Daan Roosegaarde’s glowing Van Gogh cycle path to open in the Netherlands

Future plans include road lanes that will automatically charge electric vehicles and alert drivers when their surfaces become icy. Roosegaarde told Dezeen that this method of illumination is «more gentle to the eye and surrounding nature» that other lighting infrastructure, and creates a «connection with cultural history». Related story: Movie: Daan Roosegaarde discusses his Smart Highway project
Forming part of the Van Gogh cycle route through the Dutch province of Noord Brabant, where the artist was born and raised, the kilometre-long section of path illuminates in swirling patterns that reference his 1889 painting of a night-time scene. After its official opening at 8pm this evening, the bicycle path in Nuenen – just east of Eindhoven – will be open to the public year-round for free. The project is the second manifestation of Roosegaarde’s Smart Highways research into creating safer and more energy efficient road networks. The surface of the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path is coated with a special paint that uses energy gathered during the day to glow after dark. «It’s a new total system that is self-sufficient and practical, and just incredibly poetic,» said Roosegaarde. News: Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde’s cycle path, illuminated with patterns based on Vincent Van Gogh’s painting The Starry Night, officially opens in Nuenen this evening (+ movie).