The roller brigade already has fourteen police officers

BRUSSELS Following Paris's example, the Brussels police department has been deploying officers on roller skates in the capital since 2002. On weekends, they patrol the Bois de la Cambre, which is closed to traffic, and from June 3rd, they also escort the Roller Parades that wind through alleys and tunnels every Friday evening. They are also present at certain events and neighborhood parties. Sabrina Plas (31, from Liedekerke) is a police officer in the second section of the Marché aux Poissons, in the heart of Brussels. She usually patrols by car, but especially during the summer months, she puts on her roller skates two days a week. We met her in the Bois de la Cambre, where hundreds of skaters had gathered last weekend for a special roller skating day. What are the rights and duties of skaters in the city? Sabrina Plas: “Up to 16 years old, children can only use roller skates on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, they can ride on the bike path. If there is neither a bike path nor a sidewalk, they are forbidden to skate. From 16 years old, skaters must ride on the bike path. If there is no bike path, skaters can ride on the road or on the sidewalk. Provided that the maximum authorized speed does not exceed 50. Outside built-up areas, skaters can also ride on roads where the maximum authorized speed is higher, but only if there is no usable sidewalk or shoulder. In addition, skaters must be equipped with a front light and a red rear light on the bike path when it is dark. If they ride on the road in the dark, they must wear a fluorescent vest. With roller skates on their feet, it is forbidden to take the metro or bus, so if you are a commuter, you must put on normal shoes for public transport.” Do skaters know the regulations? “The group that takes a city tour every Friday evening knows them well. They also wear fluorescent vests. But often, we have to point out to parents that children should wear a helmet for their safety. Police officers, by the way, always wear protective gear.” Does the capital need police officers on roller skates? “The capital urgently needed something new, and skaters are well accepted by people. They find us quite 'cool', and we are quickly on site everywhere. Patrolling in the city center is difficult because of the cobblestones. The Bois de la Cambre is an ideal terrain, especially because it is closed to traffic on weekends. In Paris, patrols are seven days a week, but the French capital has the advantage of very wide sidewalks.” Do many accidents happen? (laughs) “At first, our coach told us: 'The more you fall, the better.' By falling, you learn to overcome fear. I myself have fallen several times, but never seriously. During parades, there are unstable beginners who have caused colleagues to fall with them.” What advice do you give to people who want to start roller skating in Brussels? “First of all: take a class, learn to brake. Beginners can also take free classes every weekend in the Bois de la Cambre. Definitely do not start unprepared in Brussels' dense traffic. Practicing as much as possible beforehand on quiet terrain, in the Bois de la Cambre or in a parking lot, is the message. All ages are represented, we even had a 70-year-old lady who came to skate with cushions attached around her body so as not to get too hurt in case of a possible fall.” How does the Roller Parade proceed? “We handle the supervision, with officers in front, in the middle, and behind. Staff block intersections, we let Red Cross ambulances come on site if someone has fallen, sometimes we also have to calm motorists who want to pass even though they have to wait too long at a roadblock. Sometimes we have to intervene against traffic law violators or make impetuous motorists understand that they must let skaters enjoy their fun once a week.” What does your work in the Bois de la Cambre consist of? “Patrolling the approximately two-kilometer route. If, for example, we receive a call indicating that a noisy group is playing something like drums somewhere, we try to calm things down. Or we have to show the way. Or look for a dog.” Photo: Skaters train in the Bois de la Cambre. In summer, the roller parade takes place every Friday in Brussels. Has a criminal ever been arrested? “Not in the Bois de la Cambre, but during a car-free Sunday, we arrested a bicycle thief. On roller skates, you catch fewer thieves than with a normal patrol by car or on foot. But we remain first and foremost police officers, serving the population and maintaining order.” Belgium Rollers Summer Tour, Friday, June 3, 8 PM. Gathering at 7 PM at Place Poelaert. Until September 30. www.belgiumrollers.com or www.rouliroula.com