Cycling in the Dutch Dunes

The right to cycle everywhere.

The dunes along the Dutch coast are not only important as a sea defence to protect the low-lying Holland from the sea. They are also part of the European Natura 2000 network and form an important and unique nature reserve.

There is a network of cycle paths that open up this unique nature reserve for recreational cyclists, but a number of them require a lot of maintenance. Due to the characteristic dynamics of the dune environment, some cycle paths in the North Holland dunes become impassable. Drifting sand, essential for dune formation, quickly covers a number of cycle paths, which therefore have to be dug out regularly. Other cycle paths become flooded as a consequence of the regularly rising of the groundwater levels. The management has therefore decided to no longer maintain part of the cycle path network. Letting nature take its course, is another way of putting it.

The Dutch Cyclists’ Union does not agree with this and is now campaigning to preserve all of the cycle path network. The campaigners want the cycle paths to be protected and maintained.

The action reminded me of my holiday a few years ago in Hastings and the surrounding area on the English south coast. Narrow streets were full of parked cars, so that half of the street was occupied. For pedestrians, a strip of at most 40 cm wide remained, if there was a strip left. The historic heart of a nearby rural village was clogged by passing and parked cars.

“Why does every place here have to be accessible by car?”, I thought. Why not a solution like in the Dutch Elburg, for example. Parking spaces have been created on the edge of the old centre and the old historic heart can only be reached on foot and partly by bicycle.

Is the situation in the Dutch dunes essentially different? This is not about commuting or the accessibility of public facilities. It is about a nature reserve with a unique dynamic. It is part of the European Natura 2000 network; and that is for a reason.

Why should the natural processes that give the area its unique character be curbed for a recreational cycle path network? Why should everything be accessible by bike?

Nowadays, not only regular cyclists use a cycle path. On a present cycle path you can see also a wide range of electric bicycles, fat bikes, LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles) whether or not used by people with disabilities, cargo bikes and other types of vehicles that are legally allowed to use a cycle path in the Netherlands.

However, the primary function of the Dutch dunes is determined by the Natura 2000 function. It is not primarily a recreational area. Cycle paths with a procession of bicycle-like vehicles do not necessarily belong there.

Moreover, in this situation, the natural dynamics of the dunes must also be curbed to keep the cycle paths accessible. These are two good reasons to limit the size of the cycle path network in the Dutch dunes. Leave nature to the walkers; or only to nature.

Sincerely,
Theo Jorna - member of the Fietsersbond (the Dutch Cyclists' Union)