Bicicultures Roadshow: The Critical Bicycling Studies Tour de California<http://bicicultures.wordpress.com>

Call for Participants: Preferred Deadline Feb 10

April 16-17, 2013 in Davis, California

What is it?
The Bicicultures Roadshow will be a time for activists and researchers 
to talk, ride, eat, and play as we discuss and experience bicycling 
cultures. At this two-day conference, we will grapple with the shifting role of
bicycle research and activism as it crosses lines between policy,
recreation, and radical organizing. The event will take place in Davis, 
a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community, home of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of
Fame, and site of the first bike lanes in the U.S. This event is made
possible through support from the University of California 
Transportation Center.

Why Bicicultures?
“Bicicultures” refers to the multiple social worlds of bicycling that
co-exist, but may not overlap, in shared spaces. Rather than taking
bicycling as a unitary object of analysis, we seek to investigate the
construction of diverse meanings around the practice of cycling across 
timeand space.

What will happen at the event?
Rather than following a traditional conference format of breakout 
sessions and individual papers, this event will emphasize ongoing discussion 
among all participants. Events may include keynote speakers, roundtable
discussions, interactive panel presentations, workshops, field trips, 
and bicycle rides. We anticipate vibrant discussions about how diverse
communities are using and thinking about bicycling as a tool to 
maintain and reinvent their worlds. Specific topics and formats will be 
formulated based on participant interest. We anticipate conversations around 
topics such as race, gender, class, ability, gentrification, activism, public
space, embodiment, technology, design, recreation and sport,
sustainability, mobilities, and more.

How can I participate?
We encourage participation from researchers and activists working in
urban and transportation bicycling and in sport and recreational cycling, as 
well as those concerned with bicycling’s social and cultural life. To
participate, please submit a short piece (~500 words) explaining your
interest in bicycling cultures, and what research, project, experience, 
or knowledge you would like to share at this event. Depending on your
inclination, this may take the form of a research abstract, description 
of activist work, questions for discussion, workshop ideas, etc. Include 
your name, affiliation (if appropriate), and contact information. Group
submissions welcome. Participation may be limited, so please submit by
February 10th for full consideration. Submissions and inquiries can be 
sent to Sarah Rebolloso McCullough [log in to unmask] and Adonia Lugo at
[log in to unmask]

What makes it a roadshow?
Prior to the Davis event, we will also participate in a field 
investigation of Los Angeles’ bicycling worlds in tandem with the Association of 
American Geographers conference (April 9-14th). This event will include 
organized rides and a roundtable discussion about the history and future of the 
LA bike movement. Participants in the Davis event are welcome, though not
expected, to participate in LA events. Those who are able to attend all
events will enjoy vibrant conversations with people dedicated to the
study and practice of bicycling from a multitude of perspectives—from 
sanctioned bicycle events to autonomous actions, from bicycling street fair to 
bike repair garages, from cities to countryside. Participants are encouraged 
to attend as much or as little of the Roadshow as desired, all nine days 
or just an afternoon. Contact the organizers for more information about
the LA components.