A Pedestrian-Powered London Could Generate Electricity From Pavement Walkers

Transport for London is creating an 'intelligent street,' which brings more green technology to the capital city. This system could power lighting by using the kinetic energy from pedestrians plodding along the pavement.

Harvesting energy from the sun (using solar panels on roofs and canopies) and movement sensors on public pavements, the team behind the innovation are hoping the solar and kinetic energy are enough to power a new car-free public space off Oxford Street. Beyond this, another scheme is in place to install a noise-reducing barrier to the Blackwall tunnel, as well as expanding the Future Street tech trials to Holburn and Southwark.

"The fabulously creative and innovative ideas we are funding as part of the Incubator Fund capture the spirit of turning London's streets into places for all to enjoy and work to deliver the vision of the Mayor's Roads Task Force," Richard De Cani, TfL's Managing Director of Planning, commented. "By trialling new ideas we are able to look to the future at how we can make our roads and public spaces work better for everyone."