Successful attendance of motocross riders and farmers in Mol
Earlier this week, a call came through a hastily created Facebook group to join farmers during a demonstration as a motocross rider. That call was not ignored because this afternoon the parking lot at the McDonalds in Mol was full with motocross riders who had brought their motorcycles. They stood side by side with the farmers who have been protesting for several weeks against the imposed nitrogen agreements.
On the southern ring road of Mol, forces were joined to raise the problems of both groups with politicians. The farmers were represented by the Farmers Defense Force. They do not agree with the recently concluded agreement with the Flemish government. The motocross riders then came to publicize the fact that the few motocross tracks in our country are constantly attacked by nature associations.
The main concern among many motocross riders were VZW Natuurpunt and VZW Valk, which targeted the cross-country terrains in Lille and Olmen respectively and had their permits revoked. We were able to spot a number of well-known figures such as Jacky Martens, Hans Corvers, Dirk Vansummeren, Pierre Schroyen, Eddy Nuyts and Joël Smets. They showed their solidarity with the affected motocross riders and that was greatly appreciated. Smets showed up with an enduro bike and was brought in front of the TV cameras to give his opinion on the condition of the motocross tracks and possible solutions.
Joël Smets: “I came here today to support the youth and the future of our sport. It is a great pity if there is no longer a place for motocross in our country"
After a short speech by the organizers, the dirt bikes were kicked on to once again underline the grievances of the motocross riders. Afterwards, the motorcycles and farmers moved to the nearby intersection, where traffic in all four directions was paralyzed for half an hour. The organization called for the motorcycles not to be ridden and this was perfectly complied with.
We spoke to a number of people on the ground who quietly hoped that there would be more action from the motocross community. This week the news came from the office of Environment Minister Zuhal Demir that the motocross riders are not being abandoned and that sustainable solutions are being sought for all routes.
Photos: Danny Hermans
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