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

This white paper evaluates the feasibility of solar-powered bike paths in California, integrating renewable energy generation with sustainable transportation. Drawing on global case studies—including Germany’s solar cycle path roofing project, the Netherlands’ SolaRoad, and South Korea’s solar-integrated bike path—the study highlights the environmental, economic, and technical benefits of these systems. A conceptual case study along the Santa Ana River Trail in Riverside, California, modeled a 1 megawatt solar bike path capable of producing 2,022,041 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually and offsetting 734 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The analysis used advanced tools like PVWatts (a solar energy output estimation tool), System Advisor Model (SAM), and Jobs and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) to assess energy production, financial viability, and job creation. The Riverside project demonstrated a levelized cost of energy of 12.64 cents per kWh and job creation of 20.4 construction jobs and 0.2 operational jobs, confirming financial feasibility for pilot-scale projects. However, challenges such as high upfront costs, maintenance demands, and regulatory complexities must be addressedthrough modular designs and streamlined permitting processes. Key recommendations include leveraging public-private partnerships, prioritizing equity in project siting to benefit underserved communities, and initiating pilot projects in high-visibility areas to demonstrate feasibility and catalyze adoption. Solar bike paths represent a scalable solution to advance California’s climate goals, integrating renewable energy with urban infrastructure to create a cleaner, more equitable future. View the NCST Project Webpage