In the late 20th century, when the coal mines of Belgian Limburg were closing down, the region faced the challenge of reinvention. Among those affected was mining engineer Hugo Bollen. After the closure, he developed a growing sensitivity for nature conservation and spatial planning. As the official redevelopment plans focused on large-scale tourism projects, Bollen saw a gentler alternative: a way to draw people into the landscape without destroying it. Inspired by both the navigation system once used underground and his wife’s frustration at having to stop at every crossing to read the map, he proposed a network of numbered junctions connecting cycling paths through nature. It was a simple, elegant idea that would soon change the face of regional tourism.

The concept spread rapidly throughout Belgium, then into the Netherlands, where it was embraced enthusiastically. Today, the two countries together offer more than 90,000 kilometres of interconnected cycling routes, forming one of the most advanced recreational cycling networks in the world. The system is now expanding into Germany, France, Croatia and Denmark — so the question naturally arises: why not Poland?

Poland has everything it takes. It’s a country of extraordinary beauty, diversity, and open space. Forests, lakes, quiet backroads, and charming towns offer endless possibilities for cycling tourism. Yet the current system of trails remains fragmented, often without unified signposting or long-distance connections.

That’s where VeloPolska comes in — inspired by a proven concept, but adapted to local character and needs. The goal is not just to mark routes on a map, but to help people rediscover the joy of moving calmly through Poland’s landscapes, meeting communities along the way, and making cycling a natural, sustainable way to explore the country. VeloPolska aims to make these experiences accessible to everyone, whether you’re an occasional rider or an explorer planning a cross-country adventure.

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Who’s behind the project

VeloPolska is, for now, a one-person initiative — but one driven by genuine passion and a clear vision. I am a Dutchman who loves the silence of the countryside, the rhythm of pedalling, and the soothing beauty of nature in all its forms. Living close to Warsaw, I have seen both how fast Poland is developing and how much opportunity there still is for human-scale, sustainable travel experiences.

Inspired by what works so well in the Netherlands and Belgium, I decided to start preparing the ground for introducing the same node-cycling system here in Poland. The aim is not to reinvent the wheel but to adapt a proven concept to local needs, geography, and culture. The first step is simple: building awareness, sharing knowledge, and connecting people who care about cycling as more than just sport — as a way of discovering the country and enjoying its richness.

In the near future, I hope to collaborate with local, regional, and national entities that are already working to make Poland more cycle-friendly. VeloPolska can serve as a bridge between good ideas and practical implementation. What started as a personal effort will, I hope, grow into a collective movement — because the real journey begins when more people start pedalling together.

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Vision, values, and what we do

Values