Sling Shot Transportation

Ever wonder what the world would be like if we used giant sling shots to get around?

  I do. I imagine that in the early days, there would have been very little protection. Hop into a seat, and someone stretches it out and lets go. Would have been fairly inaccurate as well. But like any other technology, the devices and safety would be improved upon. Helmets become standard, degree wheels and length of stretch measurements laid out on an easy to use platform would all improve safety and accuracy.

  At some point the government would step in and create regulations to be followed. The M.A.S.S.T. (Mothers Against Sling Shot Transportation) would be a major influence on restrictions such as age, size and physical well being.

  After years of competing companies driving the technology forward, regulations and restrictions will play a massive role in the platforms, machinery, safety and accuracy development. Seating arrangements, increased occupant loads, speed, and design will all be premium features available to only the upper level of our society.

  I imagine a poly-based bubble, with seats mounted inside streaming across the horizon line.

  As time progresses and the technology advances so far, it is common place for each citizen to have their own personal compact bubble. Instead of bus stops, there are sling stops. Freeways would be virtually unused. Pressurized and oxygenated units would replace airplanes. Fossil fuels would no longer be needed for internal combustion engines for daily use. Hobbyists would be the last to use gasoline and automotive oils.

  A whole new aftermarket accessory segment would be created. Performance waxes for faster speeds, custom graphics, and performance seating just to name a few. The thrill seekers would ramp it up somehow, finding some dangerous way to "sling". Possibly shooting straight up to the heavens and not knowing where they will land. Racing Sanctions would have a field day. Pit crews with replacement parts will be at random intervals. Rally races, and endurance races would be commonplace. Technical races would be the available for the extreme crowd. Having only a terrain map to follow and elevation restrictions keep the competitors moving through a difficult course, dodging trees, boulders, even mountains and canyons.

   Imagine a world full of balls flying through the sky.

To be continued...