London’s Abandoned Underground Lines May Soon Become Self Sustaining Cyclist Highways
“Outside” is a horrible place for bicycles, as it’s full of weather and cars. However, Gensler, a design firm from the US, has proposed a radical idea: to transform London’s abandoned metro and rail tunnels into bike lanes in a system they’d call the London Underline.
Kinetic paving would turn all the cycling and walking into energy, and there would be spaces for businesses and cafes. This audacious plan just netted them Best Conceptual Project award from Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
“By harnessing the kinetic energy of every one’s footsteps, a whole new urban space is unlocked underneath the city. The self-sustaining approach to urban infrastructure is key to a carbon-neutral community, and London could lead the world once again in merging tradition with innovation to create a better future,” said Trevor To, a Gensler designer. I wonder if he added anything about getting away from the never-ending English rain as well.
Those who don’t have a bike could use the so called “Boris bicycle” rent-a-bike stations, and there might even be authorized street art places. Would be a grand time for Banksy to go underground, wouldn’t it?
Got wisdom to pour?
I think…. Smart Move !