Grimbergen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – An illegal cycling trail was found in Grimbergen’s Lintbos forest, damaging soil and trees. Acting Mayor Jelle De Wilde urged the use of official trails; patrols will increase to protect nature.
As VRT News reported, an illegal cycling trail has been found in the Lintbos forest in Grimbergen, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium. The area is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests. The track has been in place for several years, but was only noticed recently. It contains a few small paths, a pit, and a ramp built without permission.
Acting mayor Jelle De Wilde (CD&V MAX) said the route is small but still against the rules. The Lintbos is a protected nature reserve where visitors may only walk or cycle on marked trails. He mentioned that the illegal path has already caused damage to the soil and disturbed the natural setting.
“Several old tree roots were destroyed,”
Said De Wilde.
“Some branches were also moved, which makes the forest look a bit different from usual.”
What is happening in Grimbergen’s Lintbos forest with illegal cycling?
The Agency for Nature and Forests has decided to increase checks in the reserve. Inspectors will visit the Lintbos more often and carry out regular patrols.
“Cycling is only allowed on the official paths,”
Said De Wilde.
“Anyone who does not follow the rules can receive a fine.”
Local leaders now want to keep the forest open to visitors while making sure its nature remains protected.
The municipality of Grimbergen has urged young people and cyclists not to use the illegal trail inside the Lintbos forest. Acting mayor Jelle De Wilde (CD&V MAX), who is also alderman for Sports and Youth, said he understands the search for new cycling spots but stressed that the protected forest is not the right place.
“I see that people are looking for new places to cycle, but the Lintbos is not suitable for that,”
He explained.
The sports department of Grimbergen has been looking for a location for such a course and is already in talks with several initiators.
“The young people want their own space, and I want to help them find it,”
Said De Wilde.
At the same time, the municipality points to an existing option for off-road cycling. In 2023, Grimbergen opened a mountain bike route with 2 loops of 17 kilometres each. The 2 circuits meet at Diegemput, right next to the Lintbos.
“But teenagers full of adrenaline naturally want to build their course,”
Says De Wilde.
That’s quite different from a fully developed mountain bike trail. Besides, these youngsters usually ride BMX bikes, not mountain bikes. So let’s hope we find a location soon.”
In Hallerbos, near Halle, illegal mountain bike trails were created by cyclists seeking more challenging routes. These paths caused damage to the soil and plants in the forest. Authorities increased patrols and removed the illegal trails to protect nature.
A similar case happened in Terhagen Forest, near Bornem, where illegal cycling paths also harmed the forest floor and disturbed wildlife. Local officials stressed that cyclists must use marked trails and respect the rules in nature reserves.
