Can we make cycling normal?  ‘Cyclists’ has become a term for an outgroup, often a word used with an added expletive (look up #bloodycyclists sometime). Drivers identify themselves as the majority and the ingroup with the extra entitlements that brings ie.‘normal’.

In reality people who chose to cycle come from all walks of life and it’s important for cycle campaigning that this idea is eroded so everyone can look at cycling as a viable option rather than something only contemplated by some special group. In short a ‘normal’ thing to do.

This is a free workshop in collaboration with CycleHack Manchester and Dr. Paul Wilson (Salford University, School of Health Sciences). If you are a cyclist, a want-to-cycle, council staff, designer, academic and/or bike campaigner then register and come along and help.

Dr. Wilson will introduce the workshop, giving us all food for thought and continue with an interactive session. We will consider what makes people on bikes ‘different’ and yet ’the same’, how we can form a cycling culture without being outsiders. Think of things we can do to challenge perceptions and practical solutions to get people away from thinking only of the car as their transport option, and start pedalling!

The aim is to produce a collection of practical things to help campaigners and go on to create a ‘Normalising Cycling’ Infographic for display and press use.

Snacks will be provided and you’ll also have the opportunity to sample one or two of Pop-Up’s caffeinated treats. There is (of course) lots of cycle parking!

Please book via Eventbrite page and latest details on Facebook event page.

These links may help understand what we’re going on about (think of it as your first bit of homework):

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201012/in-groups-out-groups-and-the-psychology-crowds

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingroups_and_outgroups