Sep '08 - Feb '10
I haven’t had much sleep and my judgement is off. I talk myself into one thing one minute, and the opposite direction the next. So, this is where you come in… I’m searching for a big attention grabbing bicycling statistic for a feature position on a poster, and I’d love some feedback on which of these is more compelling, in terms of making you feel encouraged to ride:
*The average person loses 13 pounds in their first year of bicycle commuting
*The average cost of car ownership is $8000/year: the average cost of bike ownership is only $200
*40% of trips are 2 miles or less: make those trips on two wheels
*1/40 the cost of a car, 1/20 the parking space, 10x the fun
Some of the more astute among you will notice that none of this have to do with do-gooder inspiration, lowering carbon emissions, or being ‘environmentally friendly.’ This is not a mistake: my research has shown that this tactic doesn’t work, that what works is the combination of emphasis on private benefit plus alterations in social norms. So among these private-benefit ideas, which inspires you the most? Thanks ‘nectors!
p.s.- keep in mind that they may be represented either all or in part by infographics, so wording is not locked in place. It’s more about the idea. Write in suggestions are totally accepted, as long as they can be proven to be true.
For eye candy, here’s a map. It’s a work in progress (as evinced by the fact that it’s only 1/20th of the area of what the final map will be, and there’s only type on half of it)
15 Comments
With the economy in which we currently find ourselves I have to go with,
"The average cost of car ownership is $8000/year: the average cost of bike ownership is only $200."
sometimes straight up slogans of fun are the best message, everyone already knows it's cost effective and good for the environment, etc. But I think it's not sold as just being exciting anymore
Yeah I lost my 10 pounds biking and then gained it back when I slowed down with the biking. I'm also going with:
*The average cost of car ownership is $8000/year: the average cost of bike ownership is only $200
i was reading somewhere that 70% of trips in seattle are less than 5 miles, which could be easily accomodated on bike (assuming we had a decent bike system, a la CPX)
is this what the vector map was for?
and i'd go w/ the costs of ownership. but the $200 is deceiving.
bike trailer (for the dog/kid/significant other in your life)- $675
bike lock - $40
pannier - $165
cycling jacket - $70
bike shorts - $50
shimano shoes - $100
stylin cycling cap - $20
shimano pedals- $100
i like the 200 dollar one.
holz, that stuff is only if you wanna look cool. being cool is much cheaper, but harder to do ;-)
*40% of trips are 2 miles or less: make those trips on two wheels
I think some kind of reword on this to make it punchier would be cool, something like:
Going 2 miles? 2 wheels = more smiles!
People want to feel happy, evidenced by the gym culture etc.. Make them think this thing will make them happy and away you go?
bcu's sloganizing of the statistic is fantastic. I agree, as techno said, that making it sound fun is important.
That said, the 13 pound loss floored me, even though I absolutely know it's true (I had the opposite weight adjustment when I stopped commuting by foot). But it may come across as harping on people about their weight, which isn't always a good way to inspire people.
I agree with Archi,
I like.....
1/40 the cost of a car, 1/20 the parking space, 10x the fun
the best pitch: biking looks cool.
holz- that statistic took into account that most people a)already own a bike (and therefor also a lock0, and b) don't go in for all that sort of accessory, at least not all at once. It's basically the cost of a tuneup plus a couple of the really good accessories like fenders and a helmet. This more basic sort of person is really my audience as well: the people who are all into the accessories are already riding, but I'm aiming at entry-level commuters, people who ride bikes recreationally but not for transportation.
Yes, this is what the vector map is for. If you're lucky, if you come to my thesis exhibition you'll get a copy of my redesign of the Seattle Bicycling Guide Map. That is, if the printers don't screw me on it. I wasn't going to do that, but practically everyone who sees me working on it is like "oooh, can I get a copy?"
Thanks for the feedback all. Are those of you latching on to price also intrigued by the 1/40 the cost of a car, 1/20 the parking space, 10x the fun because it incorporates cost, or does it just not have the same impace with you?
my suggestion for slogans:
Biking makes you sweat!
Biking makes you smell!
You can wear tights on a bicycle!
how bout...
Why support the Bailout,
when you can get your bike out!?
sorry i'm late...
i was just kidding about all the sweet gear... kinda.
oh,a nd when is the exhibition?
postal, your slogan made my whole studio laugh out loud! Thanks for the bright spot in my day.
Holz, second week of June-ish. I'll post images of the poster or postcard invite once they're out.
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