Riemst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Visit Limburg is reapplying for an environmental permit for the “Cycling Underground” project in Kanne, Riemst, after facing 95 objections from residents and nature organisations.
Visit Limburg is reapplying for an environmental permit for the “Cycling Underground” project in Kanne, Riemst, following substantial opposition from local residents and nature organisations.
The project’s original application encountered ninety-five formal objections from stakeholders who raised concerns about tourism damaging both local lifestyle quality and habitat protection of protected bat species.
Igor Philtjens from Visit Limburg stated that
the plans have been adjusted to create support,
emphasising the project’s significance as part of a broader redevelopment initiative that began in 2013.
The updated proposal includes adjustments aimed at addressing concerns raised by local residents and nature organisations.
The “Cycling Underground” project plans to establish a 350-meter cycling route through the Mathus Marl quarry in Kanne, designed to provide an engaging experience for cyclists while highlighting the area’s historical significance.
The planned route takes cyclists over a distance of approximately 350 meters through the Mathus Marl quarry in Kanne near Riemst.
It’s not just about cycling and walking, but also about making our past and heritage known. The quarries speak for themselves when you can enjoy them safely,
Philtjens continues.
The project encountered major hurdles because the first environmental permit application lost approval following resistance from nearby residents. The quarry activities’ impact on the everyday life of local residents stood in conflict with nature organisations’ arguments about potential bat species threats.
Residents were mainly concerned about the impact of tourism on the quality of life. The nature organisations are concerned about the habitat of the various bat species in the quarry. That is why we withdrew the original permit application. Sustainable tourism needs support, and that is what we have to look for,
says Philtjens.
Philtjens explained that “we have adopted the underground cycle route to nature,” incorporating features such as bat-friendly amber lighting along the route and specially designed fences to minimise disturbances to wildlife from bicycle lighting.
The path maintains reduced operational availability throughout the year with scheduled closures between September 15 and May 1 to shield bat populations from hibernation while remaining accessible for limited sections of other months. The project planning incorporates measures intended to balance nature conservation with tourism growth.
We organised a discussion evening and it was very constructive,
Philtjens reflects.
Mobility came up as one of the concerns, but I think the municipality has that well under control. In our vision, people will mainly cycle there and drive much less to the quarry.
How does cycling underground fit into Limburg’s tourism strategy?
The “Cycling Underground” initiative aligns with a broader strategy in Limburg aimed at promoting cycling tourism as a means of revitalising areas previously affected by coal mining closures in the late 20th century.
Since 2013, various projects have been developed under this vision, including notable attractions like “Cycling through Water,” which has attracted over 300,000 cyclists since its opening in 2016. The Dutch province takes advantage of its 2,000-kilometer cycling network to attract significant numbers of dedicated cyclists.
The region shows its dedication to sustainable tourism through strategic planning initiatives that engage community members. The province will preserve its ranking as a cycling destination in Belgium through continuous property development and investments in novel bicycle-related experiences. As Philtjens stated,
If we want to retain our leading position, we must innovate and invest.
