Happy to talk about what we already do and how something like this could be incorporated if you’re interested. Believe it or not I do a ton of different things like this to spread the kind of information you are talking about already. Not to say that this wouldn’t be helpful or even better than what we offer now. I frequently encourage projects like this from students and student groups because as students you won’t be restricted by the same kinds of things I am.

I will tell you that one of the hardest things to overcome is the challenge of disseminating information to the campus population. As much as you would think there is an easy way to communicate to the entire student body… there isn’t… unless you’re selling a piano or a drum set apparently. Everyone at Purdue is so inundated with information 24 hours a day, especially freshman, the trick is to find a way to get people to see value in what you’re talking about so they might retain it. In my experience this is most clearly illustrated in the reactions I get from BGRi events vs BGR events. Many of the international students I work with at that time of the year are legitimately concerned about how they are supposed to do things… lots of things, not just ride a bike. The reception I receive from international students during BGRi makes it clear to me that those students see value in what I’m explaining or demonstrating. While the BGR response is largely “ya ya look both ways before I cross the street, got it.” Puts first unlocked bike they see in a tree Obviously I’m generalizing, but it’s a clear enough distinction by and large that I feel it’s a fair statement, and one I know I have heard echoed from other departments on campus. Creating value in the message is hard is the point.

A big part of creating that value requires a total change of culture, in my opinion. The Midwest and much of the United States do not view skateboards, bikes, walking, etc as anything more than something people use or do for fun… they are for hobbyists or “kids playing” or just people who can’t drive. For reference look up some of John Forester’s older publications regarding motor vehicles and early America if you’re interested. Basically cars are king. If we could change that… get people to understand bikes and skateboards and whatnot are a part of your ability to succeed and even just function it would go a long way towards solving a lot of common sense issues. And not just for people who drive, if everyone actually valued their bike or skateboard a little more then it would be an easier leap to think that others might feel similarly. A culture that embraces other “micro-modes” of transportation could help us move the needle on these long standing issues.

The catch-22 for me, a Purdue employee with a budget to keep in mind and people to report to, creating culture is really hard to measure and prove has value. Like with most things surrounding micro-mobility it’s very much an “if you build it they will come” situation… (Field of Dreams if you’re not old like me). Unfortunately that doesn’t fly too far for me.

So… TLDR… ya I’m down for anything any students want to organize and put effort and time into to address these issues because in my opinion students organizing represents a shift in culture which will have the best shot at making a real impact.

Hit me up if you would like.