Is there a way to have a linear gradient follow the center of the path?

I am looking to create a "chrome" railing and would like the gradient to be centered on the center of the path.

The two instances to the left of the selected path have the same gradient applied to the stroke, however one path is bending more left and one more right and the gradient is staying where it should.

I would like the gradient to curve when the path bends.

Hmmm...

I could, stroke the path with two different thicknesses and outline them as two separate objects and fill each slightly differently. 

Outlining the path thickness twice works, It is close, just much more tedious..

Another option would be to have stack/moveable "layers" for the object at the fill and stroke level. Each with it's own attributes.

Let's say you did draw a path named path1

I would copy path1, draw another path (Path2), apply it a clone original LPE, click on clipboard icon to link it to path1. Then decrease path 2 stroke width and apply it a blur.

I've never used this path effect. After attempting, not sure what I was doing incorrectly. 

Here is an example. 

• I created path1, set a 8 mm thick black stroke. While still selected, I pressed ctrl + C to copy it (in clipboard).
• I created path2 (its exact shape doesn't matter).
• I opened path effects panel (ctrl + &). Choosed Clone original.
• I clicked on clipboard icon (see screenshot) : path2 shape is now linked to path1. In attributes field, I typed "transform", so that when moving path1, path2 follows. 
• 
• I set a 4.5 mm wide white stroke for path2, a 18% blur (bottom of Fill and stroke panel) then locked it in objects panel : you can select and modify path1, path2 follows, faking a gradient.