With 2.000 km of cycling paths, Limburg is the cycling paradise of Flanders, Belgium, and even the Euregion. Every year the region receives an average of two million cyclists. Through innovative projects, Limburg aims to strengthen its position as a market leader in bicycle tourism by adding an extra layer to the Limburg bicycle route network.
In April 2016 ‘Cycling through Water’ opened, an inspiring cycling path through a pond of the De Wijers nature reserve and
The new bicycle path through the water leads cyclists through a 212 meters long and three meters wide concrete path with water at eye level on both sides. Swans and other waterfowl out on the edge and watch the cyclists curiously.
Since its opening, the interest in this special bike path has been huge. On average 800 cyclists per day visit this unforgettable part of the Limburg cycling route network. It is marvelous to see the heads of the cyclists ‘glide’ across the water surface. That also explains the hype on social media and blogs. People are talking about this extraordinary experience.
The open landscape of the western pond area in Bokrijk was also expanded. This gives the visitor a 360° open view of the Bokrijk museum part East and West Flanders. This also improves the interaction between the ponds and the open-air museum. After a thorough restoration, new viewpoints were installed in the
‘Cycling through Water’ has provided qualitative improvements to the larger environment. This bicycle attraction is a clear ‘reason to come’ and a ‘reason to share’ for tourists from the Euro region.
CREDITS
Landscape Architect | BuroLandschap
Developer | Toerisme Limburg VZW
Financial partners | VZW Het Domein Bokrijk, provincie Limburg
Contractor | Van de Kreeke Wegenbouw NV
Images | supplied by Toerisme Limburg VZW