Netherlands to get longest “heated” bicycle lane in Europe

The longest “heated” bicycle lane in Europe, possibly in the world as well, will be built from Wageningen to Arnhem, the Netherlands.

The lane will be 1.7-km long, and the aim is to prevent ice and snow from accumulating on it, thereby making the lane available throughout the year.

The lane which connects these eastern Dutch cities, called the bicycle highway, will be heated with the residue heat from the local paper factory.

It was initially feared that this would lead to frogs finding their home on the lane, being a danger to both the cyclists and themselves. However, the council of Gelderland has promised to monitor the impact on the local wildlife.

Cities throughout the Netherlands are investing in the heating of bicycle lanes, but there have not been any propositions for a lane such as this so far.

The lane will go in both directions and should be completed by the winter of 2019, and it is estimated that the traveling distance between the two cities will be shortened by 600 meters. However, the council points out that the biggest gains will be in time, safety and experience.

bicycle lane

Wageningen

Arnhem

Gelderland

heated bicycle lane

bicycle highway

bicycle traffic