The floating cycle bridge ‘Cycling between Terrils’, nestled between two artificial hills of mining waste, crosses the lake formed by a former gravel quarry near Limburg in Belgium. Coal mining in the 20th century created the large piles of debris known as terrils, as well as the vast artificial lake, in this area. Despite the closure of the mines, the landscape is still dominated by the terrils today, and the area has been reborn as a recreational park enjoyed by cyclists and hikers since the 2000s.
The footbridge, designed by Burolandschap Studio, does not run in a straight line but draws a soft curve inspired by the principles of the Golden Section. This organic form, embedded in the natural surroundings, slows down the speed of cyclists and offers ever-changing perspectives along the route: the result is a suspended route that transforms a simple connection into a scenic experience.
At 400 meters long, it is the longest floating bicycle bridge in Belgium and a rarity worldwide.
Technically, the bridge consists of 30 hinged modular elements, giving it flexibility and adaptability to environmental conditions. The pontoons accommodate water level fluctuations of up to 130 cm, providing stability and safety to the passage. The project is thus a new node in Limburg's bicycle tourism network, also integrated into the routes of the Hoge Kempen National Park. This infrastructure enriches the scenic routes of the "bicycle province" and provides a sustainable connection between local communities.
