In a world where cities are increasingly looking for eco-friendly infrastructure solutions, Poland certainly seems to be on the right track.
A brand new glow-in-the-dark cycle lane, powered entirely by the sun, has just been unveiled near Lidzbark Warminski in the north of the country.
The technology, which was developed by engineering company TPA sp. z o.o, uses synthetic particles called "luminophores" to 'charge' the asphalt with sunlight, before lighting up in a mesmerising blue colour when the sun goes down.
The project is partially influenced by Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde's 'Starry Night' cycle path, which was installed last year in Brabant, Van Gogh's home county. A similar concept was also trialled in the UK in 2013 when Cambridge Council enlisted technology company Pro-Teq Surfacing to create a 'Starpath'.
Beautiful bike path inspired by Van Gough's 'Starry Night' by Daan Roosegaarde pic.twitter.com/IBvlXRoqMX
— Holly Godward (@HollyGodward) December 12, 2014
Earlier this year, another colourful cycle path – located a little further south – also drew international attention; the striking "Light Path" in Auckland, New Zealand was designed to attract more of the city's residents to urban cycling with its striking pink stylings.
For now, the cycle lane is in the testing phase, but the company behind it hope the technology could be rolled out on a larger scale. The concept ought to be attractive for local authorities, both for its environmental credentials and money-saving potential.
The starry Van Gogh Roosegaarde bicycle path in the Netherlands. Photo: @StudioRoosegaarde/Facebook
See also: The nine most epic bike rides you can do
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