The green side of the law
Rising gas prices are leading many to use some choice language at the pump, but they've lead to a new dialogue between the Public Safety Office and the campus community. Public Safety has implemented several new measures, including a pair of Segways to be greener and save money on fuel at the same time.
R. Steve Dick/University Relations
KU Public Safety Sgt. Troy Mailen, right, and officer Todd Carpenter patrol in front of Strong Hall on two new Segway electronic transport units. Public Safety has begun using the Segways and other measures to increase their "green" efforts and capabilities.
"Perhaps the best thing about the Segways is, they're generating a conversation between us and the community," said Capt. Schuyler Bailey. "People see our officers on them, and will stop and ask them about them, and we're glad to answer their questions."
The two-wheeled transporters are zipping across campus, going everywhere an officer on foot can go. By definition, Segways are a pedestrian item, meaning they can be used on sidewalks, in buildings, in classrooms and anywhere else foot traffic goes. Bailey said the expanded capabilities the new technology provides was the impetus behind their purchase. They also have several advantages such as no need for fuel, minimal required training and they allow officers to see over crowds, parked cars and other obstructions.
The Campus Safety Advisory Board, a student-funded group that examines safety issues on campus, purchased the Segways.
"They're great. They're utilized almost every day by officers and security personnel," Bailey said.
The Segways may be eye-catching, but they're not the only unique vehicles Public Safety has on the road. About a year ago the department purchased a Global Electric Motorcar, or GEM car. The battery-powered electric vehicle has been traversing campus without burning fuel.
"Our personnel are utilizing it all over campus. They respond to fire alarms, requests for assistance and all kinds of other calls," said Liz Phillips, assistant director of Public Safety.
The GEM car is not technically a vehicle by state standards, Phillips said, and does not count against the university's vehicle total. Still, it legally can be taken on any street in which the speed limit does not exceed 45 miles per hour. The department has been measuring the effectiveness of the GEM car and will determine if it will purchase more in the future.
Even more traditional vehicles in Public Safety's fleet are getting in on the green effort. The department has added several vehicles that are flex fuel capable. The patrol cars can run on biofuels such as E85, which are often cheaper by as much as 50 cents per gallon than regular gasoline.
"We have the ability to save money and be more environmentally friendly at the same time with these vehicles," Bailey said.
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