In a small, picturesque village tucked away near the city of Angers in France’s Maine-et-Loire region, something very unusual is happening on the roads—and it’s getting everyone’s attention. The village of Baune has rolled out a traffic-calming experiment that’s as artistic as it is controversial. Instead of relying on the standard speed bumps, flashing signs, or traditional road markings, local officials took a bold, creative route by painting squiggly, wavy lines across the roadways leading up to a T-junction.

These winding lines aren’t just decorative flourishes; they were intentionally designed to catch drivers off guard and disrupt their normal driving patterns. The goal is simple but unconventional: to slow drivers down without physical barriers or speed enforcement. While the method has sparked intrigue from some corners, it’s also raised plenty of eyebrows—and even drawn complaints—from others.

This initiative was launched in response to growing concerns about cars frequently speeding through the village, particularly near key intersections where safety is a major concern. To address the issue, Baune’s mayor, Audrey Revereault, decided to think outside the box. Rather than install more signs that people might ignore or costly infrastructure changes that take time and resources, she proposed something different—an optical illusion of sorts. The curvy road markings are meant to confuse the eye just enough to force drivers to slow down, wondering what lies ahead. Mayor Revereault sees this as more than just a whimsical experiment. She believes the squiggly lines are a fresh way to address a very real problem.

Her vision is to create a visually striking cue that nudges drivers to become more alert as they approach the junction. By disrupting the monotony of regular road markings, the village hopes to trigger hesitation, caution, and ultimately slower speeds—all without issuing a single ticket. However, as with any bold change, public response has been divided. Some residents have voiced their support, calling the move clever and innovative. They see it as a smart way to get people’s attention in a world where drivers are often on autopilot. But others aren’t so sure. Some locals have compared the sensation of driving over the wavy lines to mild motion sickness, saying the patterns make them feel slightly disoriented. Others worry that the confusion might lead to erratic driving or pose a safety hazard, especially for elderly drivers or those unfamiliar with the village.

@designsecretsss How the town of Bauné, France used psychology to combat speeding drivers #psychology #design #cars #designsecrets ♬ Suspense, horror, piano and music box – takaya

Still, the unique nature of the project has drawn attention far beyond Baune. Photos of the squiggly roads have been shared widely on social media, attracting comments from people around the world. Some users have praised the village for its creativity, while others have made lighthearted jokes comparing the lines to doodles from a bored child or a drunk road painter. Regardless of opinion, it’s hard to deny that Baune has found a way to stand out in the world of traffic control. In an age where road safety measures tend to follow predictable patterns, this quirky solution has sparked conversation and curiosity. Whether it’s ultimately deemed successful or not, the village has positioned itself as a place willing to try something new. At this stage, the results are still being monitored. Local officials are keeping an eye on traffic patterns and feedback from residents to determine if the squiggly lines are truly having the intended effect. Will drivers continue to slow down once the novelty wears off? Or will the village have to return to more traditional methods if the lines don’t produce long-term results? Only time will tell. For now, Baune’s wavy roads serve as a bold experiment in reimagining how we think about traffic safety. They’re a visual reminder that sometimes the best way to change behavior isn’t through stricter enforcement or more rules, but through creativity and a little bit of surprise. Whether you see them as silly or smart, one thing is clear—the village of Baune isn’t afraid to color outside the lines.