The world has begun to recognize the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and it has begun to realign infrastructure standards in response. The question that remains in doubt that requires an immediate answer is, "how willing are we to take the big decisions, to push the envelope of our imagination and to step outside of our comfort level?"
Solar energy is the cleanest and infinite in its availability. With the most recent sun "harvesting" technology advances the sun's light may now be used to benefit us in many ways, not just lighting the unlit, but doing so in a manner that makes other carbon reducing and health giving activities, such as cycling, safer and more enjoyable. A classic synergistic effect.
In drafting our proposals SolarOne takes the approach that corners should not be cut and risks should not be taken if the goals of the project are to be met. Acting as an example, the bicycle trial paths here, show others how solar electricity may be used for the benefit of a community. It will also add an element of visual elegance that makes the lit path, not only more useable, but also enhance the night-riders' nightscape.
Bringing something as simple and as obvious as solar lighting to bicycle paths would, on the surface, appear to be quite a simple process however, because of the issues relating to safety and accident liability, introducing this technolgoy requires evidence that the outcome will meet user needs and be free from risks.
Thus, in order to evidence the efficacy of the technology, SolarOne engaged with councils and bicycle user groups (BUGS) to prove that they are beneficial and safe. Further contribution has been sought from State Road Authority as well the peak body of bicycle user groups, Bicyle Victoria. It seems that the SolarOne approach is unique internationally and that there are no precedence from which to seek guidance, thus SolarOne has conducted these trials and many discussions, before representing the products to the general market place.
From these studies SolarOne has begun to install a new system of shared pedestrian and bicycle pathway lighting and shall continue to post the resulting schema and explain the layout selection logic on this site.