According to a recent
BBC report, the possibility of installing heated bike lanes is being explored by several towns in the Netherlands. In an effort to encourage year-round cycling and to reduce the number of accidents caused by icy bike lanes, the town of Zutphen and the province of Utrecht are considering using geothermal heat to keep the bike lanes snow and ice free.
The proposal isn't cheap – the costs are estimated to be $40000 - $80000 USD per mile. But, according to the engineer who designed the plan, the reduced number of accidents and their associated medical costs along with the reduced amount of salt needed keep the paths clear would make the proposal worthwhile.
The Netherlands are known for their bike-friendly infrastructure; in fact, for trips up to 7.5km the bicycle is the most popular method of transportation. With a population of 16.6 million, and an estimated 18 million bicycles, it's clear that the Dutch value their bicycles.
Heated bike lanes sound great for commuting, but we can think of even more possibilities. Heated dirt jumps, anyone?
My 2 cents.
All the predictions are wrong because they don't take into account the positive feedback loops that will massively speed it up; no arctic ice, burning forests, and melting permafrost which will release huge amounts of methane. I'm afraid we only have 10 or 20 good years left at the careless pace we are on. It will also trigger volcanoes that could wipe us out.
Hence why is is more recently termed "Climate Change" instead of "Global Warming" as there was not sufficient evidence in the past to prove the term.
www.globaltoronto.com/bike+lanes+significantly+increase+the+safety+of+cyclists+study/6442741957/story.html
Why would drivers be pissed about bike lanes? The more cyclists on the road, the less cars, so assuming they are used and the research done to ensure they're in the right place, shouldn't drivers want us annoying cyclists in our own lane?
I'm lucky enough to ride sweet single-track to work, and live where heat rather than cold is an issue, but this seems like an excellent idea.
smike: I know that, and I took a glance at the comment section and saw everyone was throwing in their two cents about the suitability for their hometowns, and jumped in.
Ain't got any vertical elevation in the whole godforsaken country though.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1034562/White-ghost-bikes-pay-tribute-dead-riders-danger-spots-Britain.html
www.pinkbike.com/photo/5992557
www.pinkbike.com/photo/6088218
On the surface, sounds crazy to me...pretty sure gloves, thermals and shower at work compensates
I'm English by the way and used to commute an hour each way in the miserable north so I know cold and wet!
Here in Ukraine we don't even have bike lanes - bikers have to surf between f*cking cars and stupid pedestrians...
Tell us that great story about heated bike lanes!