Berchem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Flemish Minister Jo Brouns approved the Saffierstraat elevated cycle highway in Berchem, despite hundreds of objections from residents and BAF11-Groenenhoek, sparking protests similar to Deurne tree-felling disputes.
As VRT News reported, Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns (CD&V) has granted a permit for the elevated cycle highway on Saffierstraat in Berchem in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The project completes a missing section of cycle highway F11.
Residents and the local action group “Better Alternative Cycle Highway F11” (BAF11) have opposed the plan for years. Hundreds of objections were submitted. The new section would replace a green strip next to the railway line in Groenenhoek. The strip is 1.5 kilometres long and 20 meters wide. Locals say it is an important natural area.
What sparks protests over Brouns’ Berchem cycle highway approval?
City and provincial officials say a green belt will remain during construction. They also plan to save as many old chestnut trees as possible. Authorities say the project will expand cycling routes while protecting the environment. The highway will improve mobility and connect neighbourhoods in Antwerp..
“This, like the tree felling in Deurne, appears to be a prestige project of the city and the province.”
Simon De Vos, action committee BAF11-Groenenhoek
Residents and local political representatives have criticised the permit for the elevated cycle highway on Saffierstraat in Berchem. Simon De Vos of the action committee BAF11-Groenenhoek called the decision “incomprehensible.” He said there has been widespread protest against the project, but authorities appear to be ignoring the concerns of citizens.
De Vos also asserted that alternatives, such as implementing a bicycle street, have never been comprehensively explored. He explained that the current approach has residents feeling excluded and annoyed with the impact of planning.
“It seems like some kind of prestige project for the city and the province, just like the tram loop in Deurne-Zuid,”
De Vos says, referring to the recent escalation of protests.
“Why does so much greenery have to disappear when there are alternatives? This project, too, is not listening to the neighbourhood and is being carried out with such brutality.”
The opposition party Groen, which holds seats in both the city council and the Berchem district council, also opposed the permit. Council member Ilse van Dienderen likened the case to a recent controversy involving widespread tree-felling in Deurne, where local protests and alternative options were disregarded.
The current District Alderman, Erkan Oztürk (Green Party), expressed hope that this project would not generate the toxicity seen in other disputes. He emphasised that all legal procedures, including appeal deadlines, are being followed, ensuring that the project meets administrative requirements while addressing community concerns.
The debate over the elevated cycle highway on Saffierstraat in Berchem has been ongoing for several years. The action committee BAF11-Groenenhoek was formed in 2018 to oppose the project and propose alternative routes.
In 2022, the province initially granted a permit for the highway, but the city of Mortsel issued a negative recommendation in July 2025, citing local concerns. Hundreds of objections from residents were filed during the public consultation periods between 2022 and 2025.
