The Dutch inspire again with their fancy solar bike paths

Yes, when it comes to bicycles, the Dutch have it going on. Now, there is even more to love as there is not one, but two new solar cycle paths that are coming online and generating power. Clocking in at a whopping 1,000 square meters each, these solar-powered trails are not just a safe and separate route for cyclists but an innovative example of sustainable infrastructure.

The team behind the project is Wattway, billed as the world’s pioneering solar road surfacing company, and the BAM Royal Group.

The solid solar panel, a mere few millimeters thick, is glued onto existing cycle paths. Wattway’s solar cells are coated in a resilient multilayer substrate of resins and polymers, making them both translucent for sunlight absorption and robust enough to withstand the daily pounding of bicycle commuters. Unlike your typical rooftop solar panels, these surfaces aren’t just smooth – they’re treated to provide the same grip as conventional road mixes. The result? A renewable energy powerhouse hidden in plain sight beneath your tires.

The Wattway panels are put over existing cycle paths (Photo Waterway)

Energizing Dutch Cyclists

For a country with more than 35,000 kilometers of cycling paths, integrating solar power into these routes could be a game-changer. The Wattway Pack panels, boasting an impressive 148 Wp/m² (up from the previous 119 Wp/m²), promise to churn out 160 MWh/year of renewable energy in their debut year. That’s a whole lot of power pedaled into the Dutch grid.

Monitoring and maintaining these solar marvels for the next five years, the Dutch provinces are taking a bold stride toward meeting its climate goals. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about turning everyday bike rides into renewable energy.

The movement dates back a decade to 2014 when solar-infused bike paths first appeared in the town of Krommenie just outside Amsterdam. The SolaRoad pilot project got underway replacing a 70-meter stretch of tarmac pavement with innovative solar modules. This path, nestled in the heart of cycling culture, became a shining example of what solar energy could do for the everyday commute.

In addition, there is the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” this path features a one-kilometer interactive route illuminated by 50,000 glow-in-the-dark stones and solar-powered LED lights. Charging during the day and emitting light at night, the path showcases different patterns, resembling stars, and is designed to enhance visibility with additional LED lights on overcast days.