# Eco Biking Paths The SolaRoad Will Turn Bike Paths into Energy-Generating Surfaces By Jordan M | Published 2011-02-01 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaroad References: [tno.nl](http://www.tno.nl/content.cfm?context=thema&content=inno_case&laag1=895&laag2=912&item_id=1234) The SolaRoad is a groundbreaking bike path technology that the Netherlands government has been working on, set to be implemented as soon as 2012. The SolaRoad is a cycle path made from concrete, featuring a thin layer of silicon solar sells on its surface that capture sunlight energy. This energy can then be used to power traffic lights, street lights and even residential areas. According to the project's website, each square meter of SolaRoad will generate upwards of 50 kWh per year. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Solar-powered Bike Paths:** The SolaRoad technology presents an opportunity to create sustainable bike paths that generate energy. - **Energy-generating Surfaces:** The use of solar cells on bike paths can pave the way for energy generation in various infrastructural surfaces. - **Smart Infrastructure:** Implementing the SolaRoad technology can contribute to the development of intelligent infrastructure that efficiently utilizes renewable energy. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can benefit from the development and implementation of solar-powered bike paths. - **Transportation:** The transportation industry can explore the integration of energy-generating surfaces into bike paths to promote sustainability. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planners can consider incorporating smart infrastructure solutions, like the SolaRoad, into their designs to enhance sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-cargo-bike.md) - [E-Bike Charging Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bikeflex.md) - [Solar-Powered eBike Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beambike.md) - [Regenerative Cycling Equipment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-keeper.md) - [Futuristic Solar-Powered E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stellar-landcraft.md) - [Sleek Electricity-Storing Velomobiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electricity-storing-velomobile.md) - [Solar-Powered Electric Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-clipse-2.md) - [Solar-Powered Bike Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunrider-1.md)