Namur in Belgium, LuminoKrom® photoluminescent paint

On a small portion of the RAVeL 142, which links Namur to Jodoigne, luminescent LuminoKrom paint was applied to cover the markings on the ground.

"During the day, the marking is a little different from a classic white marking: it appears a little greenish, because it contains pigments which continuously re-emit the light coming from the sun's ultraviolet rays", explains Gauthier Michaux, expert engineer at SPW Mobility and Infrastructures, "a bit like the needles of a watch, or the stars that one places on the ceiling of a child's room".

But the whole point of this new branding is revealed at night. "When it starts to get dark, when the natural light has disappeared, the re-emission of light by these pigments continues, and the marking appears bright, and green," he adds.

Namur: luminescent paint markings to guide cyclists on a RAVeL

Secure the RAVeLs, by guiding users

The aim of the operation is to help users, and especially cyclists, to move around safely, via visual guidance. And the location chosen here, on a RAVeL going through undergrowth without public lighting, "said the expert. The process is much cheaper than installing streetlights," It allows visual markup for cyclists.

This LuminoKrom photoluminescent paint harnesses the sun's renewable energy. The paint captures light during the day and illuminates at night without consuming any electricity or emitting CO2. Its installation on infrastructure is quick and easy. As soon as night falls, the marking turns into a light guide to guide users through the night.

Testimonials

"It's a heavily wooded section, with one or two road crossings, which can be dangerous spots. Even during the day, it's quite dark, as the trees are quite leafy. The more we do this kind of development, the safer people will feel, and footfall will increase".

José, on the safe cycle path in Namur, Belgium

"There's a bit of light outside the RAVEL, but once on the RAVEL, which is quite wooded in the section concerned, it's quite dark. So much so that I don't see the obstacles until quite late. With the photoluminescent paint, there's enough light to see the route at a medium distance. Even with the leaves! It works well, it's effective."

Simon Collet, RAVEL cyclist near Namur

« Thanks to the presence of pigments that absorb daylight and restore it at night, it's possible to view ground signage in total darkness. »

Gauthier Michaux, engineer in charge of the RAVeL project in Namur at SPW