Testing a zip line that goes round corners
If you invent a new theme park or amusement ride, how do you test it to make sure it’s safe? There’s no Federal Bureau of Zip Lines. I visited one of the companies that does just that sort of testing – and, now, inventing.
More about Holmes Solutions: https://holmessolutions.com/
And their adventure recreation division: https://holmessolutions.com/case-study/adventure-recreation
Information on foreseeable misuse:
Health and Safety Executive. (2017). Fairgrounds and amusementparks: Guidance on safe practice. London: HSE Books. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/hsg175.pdf [PDF]
Information on US regulation of theme parks:
Hollandsworth, S. (2018). Schlitterbahn’s Tragic Slide. Texas Monthly. Retrieved from https://www.texasmonthly.com/news/jeff-henry-verruckt-schlitterbahns-tragic-slide/ – this is an interesting and somewhat harrowing article on the now-demolished world’s largest waterslide.
Edited by Michelle Martin https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheCrux
Audio mix by Graham Haerther (http://haerther.net)
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Comments
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@TomScottGo
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
I'm worried that this video feels a bit like it's an infomercial. It's not sponsored, of course, I'd declare if it was — but this happened because, basically, an email that says "Tom, do you want to visit a ride test facility and have a go on a zip-line that goes round corners?" is catnip for me.
@JTVLive0
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
These are everywhere now lmfao
@leona_cao
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
"We like to break things"
@Alt-Key_Here
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Not that person dangling in the in the background of the beginning. XD
@QAYWSXEDCCXYDSAEWQ
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
So, the chief engineer had a beer with the head of Marketing, and well, there you have it: They invited Tom Scott to come and test their latest contraption.
@GreatNW
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
I know they said they had a patent on this technology but this has been used in cable logging for decades and i know at least 2 other companies have patents on it, so if there is ever a lawsuit the company that's held the patent the longest wins.
@lucas_lb_cube
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
these are so fun omfg
@PuReWiReZ
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Wouldn't this overload in heat in long distances since you can't lubricate eddie currents?
@SamuelBastable
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Imagine travelling down a mountain on one of these, curving around trees and streams and all sorts of picturesque landscapes as you rocket down the hillside – Combination of scenic tour and thrill ride! 😍😍😍😍
@zach9227
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Your helmet was on backwards the entire video and nobody said anything
@9ine300
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
1:43 ah-lume- in – num !!!
@D3ck0fAces
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Wait… you’re telling me this is new? I have this at my local trampoline park
@sethapex9670
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Imagine a human stupidity laboratory, and any time someone commits an extremely negligent crime they are sent there to be used as test subjects to explore just how stupid people can be.
@topilinkala1594
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Anyting can be either broken or stolen except 1m of rail steel. It is too heavy to be stolen and too short to bend.
@stanleybest8833
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
I smash the like button before I watch Tom Scott. It saves time.
@pamdrayer5648
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
2:41 Hold it, can you have your phone on a ride there? I'm 99% sure you cannot do that in the US.
@NopeSecret
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
1:35 when you patent the laws of physics .. lmao
@NopeSecret
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Patents.. because progress should be gated.
@AnyLongSkinsNah
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Idk way more moving parts and only one company that makes them. Looks like a maintenance nightmare.
@TheMatthewDMerrill
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
This isn't exactly a zip line and is more of a zip-rail, therefore a real zip line hasn't been made to go around a corner yet.
@agreymonkeynamedasa
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
This is brilliant
@keelerrobinson5772
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
It’s so funny to me that Tom is clearly holding something in his hand, but because of the nature of the film stick he’s using it looks like he’s holding a microphone at a very odd angle
@LaCazaLP
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
0:18 Dude in the Background having the time of his life just swinging around lmao
@ryanrussell2337
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
🤙🏾
@mattresbert
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Brilliant
@cindchan
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
That actually looks fun! And this from someone who has always looked at zip-lines and went, "nope".
@ihatestairsEXTERMINATE
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
is that related to Sherlock?
@garretttuckerrc
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Go to urban air
@MADB0SS
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
this is special? bro its literally at my local play area or whatever you call it, the places with like a bunch of advanced playground stuff
@peppermintmiso4341
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
ayo where is the selfie stick?
@FlyTyer1948
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Cool. Tom, you certainly get some interesting emails.
@danieltaber4924
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
This episode hits different now that we know you're roller-coaster-phobic
@hitokage4
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
I will LOVE to ride this in the future!!
@violagreene4643
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
"Work out how people could do stupid things … which they will." Truer words were never spoken.
@willplays4876
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
So many NZ videos! I live here and it’s great that you cover this stuff.
@mattban4136
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
What a cool company!
@joebonomono
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
It's good to be Tom.
@rikittykat
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
This looks so fun
@cavemann_
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
1:17 I hate them for this so much.
@Bornahorse
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Hold up, Pigeon Forge, TN?! What's the ride called?
@paraglidingguys
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
“It’s important that we comply with standards” shows clip of a hole in the wall 😂
@mrexists5400
December 12, 2025 at 11:14 pm
it's been 3 years, any news on this?
Comments are closed.