The roller season begins

SKATING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 The roller season begins This Friday, skating enthusiasts will set off from Poelaert square for the first Roller Parade And it should continue like this every Friday evening until September 30. Provided it doesn't rain; the outing is indeed canceled in that case. What's different from previous years? Not much, actually. Not in timing. Meet from 7 PM on Poelaert square (Palace of Justice) for reception and warm-up. The departure is at 8 PM, participants take a break halfway, and we return to Poelaert square around 11 PM. Nor in concept. Let's remember, it's a twenty-kilometer ride through the streets of Brussels. The route may vary from week to week. Who is this roller parade for? Not for beginners, in any case. Some sections are indeed tricky: descents into tunnels, cobblestones... And the pace is sustained. You will have understood, you need to have some practice with roller skating. "It is essential, for one's own safety and that of other participants, to be able to brake," explains the organization. "The staff members also spot unsafe skaters and advise them to practice more before returning." Safety also involves wearing protective gear. They are required for children: wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, reflective gear, and a helmet. The same equipment is strongly recommended for adults. And they too must be visible. Let's remember that the highway code now requires being equipped with a white light at the front and a red light at the back. For the rest, participation remains free. So, happy skating... MICHEL DECLERCQ Photo: Some Fridays, up to 8,000 people participate in the Roller Parade. V.FROMONT : in brief Information All information about the Roller Parade on www.belgiumrollers.com or at 02/227.27.24. If there is a risk of cancellation due to bad weather, send BRFR to 3791 (€0.25 per SMS). Training For those who wish to start roller skating or improve their skills, an ideal place: the part of the Bois de la Cambre closed to cars on weekends (around the lake). On Sunday mornings, "Ganza Roller" organizes special braking courses there (info on www.ganzaroller.org). Free courses also on Sunday afternoons. If you want to rent skates, one shop: "Twin" (chaussée d'Alsemberg 414b in Uccle, open Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM). Sometimes also present in the Bois de la Cambre. Information: 02/346.97.98 or www.twin.be. POLICE OFFICERS ON SKATES Present in the Bois de la Cambre Roller police officers are above all an image of conviviality. "It's not about carrying out interventions but about doing proximity work," notes Joël De Keyzer, head of the roller team within the Brussels-Capital-Ixelles zone. "It's important for visibility but also for recruitment." Practically, fourteen men and women have received roller training in the zone. "In addition to supervising the Roller Parades, we are present on Saturdays and Sundays in the part of the Bois de la Cambre prohibited to car traffic," explains our interlocutor. "But also during Car-Free Day and at neighborhood festivals." Will we go further? "I doubt it. We are not in Paris where sidewalks are wide and asphalted. In Brussels, due to the weather, cobblestones, and slabs, we are limited." M.DQ Photo: They supervise the parade. V.F.