Ride a Bike Campaign

The Bicycle – a simple two-wheeled mechanical machine that’s been taking people from point A to point B for centuries. It’s a smart and strategically designed vehicle that has of course changed over time yet it’s remained similar in appearance since its creation. At the turn of the 20th century, as the bicycle grew in popularity, it was embraced by European countries. However, at the same time, it dropped off significantly in the US. The boom of the automobile industry led Americans to prioritize cars and toss bikes off to the side. By 1940 bicycles were essentially only made for children and considered toys. This distinction on either side of the pond caused the US and Europe to develop their cities, roads, and public transportation systems differently. Today, our worlds are significantly different as a result of these decisions.

I decided on this design for a few reasons. First, I love riding my bike. As a city kid, I use the bike to get just about anywhere and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. Second, I hate cars. I think they’re inefficient, dangerous, and break down too often. Last, I don’t think people ride bikes enough, especially Americans. And I want to change that. Cars are expensive to maintain, prone to accidents, killing over 40,000 people annually, and terrible for the environment. Bicycles are cheap, much safer, minimize traffic congestion, and are environmentally friendly. This interactive New York Times article exhibits what a future with fewer cars and more bikes could look like in New York City. The author explains how more bikers will decrease traffic, improve air quality, boost the local economy, and free up space for housing and parks. I envision a world where the bicycle is the main mode of transportation and cars are only used for public transportation. This design is a step in the right direction.

When I began this project, I sought to create a design that reflected the theme of moving forward while sticking to the roots of the past. My final work does just that. The lettering fit inside the wheels is playful and groovy which reminds us of a time of fun. The bike is simple and faces towards the right, signifying a future of more cycling. The design as a whole is very simple as I tried my best to use as few components as possible while still creating recognizable art. The slogan “RIDE A BIKE” is a catchy and easy-to-remember phrase that captures the message behind this design. I’m not making anyone ride a bike, but rather encouraging them. Still, this statement is straightforward which gives it some force. My big hope is to inspire a cultural shift that supports the push for more bicycles and decreases reliance on cars.