Cycling through the Trees, The new cycle path through the trees adds a unique experience to the Limburg cycle route network. Cyclists ride 700 metres along a cycle bridge – a double circle 100 metres in diameter – that rises gradually (gradient of 3-4 %) to a height of 10 metres before then descending again at the same gradient, giving cyclists and walkers a sensational 360° experience.
© Visit Limburg
For the sake of safety, cycling is one-way and there is a subtle wire net with a handrail. The new cycle bridge sits on a structure of 449 unique columns made of weathered steel to symbolize the trunks of the pine trees, so the entire structure blends beautifully into its environment.
© Visit Limburg
Respect for flora and fauna was key to both the design of the cycle bridge and its construction in the forest. The project was implemented with nature as a companion and constitutes a logical link in the Bosland ‘Cycle of Life’.
© Visit Limburg
The trees that were felled to clear the space for the cycle path have been given a new life at the start of the route in the form of an information pavilion made from the stacked recycled tree trunks. Moreover, the coniferous trees are still represented in a symbolic way: the new cycle bridge sits on a structure of 449 unique columns made of weathered steel to symbolize the trunks of the fir trees, so the entire structure blends beautifully into its environment.
Project Info
Architects: Burolandschap
Country: Belgium, Hechtel-Eksel
Area: 5000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Visit Limburg
Manufacturers Jakob, Vectorworks, AVEVA Bocad, Bolidt, Cévan, SCIA, thyssenkrupp: Jakob
Design Team: Burolandschap, De Gregorio & Partners
Clients: Visit Limburg
Collaborators: MOLS
Lead Architects: Burolandschap
Consultants: BAS
Engineering: Smulders nv
