A new proposal by road constructors aims to develop a bicycle path from Hajnówka to Białowieża, which would run alongside the existing roadway. However, this plan is met with significant opposition due to the potential need to cut down thousands of trees in the Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique biodiversity. Radosław Ślusarczyk from the Workshop for All Beings warns that such developments are not minor renovations but represent a permanent transformation of a wide area of the forest into a technical zone that would profoundly impact its ecological character.

The provincial road section number 689 is noted for its picturesque setting as it winds through the forest, providing a green gateway to this natural complex. The proposed bicycle path threatens to alter this landscape, raising concerns among environmentalists and local residents who cherish the forest's natural beauty. This issue of constructing a pathway to Białowieża is not new; it has been debated for over a decade, with similar proposals previously rejected in 2021 when the General Directorate for Environmental Protection denied the necessary agreements for the initiative.

As discussions surrounding this new proposal gain traction, the community is once again forced to confront the balance between transportation development and environmental conservation. The outcome of this plan will have significant implications not only for local wildlife but also for tourism and the overall health of the Białowieża Forest ecosystem.