Brent Zenobia]
On a recent Sweet Summer Cycle Ride (photos) I met an interesting guy named Brent Zenobia. He was passing out a flyer about a research project he is undertaking as part of his Ph.D. candidacy in the Engineering and Technology management department at PSU.
What intrigued me about him was the nature of his research. He wants to use high-tech computer simulation models to analyze the how and why behind Portland’s success in encouraging alternative transportation choices.
According to Brent, he will use a computer simulation program developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory that is used to study virus outbreaks:
“It’s sort of like Sim City (a popular computer game) in that it can be used for cultural modeling. I’m interested in how the idea to use bicycles and other modes spreads through a community.”
He went on:
“I’m studying the process through which people decide to rely less on cars. Ultimately I’d like to learn why Portland has developed a community culture which is so supportive of green transportation. Why is Portland’s transit culture different than that of, say, Memphis?”
Brent needs about 8-10 cyclists who until now have only ridden when the weather is good, but would like to try bike commuting this winter.
If you’d like to help Brent with this interesting research, give him a call at (503) 282-6822 or email him at bcapps [at] hevanet [dot] com.