HPS Cyclists? (long)

[gregsackett@radix.net (Greg Sackett)]

Greetings all... 

I apologize in advance if this is not exactly "on-topic" for this
listserver, and I know it is really long, but I feel that the underlying 
purpose, if not the method, is a valid concern to everyone in our 
profession.

For those who do not know me (most of you), I am an avid bicyclist 
who enjoys many facets of riding, and I have often wondered how 
many of my colleagues shared my passion, and how I might integrate 
cycling with health physics in some fashion.

Many of you are probably wondering, "What the heck does this have 
to do with health physics?"  Please bear with me and I will attempt to
explain.

I am proposing the creation of a Health Physics Cycling Team/Club, 
possibly (but not necessarily) representing the Health Physics Society.

The main purposes of the cycling team would be:

1.  To utilize cycling as a method of exposing and educating the public 
about health physics and radiation protection.

2.  To provide a casual, approachable format which allows the public 
to initiate discussion and questions about radiation and the nuclear 
industry which concern them.

3.  To allow members to meet others in our profession that share a 
common interest (cycling).


This idea stems from things I have observed:

1.  There is a great need to increase public awareness and education 
about health physics and radiation protection as our very profession 
may someday depend upon it.  I doubt that many of you will disagree 
with this, although it is likely that some will disagree with my 
proposed methods.

2.  Cycling is the 2nd most popular sport in the world, behind only 
soccer.  Although this is not necessarily true in the United States, 
cycling is immensely popular in Europe, and with the advent of 
mountain biking, the US has seen a dramatic jump in cycling 
popularity.  

3.  Cycling is seen in the business world as a valid advertising 
investment.  Note the large number of sponsors for professional racing 
teams, including the United States Postal Service and companies such 
as DuPont and Saturn.  Note that I am not proposing sponsorship of 
professional cycling, I am only trying to demonstrate the exposure 
potential.

4.  People (in general) are more inclined to approach and listen to those 
with common interests.  By wearing a shirt or jersey promoting health 
physics, we can capitalize on the natural curiosity of humans ("Health 
Physics? What's that?").  My experience is that shirts do inspire 
questioning, as I have often been asked the above questions while wearing 
my Texas A&M Student Chapter HPS shirt.  Often this will lead to other 
questions ("Aren't you afraid of working with radiation? Do you glow in 
the dark?", etc.).

5.  Cyclists tend to be environmental conscious, and are often politically 
active about environmental concerns.  Logically it would seem that we 
should be able to educate them into understanding that nuclear power is 
a wise choice for those concerned with the environment.  Education is 
the key.

6.  This will provide opportunities to interact with parents and children, 
who may not be already biased against anything nuclear, and who will 
be making public policy in the future.  I found while promoting the HPS 
at a science fair that children are often very interested in radiation, and 
that if the child is interested, the parent will often listen to what you 
are saying.

7.  Professional interests are enhanced by common personal interests.  
Is there not a group of pilots among us known as the Flying HP's?

8.  I may be wrong, but in my experience, many HP's and Nukes enjoy 
cycling.  Our Nuclear Engineering department won a bike to work contest 
while I was there, by having the most riders on the whole campus.  Since 
we are riding anyway, why not promote health physics and possibly 
make a difference in some way?


Now that I have given you some of my reasons, allow me to tell you 
what I propose.

The Health Physics Cycling team will be open to anyone with an interest 
in health physics/radiation protection and a love of cycling.  This includes 
aspiring racers, recreational riders, mountain bikers, road riders, commuters, 
etc.  Membership in the HPS will be encouraged but not required (perhaps 
a discount on the shirt/jersey).  ANS members are also welcome.

No fees will be charged other than the purchase of the shirt/jersey and 
possibly some to cover postage for a newsletter, if membership is large.

We (I) will provide a quarterly newsletter and web page, to discuss team 
happenings, list membership contacts, upcoming events, tips on maintenance 
and interacting with the public, etc.

Perhaps organize group rides at the national and area meetings of the HPS 
and possibly among local chapters, so that members can get to know 
one another.


Depending on interest, other possibilities include:

Participation in local cycling clubs, trail maintenance, public bicycle safety 
classes, etc., to enhance public awareness.  Participation in charity rides 
with large numbers of other riders, such as the MS-150 and Race for the 
Cure.  Team members at (if not participating in) road and mountain bike 
races.  

Just wearing the shirts even when not riding, to bike shops, restaurants, 
and malls.  Odds are you will be asked about the shirt.


Again, I apologize to those who feel this is off topic and does not belong 
here.  I promise not to post this again.  So, before I go off and get myself 
a shirt and jersey, which I will likely do regardless of others' interests, I 
am very curious if there is any interest in this venture, or just what you 
think about this idea in general.  Does anyone else think this is a good idea? 
Would anyone else be interested in helping organize this venture? Am I 
just being an idiot and making myself look foolish?  Let me know, it's the
only way I will learn :).

Please email responses directly to me so as not to further clutter up 
RADSAFE.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Greg Sackett
gregsackett@radix.net


*******************************************
Greg Sackett
Health Physicist
Program Management, Inc.
W: (301) 353-1600     fax: (301) 353-1606
gregsackett@radix.net

Texas A&M University, Class of '93, '95
*******************************************