The experimental glow-in-the-dark bike path implemented last year in Esztergom has proven successful, and further such developments are planned around Hungary, hvg.hu reports. Hungary’s Deputy Minister for Innovation and Technology says there will be eleven locations in five different counties where glowing road signs will be tested in high-traffic areas.
Last fall the section of the national bike path along the Danube near Esztergom was made fluorescent with the use of solar-charged particles mixed into the lane. Tamás Schanda says the success of the path calls for even further use of the technology.
Until the end of November, eight bike paths will be painted with glowing road signs: on the shore of Lake Fertő, around Tihany, Cegléd-Nagykőrös, Tát-Nyergesújfalu, Vác-Sződliget, Zalaegerszeg-Zalalövő and Zebegény-Nagymaros.
Not only does the light provide bike paths with significant aesthetic appeal, but the glowing beads, powered by sunlight, significantly reduce the risks of accidents, both at night and during periods of poor weather.
According to the ministry’s report, this past year of testing with the Esztergom path has encouraged the technology’s use on roadways as well. The bike lane of roadway 4 heading through Vecsés will be painted with a special, fluorescent paint. Meanwhile, the visibility of the paint at the 710 roadway roundabout in Balatonfűzfő-Papkeszi will also be analyzed.
Featured photo illustration by Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt/MTI
