one
Cycling is often viewed as a recreational activity that is done in a safe place outside of their home. For some communities, home is within the busy streets of the city. In some cities, bicycles are welcomed as a mode of transportation; however, many major cities, like Charlotte, have failed to make this opportunity a safe and accessible transportation method for locals to experience within their own neighborhood. In my thesis, i educate, advocate, and promote the benefits of a cycling-inclusive-city and why we should begin to make cycling the normal mode of transportation in urban areas.
campaign
my campaign is called “one”, with the purpose to promote, and educate the use of bicycles, as well as to spread awareness to drivers that there are more than just four wheelers on the road. we, as a community, share the street; so we all deserve to be safe while using it - hence the name “one”.
riding bicycles in the city offers a multitude of benefits:
eco-friendly transportation: bicycles produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. they help reduce air pollution and the carbon footprint associated with commuting, contributing to cleaner and healthier cities.
traffic relief: bicycles can easily maneuver through traffic congestion, reducing overall traffic on city streets. this not only decreases commute times but also lowers stress levels for both cyclists and drivers.
cost-effective: owning and maintaining a bicycle is significantly cheaper than owning a car. there are no fuel, insurance, or parking expenses, making it an affordable choice for many urban dwellers.
improved health: regular cycling promotes physical fitness and overall well-being. it's an excellent cardiovascular exercise that helps burn calories, build muscle, and improve mental health. plus, it integrates physical activity into daily routines.
reduced congestion: by choosing bicycles for short trips, people free up space on public transport and roads. this helps alleviate overcrowding on buses and trains and reduces the demand for additional road infrastructure.
reduced dependence on fossil fuels: promoting cycling in cities reduces the dependency on fossil fuels, contributing to energy security and mitigating the negative impacts of oil extraction and transportation.
community building: cycling encourages social interactions and a sense of community. Bike lanes and shared paths often foster a sense of belonging and connectivity among cyclists, contributing to a more vibrant urban culture.
space-efficient: bicycles take up significantly less space for parking and travel lanes compared to cars, freeing up valuable urban space for parks, greenery, and other community amenities.
there are numerous amount of impactful benefits that is product of a more cyclist-friendly community. hence why i saw the need to push for a brighter, greener future through the use of bicycles.
works
For my senior thesis exhibition, I designed and produced a total of 4 creative solutions to address this:
Webpage - to inform, educate, and advocate for road safety.
Bumper Stickers - to promote and publicly spread awareness for cyclist safety.
Full Card/Board Game - to educate the younger generation of drivers of the importance of road safety for all users of the road ( not just cars ) through the use of a whimsical, educational board game.
Van Decals - to publicly educate and promote for cyclist safety constantly on the road.
