Thesis Project

After much debating, research, and discussion with my adviser...a thesis was finally selected. Nice and early on so that gives me plenty of time to develop ideas and do a nice, quality job on it. So, this post might be a bit disjointed but it'll make sense:

The goal is to do qualitative advocacy research on bicyclists and pedestrians perceptions of each other and how that changes as their roles change (ie from ped to cyclists and vise versa) on Purdue's campus with the advocacy outcome being based on upon the results of the research. My hunch is that there is some degree of tension between cyclists and pedestrians in and around campus; more over, with our campus being so compact I'm also thinking more pedestrians would cycle to class if there was a cheap and safe way to do so.

Obviously, there are multiple ways this can play out:
1.) Hypothesis unsupported- there are no tensions between cyclists and pedestrians, and for the most part, pedestrians don't want to ride to class even if there was a free/cheap option available. Outcome: status quo, perhaps advocate for better maintenance of the current paths/trails in order to ensure no tensions arise.

2.) Confirmed: there are tensions, but pedestrians wouldn't ride to class if there was an option available. Outcome: advocate more safe, effective and logical bike trails around campus. This fits in with Purdue's long range goal of becoming a more pedestrian and cycling friendly campus and helps keep people who do ride safe. Obviously this includes educating current and incoming students on proper usage, rules, etc.

3.) Confirmed, 2: there are tensions and more pedestrians would ride if there was an option. Outcome: Same as above, but in addition advocate for a community bike share system- something similar to UW-Madison's Red Bike Program or Northern Arizona's Yellow Bike. This to would fit into the University's long term plan as well as fulfill the deserve to create 'living labs' on campus. Not only does it get students riding, but further research can be constructed using the program once it is in place. Plus, if the study results show that more people would ride if it was an option, it gives a stronger call to update and revise the bike paths on campus as there would be a shift in the riding population.

Why is this important to the great community? First off, it can serve as a model example at other Universities. Secondly, it gives insight into how people interact within shared space (or in a stretch, 3rd spaces). Third, it could prove useful in planning and development in urban settings.

So. That is where we stand on that. Now I have to take some course work on designing this kind of study and get to work!