Three Rivers lights the way for cyclists and walkers

Three Rivers District Council has delivered revolutionary off-grid solar street lights making it easy for cyclists and walkers to access Leavesden Country Park at its Langley Lane entrance.

This newly-lit path connects the Country Park with the Grand Union Canal via the South Way shared cycleway, improving the promoted Rickmansworth – Leavesden low traffic route. This key feature in the Three Rivers Cycling Strategy makes it easy for people to walk or cycle around the district.

The self-sufficient lighting solution runs entirely on solar power without the need for a connection to mains electricity. The street lights will be powered over their whole lifespan solely by sunlight, as a pilot to help the council towards its carbon reduction targets.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Lead Member for Transport and Economic Development, said: “With zero CO₂ emissions, these innovative lighting columns will help to protect the environment. They will also save two tonnes of CO₂ emissions per light over the next 25 years compared to conventional street lights.”

The design of the lighting columns eliminates the need for large scale excavations and cabling. The installation used special no-dig techniques to help to protect the surrounding vegetation and soil structure.

This installation is the first of its kind for a Local Authority within the UK. The unique photovoltaic power tube ensures high performance and reliability in all weather conditions.

The lights are equipped with motion sensors that conserve energy during periods of inactivity. As soon as the sensor is triggered, the lights immediately increase power to 100%, ensuring the best possible night-time visibility for cyclists and walkers.