Stopping Distance

Stopping distances for vehicles on Mars are three times greater than on Earth.

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00:00: [Foreboding orchestral music]; [Gustav Holst: Mars, the Bringer of War]
00:22: [Music]; [Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance (Land of Hope and Glory)]
00:32: This is New Albion on Mars
00:36: The leisurely pace of transport at New Albion; is in part due to low gravity.
00:42: Stopping distances - the distance covered between; applying brakes and coming to a complete halt -
00:48: are about 3 times here what they are on Earth.
00:53: The stopping distance problem is the same for all; modes of transport that rely on friction to stop -
00:59: including walking and running.
01:03: Lower gravity mostly means less work for muscles; and skeletons, which can
01:08: make them weaker than if living on Earth.
01:11: Collisions still dissipate the same energy however,; so caution is strongly advised.
01:19: Pedal vehicles are prevalent in New Albion.
01:22: Standard upright bicycles are rarely used,
01:25: as the risk of going over the handlebars while; braking is so much greater here.
01:31: Most 'working' vehicles inside New Albion are; low-slung recumbents in which the rider reclines,
01:37: head up, against an inclined cradle.
01:41: Accelerating a heavy-laden pedal vehicle is made; easier by having a seat back to brace against.
01:49: Some colonists take advantage of Mars gravity by; running for transport.
01:54: While low gravity makes some aspects of running easier,
01:58: the same issue of stopping distance and; collision energy remains.
02:02: Even a trip can result in impressive 'air time'.
02:08: At New Albion, 'flying helmets' aren't just for pilots!
02:15: [Dissonant clashing orchestral music]; [Gustav Holst: Mars, the Bringer of War]
02:32: [orchestral music continues]