After spending a very interesting day working on editing the structure of a literature review outlining the cultural role of bicycles in Africa, I was delighted to take a break and find this tasty infographic offering ‘How bicycles can save us’ by Riley Hoonan.
Inside Riley Hoonan’s head
It caught my eye specifically because of the ‘The European Way’ content linking obesity and cycling rates in the US, Germany and Holland. I love looking at infographics and am constantly in awe of the ingenious ways designers present and organise (often) very complex and detailed content in such a cohesive and visually appealing way.
I like the consistent and understated colours used in this one. Also, the fact that it includes a variety of information ranging from the physical, social, environmental, political and health advantages to cycling. I’m impressed by the thought and detail that Riley has gone into producing this particular piece and appreciate the diversity of data represented. And kudos to Riley for making the infographic Common License too, so it is free to distribute!
Improvement please!
My only contention with infographics in general (certainly not a criticism of this one in particular) is that although I appreciate that references for the sources are given, I’d like to know which source is for what data set – which is especially important if you want to follow up on info. I know that having footnotes or superscripts in the image could arguably detract from the overall aesthetic, but in a situation like this where the info is immediately useful, interesting, and potentially transferable into my bicycle research project I want to know which fact comes from which source! Given that there are 14 or so sources, I’d like to know what factual content is linked to which certain reference.
Perhaps this is another design challenge for those who produce infographics.
Regardless, congrats to Riley for his chic aesthetic, for promoting bike use and spreading the good word. Keep up the awesome work circulating the positive ways in which bikes can save us!
From Visually.