A Wheely Workshop

Wheeled technologies create diverse possibilities for the human body, facilitating new forms of mobility, access, performance, and care. Their potential to not only influence but re-imagine health and wellbeing makes them an exciting focus for both academics, artists, and policy-makers. However, the ways in which they are used by individuals and communities depends on a range of influences, from place-based factors to early childhood experiences, as well as different networks of care and support.

This one-day workshop, hosted by the Moving Bodies Lab, will explore research and creative practice that engages with an array of wheeled technologies; the bicycle, the wheelchair, the skateboard and the pram. How might these technologies afford different experiences of space, mobility, and performance? What opportunities and challenges do they offer to planning departments, policy-makers, and public health strategies? And what methodologies might be most effective for understanding how they are experienced in everyday life?

Join us for a lively mix of talks and discussion across different disciplines, agencies, methodological approaches, and experiences. Optional activities will also form part of the day, including a short lunch time e-bike ride.

Speakers include:

James Cherrington (Sheffield Hallam University)

David Martin (Goldsmiths University)

Dave Buchan (‘Bike Doctor Dave’ and Community Researcher)

Sara Bateman (Gateway Wheelers)

Clare Qualmann (University of East London)

Mariam Draaijer (Joyriders)

This workshop is hosted by The Moving Bodies Lab of the Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities.