[Swissinfo] Cycle path: Valais tests photoluminescent paint for road safety
Valais experiments with photoluminescent paint on a cycle path
For the first time in Switzerland, the canton of Valais is testing photoluminescent markings on an unlit bicycle path between Vouvry and Vionnaz. The aim is to make night-time cycling safer without the need for costly, energy-intensive street lighting. Applied over a distance of one kilometer, this innovative paint captures light during the day and releases it at night, providing constant visual guidance in the dark. This pilot project could ultimately encourage modal shift and enhance the attractiveness of the cycling network in poorly lit areas.
A look back at this first-of-its-kind test in Switzerland
The Valais Mobility Service explains that this photoluminescent paint, already used in France, represents an economical and ecological alternative to conventional lighting. The one-year experiment aims to assess the durability of the marking, its ability to emit light for 10 hours, and its impact on wildlife. Two products are being tested. The Federal Roads Office is following the project with interest. If the results are positive, approval could pave the way for widespread use on other cycling infrastructures.