The new bicycle highway – F24 – between Louvain and Boutersem was officially inaugurated on Wednesday. Plans and preparations for the project were launched eleven years ago, and now the bicycle connection is finally ready.

The new section is 4,5 km long, and 4 meters wide, and follows railway line 36 between Louvain and Tirlemont. This way, cyclists can comfortably cycle car-free between the stations of Louvain and Tirlemont via Boutersem and Bierbeek. On the way, they can turn to Haasrode Research Park and the Brabanthal.

Bicycle bridge

A bicycle bridge has been built to avoid the dangerous junction with the Bierbeekstraat in Bierbeek. Cyclists can now continue cycling without having to cross the street.

Thanks to this new connection, cyclists living between Louvain and Boutersem no longer have to take the busy Chaussée de Tirlemont. Moreover, the highway is comfortable and safe. “Quite an improvement,” some passers-by say.

All the way to Tirlemont

To offer cyclists even more comfort, the Rijsmortelstraat in Bierbeek will also get a makeover. Now that this route will attract more cyclists, it will be necessary to widen the street. Later on, the bicycle highway will be extended all the way to Tirlemont.

The project cost 4,5 million euros, half of which is paid by the province. The Flemish government pays the other half through the Bicycle Fund.