B.R.I.N.G.A.
Green and Smart – Development of a green and smart bicycle superhighway / bicycle tunnel independent of external environmental impacts and road motor vehicle traffic

CONCEPT PLAN

Project Objective

The objective of the project is to develop, manufacture and construct an innovative bicycle superhighway / bicycle tunnel (B.R.I.N.G.A.) system that fully eliminates direct physical interaction with surrounding motor vehicle traffic, while simultaneously providing cyclists with a covered infrastructure that offers significant protection against environmental impacts. With a strong focus on sustainability and green mobility, the system establishes the foundation for the widespread adoption of electric and conventional bicycle use.
The construction of the B.R.I.N.G.A. system also represents an energy-efficient, green and smart awareness-shaping investment, as photovoltaic panels are installed on the roof structure already during manufacturing. The structure of the superhighway predominantly contains recycled secondary raw materials, supplemented with smart elements supporting traffic safety and operation. A fundamental objective is that, through the large-scale implementation of the project, as many people as possible switch from cars to bicycles. In this way, B.R.I.N.G.A. can become a climate-conscious, health-preserving, preventive investment as part of the circular economy.

Justification
In larger cities, agglomeration areas, and also on inter settlement bicycle routes in rural regions, it is evident that during the autumn–winter period bicycle use is practically unpredictable for several reasons: extremely poor air quality, wet and slippery road surfaces, rain/snow/cold/wind conditions. Consequently, this mode of transport fails to achieve meaningful emission reduction and traffic mitigation precisely at the time when it would be most needed. Commuter cycling could only become widespread and common if this mode of transport were usable in a predictable manner throughout all seasons.

Project Scope
A solution to the problem would be the construction of closed-system bicycle routes (bicycle expressways). As part of the development and as a first step, a rapidly deployable tunnel element prototype based on waste materials (rubber, inert materials) would be manufactured and tested. The tunnel can be covered with photovoltaic panels that provide energy for night-time lighting and pavement or other safety lighting. In the case of periodic or continuous surplus energy generation, supplying other public-purpose electrical consumers from this source may also be considered. 

People will switch to cycling on a mass scale only if such routes are constructed, as these provide physical protection from natural elements and surrounding traffic, thereby making cycling predictable and plannable (which is particularly important for punctual arrival at workplaces).
These bicycle superhighways would also completely separate bicycle traffic physically from pedestrian and road traffic, which currently represents one of the greatest sources of danger in cycling. In essence, this combines the advantages of fixed-track transport modes with a more flexible and freer mobility option. The system could thus function as a genuine alternative to public transport while also diversifying electromobility.

Although it may seem utopian, bicycle traffic could, by this method, be partially or entirely relocated below ground level. A below-ground B.R.I.N.G.A. system would provide favorable temperature conditions throughout the year and could be constructed in parallel with utility replacement works along certain sections. This could be an effective solution primarily in densely built inner-city areas, while also avoiding the consumption of additional green spaces. The route could run alongside covered, closed bicycle storage facilities of a “shopping mall parking” type, built near large residential communities, shopping centers, factories, and public transport hubs. This would allow cyclists to reach their destinations in a protected manner almost directly or transfer to public transport, while also enabling bicycle storage and overnight charging.

Along the route (similar to a metro tunnel), smaller stations could be established, including buffets, rest areas, and WC/washroom facilities. The new technology could also enable the construction of bicycle superhighways along abandoned railway lines, unused or damaged public spaces, dirt roads, or poor-quality inner-city roads. The greatest disadvantage of existing bicycle routes—and thus a key barrier to widespread cycling—is their extreme dependence on weather conditions. While cycling for tourism purposes is becoming increasingly popular, it is evident that regular cycling is still primarily carried out by the same groups who cycled previously for various reasons, even without developed bicycle infrastructure. Apart from a few tourist-oriented routes (whose use is limited to the summer season and is occasional), the development of bicycle networks has not significantly increased the number of regular or commuter cyclists. In urban and metropolitan environments, these problems are compounded by significant traffic safety risks arising from the lack of physical protection and heavy motor vehicle traffic.

The concept of a “bicycle expressway” was introduced by the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) in their April 2020 amendment.

These special routes create optimal conditions for fast and safe travel and for the movement of small electric vehicles (bicycles, scooters). Increased safety and travel speed are ensured by wider lanes, high-quality pavement, minimized gradients, night-time lighting, exclusion of other traffic participants, and additional supporting factors. Cyclists using bicycle expressways generally enjoy priority over other vehicles at
intersections.

Project Outcomes
Support for green mobility, including the development of bicycle infrastructure, is progressing worldwide at a rapid pace. In Korea, a solar-powered bicycle path has been built; Milan plans to pay those who commute by bicycle; in the Netherlands, the world’s first bicycle roundabout has been constructed; and in the United Kingdom, a proposal has been submitted for a glass-enclosed bicycle superhighway above London. In the Ruhr region, a bicycle superhighway of approximately 100 km is planned, partly utilizing existing routes (the first section has already been completed), capable of serving 1.65 million residents.

The B.R.I.N.G.A. system to be realized through the planned development would combine these initiatives and make Hungary unique worldwide in this segment. It could serve as a flagship project and would certainly result in significant cost savings and emission reductions, as bicycle transport would become generally and daily accessible to the masses. The project enables the mass adoption of cycling by eliminating all current barriers to bicycle use (weather unpredictability, bicycle storage, traffic safety, lack of related services, etc.).

Compared to foreign examples implemented using traditional construction methods, the B.R.I.N.G.A. technology would have three distinctive features that make the project unique:
– Structure based on waste concrete / rubber materials
– Rapid installation due to prefabricated structural elements
– In addition to its fundamental advantages, as part of a larger integrated system it can provide comfort services for cyclists (bicycle storage, WC/washrooms, buffets, battery charging options, etc.)

Related Programs
– European Green Deal
– Fit for 55
– EU Zero Pollution Action Plan
– Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy (SSMS)
– Urban Mobility Framework (2021)
– Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) – New Guidelines
– Horizon Europe
– EuroVelo – European Cycle Route Network
– EU Health Programme / Healthier Together
– CIVITAS Initiative
– EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy

Communicable Results (Economic / Social / Political)
– The implementation of the project and the launch of manufacturing and installation represent a real solution for the wide-scale and rapid spread of cycling.
– The implementation of the project and the commencement of manufacturing and construction provide a genuine transport alternative to internal combustion engine-based mobility.
– It may result in demonstrable reductions in transport-related pollutant emissions if the project’s products are deployed on a wide scale.
– It supports the achievement of climate targets.
– It may lead to the emergence of a new European industry and an export-capable product.
– It may partially replace closed railway lines.
– It increases the share of electromobility, as bicycle and electric bicycle use represent a significantly more affordable solution for the masses compared to relatively expensive electric passenger cars.
– It contributes to and strengthens the health-conscious mindset of the European population.
– It contributes to the development of sustainable transport infrastructure.
– Its manufacturing process involves a high proportion of recycled waste materials.

Main Technical Content of the Project

Manufacture of partially waste-based, closed-system bicycle route elements that can be assembled quickly and precisely on site, featuring special rubber coatings on critical surfaces, providing complete protection against weather conditions and motor vehicle traffic. In the standard configuration, the elements form a 2×2-lane bicycle route and already incorporate the necessary electrical and mechanical systems (pavement and public lighting, integrated chargers, drainage, photovoltaic panels, etc.). The system is easy and fast to install and suitable for mass production.