Grimbergen – An illegal cycling trail has been discovered in Grimbergen’s Lintbos forest, causing damage to the soil and trees. Acting Mayor Jelle De Wilde emphasized the importance of using official trails, announcing that patrols will be intensified to safeguard the area, reports 24brussels.
The illegal trail, which has been present for several years but was only recently identified, poses a threat to the protected nature reserve managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests. It features a series of small paths, a pit, and a ramp constructed without authorization.
De Wilde remarked on the concerning impact the usage of this path has had on the environment. “Several old tree roots were destroyed,” he stated, adding that “some branches were also moved, which makes the forest look a bit different from usual.”
Measures to Address Illegal Cycling in Lintbos
“I see that people are looking for new places to cycle, but the Lintbos is not suitable for that,”
He emphasized the need for alternative locations for youth cycling activities. The municipality’s sports department is actively seeking suitable sites for an official cycling course and is currently in discussions with various stakeholders.
As a solution for off-road cycling, Grimbergen introduced a mountain bike route in 2023, featuring two loops of 17 kilometers each. The loops converge at Diegemput, adjacent to Lintbos. De Wilde noted, “But teenagers full of adrenaline naturally want to build their course,” addressing the ongoing challenge of finding appropriate spaces. He acknowledged that the desires of young cyclists often differ from those who prefer developed mountain bike trails.
Similar issues related to illegal cycling paths have emerged in Hallerbos, near Halle, where unauthorized trails were also established, leading to environmental damage. Authorities increased patrols and dismantled these trails to protect the forest’s ecosystem. A recent incident in Terhagen Forest, near Bornem, similarly illustrated the negative effects of illegal paths on both the forest floor and local wildlife, underscoring the necessity for cyclists to adhere to marked trails and respect nature reserve regulations.
