Winter clearance on roads is aided by factors like the heat cars generate and their wide tyres, which can mix in salt to quickly and effectively melt ice. Small, lightweight bicycles do not have the same intense effect, which means often cyclists must deal with icy paths for longer or end up cycling in the street. Clearly, other solutions are needed, which is why we are happy the Easypath team will be on hand to discuss their heated bicycle paths at this year’s Winter Cycling Congress 2015 Leeuwarden.
Heated bicycle paths use thermal energy storage (TES) to collect excess energy for later use. In the summer, sunlight heats the concrete and is stored in the soil to a depth of approximately 150 metres. In the winter, this heat is pumped to the surface melting snow and ice so no maintenance is needed. The pump is powered by a solar panel, which means the entire system is energy neutral.
The upfront cost of installing an Easypath concrete bike path is approximately twice the cost of a traditional asphalt path. However, Easypath concrete is designed to last 80 years – or three times longer than traditional asphalt – meaning the investment is recouped in 20 to 30 years. The pump and electronics are designed to last 25 years. The system is said to require virtually zero maintenance, saving 60 to 80 percent of costs associated with traditional asphalt paths.
In the Netherlands, the system is often applied in microclimates where ice tends to form such as tunnels, underpasses or bridges. It is also providing an effective solution in high-traffic areas for pedestrians and cyclists, such as school routes, bus and train stations and entrances to hospitals and public buildings.
The system is also suitable for colder climates. Currently, Easypath is gathering the data to prove the system can run on waste heat from industry. We’re looking forward to hearing more on this topic at the Winter Cycling Congress 2015 Leeuwarden!
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Winter Cycling Blog 