University of Windsor
Faculty of Engg Technical Communications
Final Project Assignment- Revised Individual Analysis Report
Instructor:
Dr. Lindsay Miller-Branovacki
Technical Assistants:
Dora Strelkova
Jeffery Liang-Sun
Submitted By:
Abhishek Softa (110041811)
Fall 2022
The Use of Bamboo as Alternate Base Material in Skateboards as Means of
Reducing Maple Deforestation (Human Lens)
Introduction
The critical questions are other than just addressing the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). The challenge is first to make our solution (Skateboard) a
desirable alternative mode of transport and successfully achieve the benefits of bamboo to
people (farmers and consumers).
Measure of Access
Skateboards and other non-motorized devices are part of human-powered sustainable travel
modes and a relatively famous form of mobility for more youthful people. [1]. Skateboarding
is often associated with teenagers scrambling near the neighbourhood skatepark. Yet, a
growing number of people use skateboards for a more practical intent called travel [2]. Transit
riders in Los Angeles employ skateboards 30,000 times daily to fetch to and from bus stops
and train stations [2]. A user can easily carry a skateboard onto a transit vehicle or car [2].
Social Perception & Barriers
Many cynical stereotypes are associated with skateboarding, such as public and private
property damage or skateboarding is done by an improper class of people [1,3]. “Skaters have
a completely different culture from the norms of the world’s society. We dress differently, we
have our own language, use our own slang, and live by our own rules. People feel threatened
by foreign attitudes” [4]. Commuting is a common struggle for students on university
campuses; only some people live on campus [5]. Skateboards are a cost-effective solution for
commuting, but the problem with buying skateboards is that they are technically illegal on
campus [5].
Effects on Community & Ecosystem
A skateboard contains constituents with the major parts, including the deck, trucks, and
wheels. Seven to nine sheets or veneers of maple wood are required to construct a single deck
sourced from Canadian maple trees [8]. A farmer can get a bamboo harvest in one to three
years with no additional planting, whereas a traditional maple wood takes at least 60 years to
reach harvestable size [9]. Bamboo releases 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere and
absorbs more carbon dioxide than other plants. Hence significantly decreasing the number
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere [10].
Positive Side
The primary social connections that support health benefits from skateboarding are making
new and reconnecting with old friends, bonding with skateboarding friendship groups,
acquiring equal respect, and increasing opportunities to meet new people [6]. Regarding
injuries, as shown in Figure1, skateboarding reaches the eighth place and emerges less
threatening than most people think [7]. According to an assessment from a survey of
skateboarders, skateboarding is very high in terms of fun and several measures of
convenience Figure 2 [1].
Figure 1 Sports and recreational injuries [7]
Figure 2 Skateboarders’ Survey [1]
Conclusion
•
Skateboarding is infamous for wrong reasons and misconceptions. Still, social
awareness and connecting with more classes of society can change this situation.
•
As a team, we need to endorse our project with the real benefits of a bamboo
skateboard.
References
[1] K. Fang, S. Handy - " Skateboarding for transportation: exploring the factors
behind an unconventional mode choice among university
skateboard commuters”. Springer, p.2, 24 July. 2017, [Online]. Available, Doi:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-017-9796-9
[2] K. Fang - " Faster than walking, more flexible than biking: Skateboarding as a real
mobility mode". Forbes.com, 2018, [Online].
Available,https://transfersmagazine.org/magazine-article/issue-1/faster-than-walking-moreflexible-than-biking-skateboarding-as-a-real-mobility-mode
[3] Radikonyana, J.J. Prinsloo, T. Pelser, “The contribution of skateboarding to societal
challenges”. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, Aug. 2017, [Online].
Available,https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321920345_The_contribution_of_skatebo
arding_to_societal_challenges
[4] B. Beal, " Disqualifying the official: An exploration of social resistance through the
subculture of skateboarding”. Sociology of Sport Journal, p.252-257,2003, [Online].
Available doi: https://doi.org/10.1123/ssj.12.3.252
[5] E. Alvarenga (2014) - " Let them skate". Published online at Surfertoday.com, 28 Oct.
2014, [Online]. Available http://thedailyaztec.com/58733/opinion/let-them-skate/
[6] A. Walker, et al., “Social benefits from skateboarding in skate-parks”. Researchgate, Jan.
2016, [Online].
Available,https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317760374_Rural_communitybased_maternal_and_newborn_interventions_on_prevention_of_neonatal_morality chapter
17, p.175
[7] “Skateboard Injury Statistics”, Jan. 2022, [Online]. Available
https://skateboardsafety.org/injury-statistics
[8] C. Puentes, “West coast to worldwide: The evolution of skateboarding”, Vol. 1, Issue 1,
pp. 35-36, Dec. 2022. [Online]. Available
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/c821gq76c
[9] D.O. Ekhuemelo, “Bamboo: A potential alternative to wood and wood products”. South
Asian Journal of Biological Research, Vol. 1, Issue 1, pp. 1-11, Dec. 2022, [Online].
Available http://aiipub.com/journals/bamboo-a-potential-alternative-to-wood-and-woodproducts/
[10] R. Singh, “A Study on Employment and Skill Development through bamboo sector in
Jharkhand”. (ARISCOM) Journal of Management, (Print) Vol.1, Issue 2, p. 50, Dec. 2022.