In the Netherlands, bicycling is a serious commuting alternative, but can be difficult in the winter months, according to this item in The Atlantic Monthlies website. The solution? Using geothermal heating under bike lanes to melt snow and ice. Proponents say the geothermal-heated lanes would reduce accidents, road salt and car expenses.

And it’s not the cold weather or the snow that curtails winter cycling in that part of the world; its maintenance and infrastructure of bike lanes that is the culprit. Click here for the whole story.