“I’m from Haspengouw, originally. When I worked here in this region, I was very impressed by the unspoiled woods, nature, walking paths and cycle paths. But my wife and I noticed that the local population here made so little use of it. When the mines closed, and new (financial) initiatives were being sought for injecting money into the region’s economy, they mainly looked at ‘hard recreation’ (chalet parks, amusement parks, etc.). I then set up numerous action groups to protest against these megalomanic plans. The problem was that people weren’t familiar with their own surroundings, and were therefore less ‘eager’ to protect the jewel in their backyard. After a while, when I was doing nothing but protest, the time came for a sustainable solution.”
“‘The Veluwe’ in the Netherlands was my inspiration for bringing nature and economics into harmony. Developing a cycle route network didn’t just respect nature, it also created jobs.”
And what was your motivation for saying “Belgium needs this too”.
“It was time to let nature speak for itself. The cycle network is an initiative that maps out the recreational and economic importance of (Limburg’s) nature, without constantly having to defend it. I did achieve that aim – I think. In addition to conserving nature, the cycle network initiative is a way of getting people closer to nature again. For me, walking and cycling are a way to unwind. If believe this is the case for a lot of people.”
Walking intensifies the encounter with natural surroundings.
And cycling offers a greater variety of nature. You go from one hilly landscape to another. Alongside water, through woods, and through the flowering heather.
Both activities allow the brain to recuperate in a different manner. They clear your head. It’s a great way to see things differently. I’ve had my best ideas when walking.”
“I’m pleased to see that cycle paradises (Ed.: paths far from cars and roads, completely surrounded by natural surroundings) are being mapped out and laid every day, in the whole of Belgium. Whether you do it for physical, mental, social or recreative aspects, the walk and cycle network gets people outside and into nature.”