As others have noted - the 'sidewalk resentment' angle is ~ same as early days of the motor-car vs horses: you had to have a guy waving a flag. People will get over that, unless users behave as assholish as they do in cars. Ok.. they Won't get over that :(
It's gotta be a lot more Fun than a computer game (ducks under console). Particularly liked his comment on getting off - a new way that isn't at all like 'walking'.
Imagine rentals at airports! Those Hitler/Speer-designed enclosed, interminable 'walk' ways: with all that crap slung over your shoulder. Put magic marker tags which sound alarms if you try to take one out of its area. Charge $, \ufffd appropriate to the utility and the Fun - gets public notice and converts. (He should subsidize these)
See? Any idiot can be a 'marketer'.
A.