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LF-routes
Network of cycle routes in the Netherlands and Belgium From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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LF-Routes (Landelijke Fietsroutes, Dutch for countrywide cycling routes) are long-distance cycling routes that form a network in the Netherlands and Belgium. The routes, criss-crossing both countries, are primarily intended for recreational multi-day bike tours, such as cycling holidays. Some routes are also part of a wider international network.
Most of the LF routes have been signposted in two directions, inscribing one direction with the letter "a", the other with the letter "b": the North Sea Route LF1 southbound from Den Helder to French Boulogne-sur-Mer is called LF1a, while in the other direction it is called LF1b.
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History
In 1987, Dutch cyclists' organisations founded a "countrywide cycling platform" to create a network of long-distance cycling routes throughout the Netherlands. This platform published maps and guides and started signposting its routes in 1990.
Belgium introduced its first long-distance route, not yet called "LF" by that time, in 1964: it connected youth hostels and was therefore called Jeugdherbergenroute, which later became the LF50. Belgium signposted its first LF-route in 1990 as well (the LF1 North Sea Route) and two years later, the GR organisation took over the planning of Belgian LF-routes.
At the maximum extent, both countries had created a network of 36 routes, of which 5 were only in Belgium, 15 in the Netherlands and 16 in both. Some routes also extend into France and Germany. However, due to the expansion of the numbered-node cycle network, Belgium reduced its official network in 2012 (routes marked [Note 1]) and the Netherlands is doing the same between 2017 and 2021 (routes marked [Note 2]).
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Routes
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Tours from combined LF-Routes
Although a network like the Belgo-Dutch LF routes enable almost endless combinations of sections, a few themed routes have been officially established:
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See also
- Numbered-node cycle network, a second parallel signage system, allowing users to select arbitrary routes
- EuroVelo
- German Cycling Network, the national cycling route network of Germany
- National Cycle Network, the national cycling route network of the United Kingdom
Notes
- In a major network revision in 2012, these routes were taken out of the official network: "Geel-blauw verdwijnt". groteroutepaden.be (in Dutch). 1 September 2012. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- In a major network revision between 2017 and 2021, these routes will be taken out of the official network: "LF routes to undergo overhaul". Holland-cycling.com. 9 December 2016. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
- Named after Spiekelspade, a former hamlet in Hechtel-Eksel
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References
External links
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