A riverside active travel route in Scotland has been made safer and more popular thanks to the installation of more than 200 Clearview Intelligence solar-powered LED studs.
The Waterlip Pathway in Darvel, East Ayrshire, is a traffic-free walking and cycling route through the Irvine Valley but had suffered from a lack of lighting at night. Rather than flood the path with illumination from streetlighting, the SolarLite Path (P) solution bring improved visibility by lighting up the path using studs which charge up during the day and then give out lighting overnight.
“Unlike conventional lighting, the solar-powered path studs provide ground-level illumination without disturbing wildlife or requiring mains electricity,” explained Alan Vass, Business Development Manager at Clearview Intelligence. “Each stud delivers up to 240 hours of light from a single day’s solar charge, has a robust weather-resistant design, and an expected lifespan of up to eight years, and is already proven on the nearby Chris Hoy Cycle Route and the Strath Path, giving a low-impact, sustainable solution for this active travel network.”
The installation has led to improved safety and confidence for pedestrians and cyclists, and increased use, with the route now accessible during early mornings and evenings. Designers say it has given people support for everyday journeys to schools, shops, parks and community facilities, and expanded active travel opportunities, including bike buses and led rides, which are group cycling sessions aiming to improve confidence, safety, and community.
“The solar studs require minimal maintenance, with local volunteers and partners conducting routine visual inspections,” Mr Vass continued. “Their self-sufficiency and durability ensure long-term value with minimal costs, demonstrating that safety improvements can be achieved without compromising environmental sustainability. The success of the Waterlip Pathway installation has set a model for future projects, with plans already underway to extend solar lighting along the Morton Park riverbank path, further strengthening the town’s walking and cycling network.”
The project was developed and delivered by DART, the Darvel & Area Regeneration Team, in partnership with Cycle Station, a local not-for-profit organisation promoting walking and cycling across the Irvine Valley. They say community input was central to the project’s design, ensuring it met local needs while fostering a sense of ownership. Cycle Station has already integrated the upgraded path into led rides and school bike bus planning.
(Picture: Clearview Intelligence)
