Should nature be allowed to take its own course in the dunes of North-Holland even if this means certain main cycle paths might have to close forever? Or is there room for both nature and cyclists? Nature conservation organisations and cycle campaign groups don't see eye to eye.
Cycle path in National Park Zuid-Kennemerland blocked by a drifting dune. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com
Water and drifting sand
Holland has had one of the warmest and wettest winters on record. This has led to the highest ground water levels ever measured in the dunes of North-Holland. Many cycle paths have been flooded for months and are still not accessible. This means popular access routes to the beach are closed and the options for a recreational ride through the dunes are limited. Fewer cycle paths means the cycle paths that are open are busier and the chance of accidents is greater.
Drifting sand also constitutes a threat to cycle paths if it is not cleared. Already certain cycle paths have been permanently closed as they are no longer accessible. Cycle campaign groups fear more will disappear if nothing is done. And that's just what nature conservation organisations are doing: sitting back and letting nature take its own course - all in the interest of biodiversity and tackling climate change.
Intervention
The Dutch Cyclists' Union (Fietsersbond) acknowledges the need to tackle climate change and the role drifting sand dunes can play in encouraging biodiversity. Still they say: "Cyclists shouldn't bear the brunt of problems caused by the A8 and A9 motorways and companies such as Tata Steel that emit their pollutants into the dunes".
Why should cycle paths that have existed for decades, sometimes 50 or even 80 years, be sacrificed? "Now they [nature conservation organisations] act like cycle paths are the cause of the problem, but before they started the process of letting the sand dunes drift, they should have thought about how they could keep the cycle paths open. You can't just close off a public road."
Cycle campaign groups have suggested some simple solutions - such as placing ground protection mats and building temporary bridges - that would allow space for both nature and cyclists. A temporary bridge on the island of Vlieland is a great example of how such a simple solution can work. So far nature conservation organisations in North-Holland have not been willing to change their management.
A temporary bridge on Vlieland - a great example of how a simple solution can work. Photo © Omroep Zilt
The Dutch Cyclists' Union: "Cycling in nature is the way to stay healthy. Recreational interests can coexist with nature conservation. They don't need to stand in each other's way. But there has to be a will. No management leads to closure [of cycle paths]. In other words, management is necessary. Doing nothing means everything will disappear under a layer of sand or water."
Accessibility of cycle paths in the dunes of North-Holland
Currently a number of cycle paths in National Park Zuid-Kennemerland (between Zandvoort and IJmuiden) are closed, or only accessible if you don't mind getting wet feet. To see which cycle paths are still open in this area, go to the Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland website.
The cycle path between Bergen and Schoorl aan Zee (part of the LF-Coastal Route and North Sea Cycle Route) comes with a warning for drifting sand dunes. It is still accessible.
The cycle path between Bergen and Schoorl aan Zee comes with a warning for drifting sand dunes. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com
