Cycle of Thought
Cycle of Thought is an interactive art and design project that explores the lived realities of bike commuters and the inequities embedded in everyday transportation. Rather than presenting data passively, this piece immerses viewers in the physical experience of cycling by allowing them to control the narrative through movement.
The installation connects a bicycle to a custom-programmed Arduino that adjusts video playback speed based on how fast the participant pedals. As viewers ride, the video shifts between two contrasting commuting environments: dense, car-centric Midwestern streets and the highly bike-accessible routes of the Netherlands. This dynamic interaction reveals the stark differences in safety, visibility, and infrastructure quality across these contexts.
By inviting audiences to “ride in my place,” the project reframes bike advocacy through empathy and embodied storytelling. It blends interactive media, user-driven input, and environmental context to highlight why accessible cycling infrastructure is not just a sustainability issue but a matter of daily safety, dignity, and equity.