Bike path along the Bongerd. Photo: Remo Wormmeester
The alternative route is needed, because the second sport hall is built on the spot of the original bike path. But the narrow dirt road in the route is really dangerous, says a student that often uses the path. ‘I have regularly almost had bike accidents. Especially elderly people that are walking on the shell path from the tennis fields. They do not expect bikers from the other side and bikers do not expect them.’
Henri ten Klooster, manager of the sports centre the Bongerd, understands the frustration. ‘It is indeed not an optimal situation, but we are trying our best to keep a good and short connection between Leeuwenborch and the campus.’ For safety reasons ribbons and fences were placed and a 10 kilometre sign was placed to slow the bikers down, says Ten Klooster. ‘Unfortunately we cannot widen the dirt path, because that would require removal of trees which is not our intention.’ They are trying to arrange two extra lamps near the dirt path as soon as possible.
The situation will not take much longer, says Ten Klooster. At the end of Febuary the new sports hall should be ready. The whole terrain around it will be renovated, which includes the construction of a wide and well-lit bike path.