Case Study
The creation and involvement of a Federation of Mountain Bikers
Contact name
Kris Mertens
Institution name
Sport Vlaanderen
Region & country
België / Vlaanderen
Summary
MBF Vlaanderen’s mission is to secure a sustainable future for mountain biking and gravel cycling in Flanders and Belgium. It represents off-road cyclists in discussions with governments, nature managers and other stakeholders. MBF promotes sustainable trails, responsible riding and respect for nature and other recreational users. By cooperating with public authorities, nature organisations and cycling partners across Belgium and internationally, MBF aims to prevent.
MBF Flanders aims to secure a sustainable future for mountain biking and gravel cycling in Flanders by representing off-road cyclists, promoting high-quality and sustainable trails, and working with public authorities and nature managers to balance recreation, sport and nature.
Raising awareness through events
Mountain Bikers Foundation Vlaanderen vzw
Working together with partners
Mountain Bikers Foundation Vlaanderen vzw
Building trails and community
Mountain Bikers Foundation Vlaanderen vzw
The partnership is acknowledged on signs
Mountain Bikers Foundation Vlaanderen vzw
Background of the project
Before our actions, Sport Vlaanderen was the main organisation representing the interests of mountain bikers in Flanders. There was no independent organisation specifically dedicated to advocating for off-road cyclists and bringing their voice directly into discussions with policymakers, land managers and other stakeholders.
We identified the need for off-road cyclists to represent their own interests from within the community. As organised users and experts with first-hand knowledge of the trails, challenges and opportunities, they are best placed to voice their needs and contribute to sustainable and effective solutions.
Solution and actions taken
The solution was for off-road cyclists to organise themselves and create their own representative organisation. This allows the community to speak with a strong, unified voice and actively represent its interests towards policymakers, land managers and other stakeholders.
We established close cooperation and regular meetings with Sport Vlaanderen, public authorities and protected nature area managers. MBF is also actively involved in reviewing accessibility regulations, providing practical advice based on the experience and expertise of the off-road cycling community.
Other institutions or parties involved
A key partner in this process is the Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB), the Flemish authority responsible for managing forests and nature areas and for establishing accessibility regulations. Its close cooperation with MBF is therefore essential to ensure that the needs and expertise of off-road cyclists are taken into account in decisions on access, trail use and nature management.
Results
Today, off-road cyclists have a stronger and more organised voice in Flanders. MBF is increasingly involved as a partner in discussions on accessibility and trail development, allowing the community’s practical expertise and needs to be considered when decisions are made.
Challenges
The main challenge is the growing pressure on legal mountain biking opportunities in Flanders, where access to suitable trails is increasingly limited. As Flanders is a densely populated region with limited natural space, conflicts between mountain bikers, hikers and other recreational users are an important issue, making constructive dialogue and well-designed, sustainable trail access essential.
Lessons learned
The main lesson learned is that sustainable solutions are best achieved through dialogue, cooperation and early involvement of all stakeholders. Bringing the practical knowledge of organised off-road cyclists to the table helps create more balanced decisions, improves mutual understanding and can prevent conflicts before they arise.
