The bike caisson by the Nijmegen designer Jean-Paul de Garde allows construction of a bike path where lack of space would otherwise necessitate cutting down trees or additional land acquisition. The caisson with the bike path on top is simply placed in the existing ditch.
But the prefabricated concrete components may serve more purposes. In combination with porous paving the concept is also suitable for water storage in urban areas, according to De Garde. It may also be used for all lead-up services.
According to De Garde road authorities both inside and outside the Netherlands have shown an interest in his invention.