Hello again,
I'll admit I'm the outsider here (had to look in a dictionary to find out
that "hard lines" means "tough luck"), and may not understand the complexion
of the various research councils, but ...
When I see a notice advocating the creation/encouragement of new,
innovative, cross-disciplinary research consortia, specifically seeking to
include "social equity" and "community building", and then find that at
least two organizers and editors of the "Cycling and Society" symposia and
book are left out, it makes me wonder. For my part, although I would
probably not be able to apply directly as an investigator, being from the
colonies and all, I would have brought something to the table. I am an
academic geographer and GIS map maker, with degrees in natural resources and
science and technology studies. I'm an experienced government transportation
official (cycling/pedestrian division), and have worked with the North
American analogue of Sustrans. My present historical studies look at the
interwar years, when decisions were made that continue to shape the present
conditions of British cycling. I would argue that not enough voices were
included in the debates then. It would be a shame to persist in that
approach now.
None of this, of course, should be taken for disregard of the quantitative,
empirical side of things. Numbers are necessary, but not sufficient.
Many thanks to those attending for their willingness to report back to
colleagues here. All best ...
David Patton
On 11/1/07 2:17 PM, "Paul Rosen" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Oh well, it was off the record till I clicked send!
>
> Paul Rosen wrote:
>> Thanks, Tim - you're right, it is telling. My worry (off the record for
>> now) is that Sustrans are pulling the strings too strongly here, given
>> that they have effectively been given £4m of R&D out of the public
>> purse, and they've closed off scope of what might develop at a very
>> early stage.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Paul
>>
>> Tim Jones wrote:
>>> I'm also attending. Will feedback along with John and Tim. Hard lines
>>> to the others. I think it is telling that the 'quantitative barriers
>>> to cycling' boys made the first hurdle being as we are dealing with
>>> the EPSRC here but I think you are right that it would be good to
>>> understand the selection criteria.
>>>
>>> Tim Jones
>>> OBU
>>>
>>> Tim Ryley wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have found out in the last day that I too have a place, and am
>>>> willing, like John, to provide feedback to the group. I am hopeful
>>>> that it will develop upon cycling research being undertaken, and link
>>>> well with the Cycling and Society group. But will have to wait and see.
>>>>
>>>> Tim
>>>>
>>>> Dr Tim Ryley
>>>> Lecturer in Transport Studies
>>>> Transport Studies Group
>>>> Loughborough University
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:15:37 -0000
>>>> "Parkin, John" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I have a place. I will let you know how things went and the make up of
>>>>> who went when I have been.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Dr John Parkin
>>>>> Reader in Transport Engineering and Planning
>>>>> University of Bolton
>>>>> Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5AB UK
>>>>> t:01204 903 027 m:07903 523 017
>>>>> w: http://data.bolton.ac.uk/staff/jp10/
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Cycling and Society Research Group discussion list
>>>>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Dave Horton
>>>>> Sent: 31 October 2007 10:43
>>>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>>>> Subject: Re: EPSRC meeting next week
>>>>>
>>>>> Hiya David and all
>>>>>
>>>>> I applied for a place, but didn't get one.
>>>>>
>>>>> But, like David, I think it'd be good to be kept in the picture by
>>>>> someone who is going, if someone's willing to do that.
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope someone from this group is going ....
>>>>>
>>>>> Best wishes
>>>>>
>>>>> Dave Horton
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Patton" <[log in to unmask]>
>>>>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 10:26 AM
>>>>> Subject: EPSRC meeting next week
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hello All,
>>>>>
>>>>> Will someone attending the Coventry workshop mext week please post an
>>>>> update to the group? I won't be there, but am very interested to see
>>>>> what
>>>>> sort of cross-disciplinary teams come out of the meeting.
>>>>>
>>>>> Best of luck to all attendees.
>>>>>
>>>>> David Patton
>>>>>
>>>>> Clare Hall
>>>>> University of Cambridge
>>>>
>>
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