A Taxonomy of Transport Nerds: Nerdus Transportus
I've been thinking for some time now about my business partner, Bruce Jeffreys and his passion for light rail and airplanes of all types. Never have I met someone who can identify a passing plane by the engine sound, without looking at it. Truly a special person.
Being somewhat of a nerd myself (of the Dungeons and Dragons / blog writing flavour), I was happy to discover a new sub species of nerd: The Transport Nerd.
How would one identify a Transport Nerd? Are there different sub types of Transport Nerds? Where can they be found? Am I one? These are the pressing issues of the day.
I kinda figured there would be a few categories, so here goes.
Light Rail Nerd (Nerdus Raeda) rare
Not your garden variety trainspotter, your light rail nerd is a special breed indeed. Characterised by an irrational belief that light rail is the solution to every cities transport problem, Nerdus Raeda can be found living in inner Sydney (but wishing they were living in Melbourne), generally within 200m of an old arterial tram route that has since been turned into a road. They often will spend hours scouring roads for the 'ghosts of trams past', or the shadows of old tram lines whic have long been since tarred over. It is rare to see one of these on a bus.
Bike Nerd (Nerdus Cyclus) common
If you have more than one bike, you are one. If you possess (and wear) a flurescent jacket, or a helmet light, you are one. If you've ever participated in Critical Mass and then debated (though your generous beard) the best way to cycle from point A to point B over a pint of ale, you are one. Some of Gogets oldest members are Bike Nerds. Bless you all!
Pedestrian Nerd (Nerdus Perambulo) rare
A rare breed, usually quite noisy and excellent at generating attention. Also found in inner urban areas waiting at pedestrian crossings, obsessively pressing the button and waiting for the green man. They can be distinguished from your everyday obsessive compulsive type by asking them the simple question "Exactly how many seconds is it between the green and the red man, and what impact does that have on pedestrian traffic flow?"
Recumbent Bicycle Nerd (Nerdus Cyclus Specialis ) extremely rare
A sub species of Nerdus Cyclus, the Recumbent Bicycle Nerd is a prize catch for any budding nerdcatcher. With brilliant plumage and sophisticated propulsion system, the Recumbent Nerd is the BumbleBee of the Cycling world - and just like the BumbleBee (which theoretically should not be able to fly) , they defy physics on their daily commute.
Airline Nerd (Nerdus Aviatus)
Anyone who subscribes to 'Aviation Monthly', but does NOT possess a pilots licence is pretty certain to be an Airline nerd. I don't know what it is about these over hyped aluminium tubes that makes some people love them so, but planes arouse strange passions in even the most reasonable men. Bruce, for example, co-founder of GoGet, used to spend nights by himself at Perth International Airport to watch the jumbos come in from round the world. Not bad for a 10 year old!
posted by Nic at 7:36 AM
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