple as a bike ride could turn deadly – so let’s add hoverboards to the mix of fun things with wheels that will land us on a stretcher!

Let’s also take robberies into consideration. There are enough thugs and bad guys out there threatening teens for their bikes and scooters. Our youths are getting shot at for their gadgets and now officials will have the option of agreeing to legalize something that can lead to more crime?  Great!

How about the safety hazards of this thing? This month, an exploding hoverboard was allegedly to blame for a house fire in Louisiana. They’re not quite sure if there’s a component that overheated when charged inappropriately or if the fire was simply a result of it being a cheap version of the futuristic skateboard. People are probably going to buy the least expensive version of the hoverboard – not taking the safety risks into account. Us worry about safety? Please!

On another note, does it really matter if this two-wheeled wonder (or sometimes one-wheeled) is legalized for street use? People will continue to do as they wish and make headlines when they die a tragic death or wind up in traction for cruising dangerously on the self-balancing scooters.

Perhaps if hoverboards literally did hover above the ground – like in “Back To The Future,” we’d be able to divert ourselves from slamming into a moving object. We’d be able to float right over a car or motorcycle heading our way! A real hoverboard – that will enable us to take to the air at any given time – will also prevent our valuables from being stolen. Want to narrowly avoid that thug who’s harassing you?  Hover over him and aim for the sky!

I’m not impressed with the popularity of this dangerous gadget…Then again, this IS the future and we’re still crashing and burning in whatever stylish mode of transportation we choose.