“Cycling through Water” is a unique sunken bike path in Bokrijk, Belgium. It offers a truly innovative and immersive cycling experience that has garnered international attention for its ingenious design.
Here’s what makes it special:
Submerged path: The bike path is 212 meters (696 feet) long, cutting straight through a pond in Bokrijk Park, giving cyclists the sensation of riding through water.
Eye-level with water: The path is submerged to a depth of about 1.5 meters (5 feet), placing cyclists at eye level with the water’s surface. This provides a unique perspective and a close encounter with aquatic life.
Sensory experience: Cyclists can enjoy the sights, sounds, and even the feel of the water as they glide through the pond. In summer, they may encounter ducks and other waterfowl, while in winter, they can enjoy the reflection of the sky on the frozen water.
“Cycling through Water” is part of an innovative network of cycling routes in Limburg, Belgium, designed to provide cyclists with unique and memorable experiences.
The path has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to embark on this distinctive cycling adventure.
It has also received international recognition for its innovative design and seamless integration with nature, including being featured on *Time* magazine’s list of “Greatest Places” in 2018.
Architect and urban planner Maarten Van Rijswijk remarked, “This cycling path is a perfect example of how infrastructure can coexist harmoniously with nature. It allows people to experience the environment in a way that’s both sustainable and inspiring.”