Greater Safety for Cyclists and Pedestrians: New Solar Lights on the Kanaldamm in Rastatt Being Tested

Five self-powered solar lights were installed on a section of the embankment along the Gewerbekanal toward Kuppenheim as part of a pilot project; they have been in operation since Monday, February 23. The trial is initially scheduled to last about two months. This implements a selected measure from the City of Rastatt’s mobility concept. The project is being carried out as part of move.mORe, a joint initiative by the universities of Karlsruhe and Hochschule Offenburg focused on sustainable mobility.

“Various surveys show that many cyclists feel unsafe on their commute to work, partly due to a lack of lighting,” explains Felix Taubitz, a research assistant in the move.mORe subproject “Bicycle Traffic Networks.” “With the new lighting, we not only want to increase safety and thereby create incentives to use bicycles more often, but also test an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional street lighting.”

The innovative lighting system does not require a traditional power supply via cables buried in the ground, as its modules generate the necessary electricity independently using solar energy. This is particularly relevant outside of built-up areas, where trees or roots make it difficult to lay cables. To keep power consumption as low as possible and ensure lighting even in winter when sunlight is reduced, the lamps only illuminate when it is dark and when motion is detected. This also minimizes any potential disruption to wildlife.

During the test phase, researchers are now examining how the new technology affects the number of cyclists as well as the surrounding environment. Further goals include determining the practicality and environmental sustainability of sustainable lighting solutions under real-world conditions.

The city of Rastatt is thus setting an example for sustainable mobility and innovative infrastructure that makes cycling safer and more attractive.