A Charlotte cyclist is using a portable bike lane sweeper attached to his bike

Ramez Tadros, a passionate cyclist in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood, has taken matters into his own hands to ensure cleaner and safer bike lanes in the city. Frustrated with debris-filled lanes, Tadros decided to introduce an inventive solution – a bike lane sweeper that attaches to the back of his bicycle.

Cycling enthusiasts know the joy of riding through the city, but Tadros highlighted the issue of bike lanes often cluttered with obstacles like tree branches, rocks, nails, and broken glass. This not only dampens the experience but also poses safety risks, as cyclists are forced to navigate through traffic when bike lanes are impassable.

“The cyclist has to jump out of the bike lane and into the road with traffic,” Tadros told local news outlet Spectrum. “Which can obviously be quite dangerous.”

The article notes that Tadros could request the city’s assistance in cleaning the lanes, but that takes time. Eager for a quicker solution, he initiated an online fundraising campaign, securing $2,500 with the support of the community and local sponsorships.

“By having a clean bike lane you’re promoting cycling,” Tadros said. “More people are going to use the bike lane.”

I love our cycling community! Nice article Ramez Tadroshttps://t.co/oTF18fuPI9

— CLT Bike Commuter 🚲 (@CLTBikeCommuter) January 17, 2024

The Bike Lane Sweeper is actually a working prototype from a company hoping to offer the product to a wider market.

It is electrically powered and attaches to the back of a bicycle.

As Tadros pedals along a bike lane, the device efficiently clears debris, promoting cleaner and safer cycling routes.

“By having a clean bike lane, you’re promoting cycling. More people are going to use the bike lane,” he said.

The sweeper will be stationed outside Innovation Barn, a local nonprofit in Charlotte, where cyclists can access it. Stored in a secure metal container next to a solar-powered charger, the sweeper is available for any cyclist in the city to borrow.

What a great example for others!

Still in the testing phase, Tadros plans to allow other Charlotte cyclists to borrow the sweeper starting in February.

“It’s liberating for me,” he added. “I like the exercise.”