A Human on a Bicycle is Among the Most Efficient Forms of Travel

A Human on a Bicycle is Among the Most Efficient Forms of Travel in the Animal Kingdom
graph published in the Scientific American; slow reveal by Jenna Laib

Type of Graph: Bar Graph

Purpose

This slow reveal is designed to support analysis and discussion of both the data and the design choices. The questions in the slide deck invite learners to examine trends, relationships, and possible interpretations. This slow reveal is complex; both axes feature logarithmic scales (with different bases). The y-axis uses a compound unit (calories per gram per kilometer). This data visualization is most accessible for students in upper-secondary coursework, including physics, biology, or environmental science. It could also be used in a precalculus or statistics class, as long as the teacher feels comfortable supporting the science content. precalculus, or statistics.

About This Graph

This visualization is not provided for reuse or redistribution. Readers and educators are encouraged to view the original visualization in its published context.

Original Visualization:
Parshall, Allison with DTAN Studio. “A Human on a Bicycle: Classic Graphic Reveals Nature’s Most Efficient Traveler.” Scientific American: Vol. 333 No. 4 (November 2025), p. 76
Accessed at:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-human-on-a-bicycle-is-among-the-most-efficient-forms-of-travel-in-the/ or doi:10.1038/scientificamerican112025-6jrS98PNdNIHq32fJvabA

Data Sources:

• Tucker, V. A. “Energetic Cost of Locomotion in Animals.” Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Vol. 34; June 15, 1970. 
• Wilson, S.S. with Dan Todd. “Bicycle Technology.” Scientific American, Vol. 228, No. 3; March 1973
• Tyson Hendrick/University of North Carolina at Chapil Hill for velomobile calculation

In The Classroom

There are many different mathematical connections that can be made to this data and data visualization.

Potential Math Content: scatterplot, rate, compound unit, logarithmic scales, comparing ratios across context, estimating values, orders of magnitude, multiplicative change, interpreting trends, modeling real world phenomena with data, multivariate data,

Potential Content Connections: physics, biology, energy, work, animal physiology, environmental science, efficiency, motion, locomotion, technology, optimization,