# Multi-Functional Path Urban bike paths boast design qualities that enhance their benefits. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 29, 2017 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/multifunctional-path ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Multi-Functional Path trend? **Multi-Functional Path:** Bike paths in urban environments are now boasting designs that enhance the three key features that these roads must have – efficiency, safety, and the ability to lessen a city's ecological footprint. Whether elevated, solar-powered or featuring ample greenery, these pathways speak to the growing need for the reduction of both traffic and pollution in urban centers. This comes as consumers seek out forms of commute that are both efficient and cost-effective, as cities become more congested and costlier. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 15, 2014 to Nov 28, 2017 - Published: Nov 29, 2017 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Multi-Functional Path trend ### Elevated Cycle Routes Designing elevated bike paths, such as the Copenhagen Bike Path, can create new infrastructure to alleviate urban traffic and provide an alternative for commuters while enhancing the city landscape. ### Solar-Powered Bike Lanes Incorporating solar energy to illuminate bike lanes, as done in Poland, is a unique sustainable solution to promote nighttime cycling and reduce non-renewable energy use. ### Dedicated Electric Transport Pathways Creating dedicated pathways for electric bikes and small electric motorcycles, such as the BMW Vision E³ Way, in urban areas can offer residents a more efficient and eco-friendly form of transportation while encouraging the growth of this market. ## What the Multi-Functional Path trend means for industry ### For Urban Infrastructure As cities become more congested and costlier, innovative and sustainable urban infrastructure is necessary to create a more efficient and livable environment, and promote alternative forms of transportation. ### For Renewable Energy Renewable energy technology can be integrated into urban infrastructure to reduce non-renewable energy use and promote sustainable practices in transportation and lighting. ### For Alternative Transportation Alternative transportation, such as electric bikes, small electric motorcycles, and bike lanes, can provide eco-friendly alternatives to cars and improve urban transportation efficiency. ## Workshop question How can your brand alleviate the various costs, whether lifestyle or monetary, associated with big city-living? ## Trend signals for Multi-Functional Path Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Multi-Functional Path trend 9 featured examples from Aug 15, 2014 to Nov 28, 2017. - [Eco-Focused Urban Bike Paths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radbahn-berlin): The Radbahn Berlin Would Be Berlin's First Covered Bike Path (Category: Eco) Implication: Manufacturers in the bike industry could invest in innovating bike designs to adapt to the changing needs of urban commuters. - [Solar-Powered Bike Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-bike-lane): A Polish Engineering Firm Developed a Luminous Solar-Powered Bike Path (Category: Eco) Implication: The renewable energy industry can explore opportunities to provide solar-powered infrastructure like bike lanes. - [Dedicated Electric Transport Pathways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-e-way): The BMW Vision E³ Way Encourages Efficient Travel (Category: Autos) Implication: The BMW Vision E³ Way presents an opportunity for the automotive industry to increase the popularity of electric scooters, bikes, and motorcycles, while designing new products to… - [Transformed Suburban Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bijlmerbajes-prison): Bijlmerbajes Prison is Transforming into a Pedestrian-Friendly Square (Category: Eco) Implication: The transformation of a former prison into a pedestrian-friendly square with luxury apartment complexes presents opportunities for real estate development and investment. - [Paper-Paved Bike Highways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bike-highway): This Bike Highway in the Netherlands is Paved with Toilet Paper (Category: Eco) Implication: Developing sustainable transport solutions like eco-friendly bike highways can provide new business opportunities for transportation companies. - [Rejuvenated Urban Greenways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-greenway): Vancouver's Arbutus Greenway Project Will Feature Bike Lanes and Paths (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Urban planners and designers can leverage the trend of urban greenway transformation to create innovative and sustainable public spaces in cities. - [Elevated Cycle Routes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/copenhagen-bike-path): The Copenhagen Bike Path is a Vibrant Structure that Cuts Through Traffic (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The transportation industry can explore the development of elevated cycle routes as a disruptive innovation opportunity. - [Urban Car-Free Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paris-temporary-car-ban): Paris' Third Annual Temporary Car Ban Lasted from 11am to 6pm (Category: Eco) Implication: Initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation are presenting opportunities for industries that specialize in sustainable trans… - [Buoyant Biking Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-cycle-path): This Proposed Floating Cycle Path Would Go Over the River Thames in London (Category: Autos) Implication: The development of floating cycle paths presents new opportunities for the transportation infrastructure industry to create sustainable and efficient commuting solutions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)