Indiana Jones . . . Ihren Flugschein, bitte

der Flugschein = flight ticket (ticket)

The Netherlands Unveils the World's First Solar Bike Path

by Charley Cameron, 11/09/14 

 

 The Netherlands has an international reputation as a bike-friendly nation; it’s home to some 18 million bicycles and 21,748 miles of bike lanes. Now, an innovative project—SolaRoad—aims to make even greater use of all that green infrastructure by paving the bike paths with solar cells. On November 12, 2014, the first such path will open: a 70-meter (230 feet) stretch of Krommenie’s bike path will become the first solar-paved right of way in the world.

SolaRoad has been in the works since 2009, and is the brainchild of Dutch research institute TNO. The power-generating pavers are created by embedding crystalline silicon solar cells in 8.2 x 11.5 ft concrete slabs, before covering them in a one-centimeter layer of tempered glass. Then, reports the Guardian, a “non-adhesive finish and a slight tilt are [added] to help the rain wash off dirt and thus keep the surface clean, guaranteeing maximum exposure to sunlight.”

These extra steps are pretty important—the flat surface required for transit isn’t exactly ideal for capturing sunlight for power generation. In bike path form the cells are 30 percent less efficient than they would be placed within a standard solar installation. As a result, when this first test strip is extended to its full 100 meters (328 feet) in 2016, it will provide about enough electricity to power three households.

But it does make practical use of an untapped surface area, and there’s plenty of roads available for transformation. Indeed, TNO is not limiting their ambitions to bike paths; the institute estimates that up to 20 percent of the Netherlands’ 140,000km of road could potentially be adapted into SolaRoads, which would amount to an additional 400 to 500 km sq (154 to 193 mi sq) of energy-generating PV which could be fed into the grid, or used to power signage and traffic lights.

Read more: SolaRoad: The Netherlands Unveils World's First Solar Cell-Paved Bike Path | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

Berlin 5 Part Documentary by

 This series focusing on Berlin is one of several published by REWBOSS  (Andrew Bossom), a Brit who has been living in Germany for quite a few years now.  The following comment summarizes the reception his series on Berlin has been receiving (which also included a potential nomination for Best of YOUTUBE).  I've become a subscriber...

downhill240  18 hours ago

I don't believe there is a more exciting city on the planet than Berlin. It's history is mind-boggling. I will be watching this entire 5 part series again! Great production, great narrative!! Thank you so much for your time and efforts!!

First:  Tips on visiting Berlin:


Thanks to RewBoss

Episode 1: Birth of a Capital


"Here we explore the very oldest parts of Berlin, tracing its history from its beginnings in the 13th century to the construction of the Brandenburg Gate. Along the way we visit the St Nicholas Quarter (Nikolaiviertel), the TV Tower, Museum Island and Unter den Linden."

Episode 2:  From Empire to Republic



"I trace its history from the creation of the German Empire to the Weimar Republic. Along the way, I visit the Reichstag, Schloss Charlottenburg and the Ku'damm, and take a ride on the U-Bahn."

Episode 3:  Nazionalsozialism



In this video, I look at the impact the Nazi period and its immediate aftermath had on the face of Berlin: the Olympic stadium, Tempelhof Airport, war memorials and the events leading up to the division of Berlin.

Episode 4:  The Cold War

 As tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviets increase, East Germany resorts to extreme measures. But life in the divided city is not quite as bad as it could have been.

NEW TO ME:  Soviets killed 153 protesters (mostly construction workers were protesting poor working conditions) on June 17, 1961.  3 days later, the West Berlin Senate approved renaming part of the E-W access road "Straße des 17. Juni". --rsb 

Episode 5:  A New Berlin   Published on Aug 31, 2014

The Berlin Wall comes down, and life can start to get back to normal. What does the future hold for the city?

Rick Steves "RIDING THE RAILS"

General info:


--> Rail Passes and Transfers
 
--> Scheduling Stopovers (Cologne!)

Taking a night train 


Wer will jetzt reisen?  
--Anybody ready to travel?