Overview
Pendulum transit turns the simplest machine into a city‑scale network. You swing from anchor to anchor, using gravity, inertia, and timing rather than fuel. The city’s geometry is designed as an energy landscape: every anchor placement, height difference, and pathway exists to preserve momentum and minimize input.
Core Mechanics
A swing is a pendulum. At the top of an arc, potential energy is highest. At the bottom, kinetic energy peaks. By transferring between swings at the right moment, you preserve energy while redirecting your path.
Small adjustments matter. Shortening a cable mid‑swing increases angular velocity. A slight change in anchor angle redirects your arc. These techniques allow skilled commuters to accelerate, decelerate, or change direction with minimal effort.
Multi‑Layered Routes
Transit paths exist at multiple altitudes. High routes favor speed and long arcs. Mid‑level routes favor stability. Lower routes favor access and safety. This vertical layering prevents congestion and allows a range of skill levels to coexist.
Safety and Assistance
Smart harnesses and automated attachment points assist beginners. Dynamic routing systems calculate collision‑free trajectories. Emergency nets or catch systems exist at critical nodes. Over time, riders develop subconscious navigation skills, allowing the body to manage motion while the mind focuses elsewhere.
Emergent Movement
Because everyone is moving, cooperative techniques evolve. You can “chain” swings with others to cross large gaps or gain momentum. In some systems, shared multi‑person swing pods act like buses, linking riders into synchronized arcs.
What Becomes Possible
- Car‑free transit powered by gravity and human momentum.
- Continuous movement without traffic lights or intersections.
- Routes that can be reconfigured quickly by adding or shifting anchor points.
What Changes
Commuting becomes a physical practice and a skill. You don’t just travel—you perform. The city becomes a kinetic space, and transit becomes a shared dance rather than isolated driving.