Linear Induction Tracks for Bicycles.

[Dynamic Position]

Prediction from the World Future Society (article copied from Engineering & Technology magazine 20 Jun - 10 Jul 2009).

Many of us would use bicycles more if there were more cycle tracks, if we didn’t find it such hard work on the hills, and if they weren’t quite so slow compared to our cars. One possible solution is to lay linear induction mats along the sides of roads. With the cyclist able to switch assistance on and off at will and charging via RFID chips, laying out such pads (which might cost little more than the paint used to mark cycle lanes today) could accelerate bikes to 30mph and keep them at that speed for as long as the cyclist wants. This readily available assistance would be optional, of course, and cyclists could use as much or as little effort as they wish, but the higher speeds and lower hassle and effort might give a substantial boost to the popularity of the bicycle as a viable transport alternative.

Each pad in the mat would provide its power only when asked. The cyclist would have a simple on-off switch, and maybe a speed control that would interact with the mat electronics – RFID chips – enabling any payment or personal speed limits as appropriate. Mats could be laid continuously along any stretch of road (where there is a demand) marking out cycle lanes as well as providing the power.

I wonder whether the 30mph can be maintained up hills

 

[Mussels]

Interesting but how will that work on a crowded cycle path? I foresee carnage.
A decent surface would be a start, cycle paths are very bad compared to roads.

 

[flecc]

Induction systems can be very wasteful of energy though, just at a time when we should be conserving it. On hills an overhead wire rope on pulley system with regular hanging rope ends that riders could hold onto would be much more economical. If travelling at about 6 or 7 mph it would be safe and keep cyclists separated, and most can cope with this one handed steering low speed travel. I remember in the days when Britain cycled how cyclists would regularly grab a tow in traffic by hanging onto trucks etc.
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[Mussels]

I remember in the days when Britain cycled how cyclists would regularly grab a tow in traffic by hanging onto trucks etc.
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That would be nice but they all seem so streamlined now, nothing to hang onto.

 

[flecc]

That would be nice but they all seem so streamlined now, nothing to hang onto.

Yes they are, and they also go much faster. The old Fordson, Bedford, Austin, Commer, Foden, ERF, Leyland and AEC trucks of yesteryear often used to trundle uphill at handy speeds for cyclists wanting a tow.
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[Dynamic Position]

Interesting but how will that work on a crowded cycle path? I foresee carnage.
A decent surface would be a start, cycle paths are very bad compared to roads.

I cannot see it hapenning the way that the article suggests. The cycle mats in London will become crowded with powered roller skaters and skate boarders. Bicycles will be confined to the old road network along with the few vintage cars that cannot use the sky-lanes.