I have been a dedicated recreational and tourist cyclist for decades, in many countries. In countries with substantial waterway networks (particularly Germany, England and the Netherlands), I have used them as a framework for exploring. When we arrived in Belgium in the summer of 1997, I continued this tradition. I started riding, while I searched libraries, bookstores and bike shops for guides and maps. To my surprise, I found no maps that were dependable (for bike paths), and no guides that individually or collectively began to cover the entire waterway network - in any language. In a few months, I decided to remedy this by writing a guide to the entire waterway system.

My objective was to create a comprehensive cycling guide for the entire Belgian navigable waterway network, and logical extensions for short distances into France and the Netherlands. Routes are described whether they are good, bad or indifferent. Long rivers and canals are divided into sections between canal junctions or major bridges. All route descriptions are from personal experience starting in September 1997, although in a few places I have added corrections and updates provided by others (who are attributed). I have covered and described the entire network, I think, so now I have started riding it again, taking pictures and rewriting the descriptions. I even find some previously unknown (to me) bit now and then.

The guide is being published on the Internet to make it available to the increasing number of cyclists who have access to computers. It is best in this dynamic form, which allows frequent updates as routes change. (And besides, no publisher has shown any interest.)

In addition to providing ideas to individuals, I hope this inventory will be useful to the regional officials responsible for maintaining and improving the cycling networks.

Since I left Belgium in July 2001 I have continued to update the guide with input from several acquaintances. Hopefully someday the entire project will be taken over by a Belgian (or Belgian group) able to update from first-hand knowledge. (Any volunteers?).

Last updated 21 February 2004

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