Shifting Gears to Sustainability: A Deep-Dive into Solar-Powered Bike Pathways

This research will involve studying global practices of solar bike pathway technology, which refers to the integration of solar energy technologies and systems embedded into bike paths to capture and convert solar energy into electrical power, providing both a functional pathway for cyclists and a source of renewable energy. This study will focus on three key areas: a literature review and case studies, feasibility analysis, and stakeholder consultation and expert interviews. The literature review and case studies will compile and analyze existing data from around the world, presenting a holistic view of the current state of solar bike path technology, including its potential benefits, drawbacks, and identified issues. The feasibility analysis will assess the economic and environmental implications of implementing solar bike pathways in California, considering the costs and benefits of potential energy conservation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. Lastly, the researchers will engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to gather insights into the challenges and opportunities of this technology.

• Record URL:
  • https://ncst.ucdavis.edu/project/shifting-gears-sustainability-deep-dive-solar-powered-bike-pathways

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $35984
• Contract Numbers:

  DOT 69A3552348319

  DOT 69A3552344814

  Caltrans 65A0686 Task Order 086

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  National Center for Sustainable Transportation

  University of California, Davis
  Davis, CA  United States 

  California Department of Transportation

  1227 O Street
  Sacramento, CA  United States  95843
• Managing Organizations:

  National Center for Sustainable Transportation

  University of California, Davis
  Davis, CA  United States 

  University of California, Davis

  1 Shields Ave
  Davis, California  United States  95616

  University of California, Riverside

  1084 Columbia Ave.
  Riverside, CA  United States  92507
• Project Managers:

  Iacobucci, Lauren

• Performing Organizations:

  National Center for Sustainable Transportation

  University of California, Davis
  Davis, CA  United States 

  University of California, Riverside

  1084 Columbia Ave.
  Riverside, CA  United States  92507
• Principal Investigators:

  Martinez-Morales, Alfredo

• Start Date: 20240429
• Expected Completion Date: 20241231
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Bikeways; Environmental impacts; Feasibility analysis; Renewable energy sources; Solar energy
• Geographic Terms: California
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01917517
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: National Center for Sustainable Transportation
• Contract Numbers: DOT 69A3552348319, DOT 69A3552344814, Caltrans 65A0686 Task Order 086
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 1 2024 5:40PM