Roller skating must find its place

La Tribune de Bruxelles from July 20 to August 10, 2005 Roller skating must find its place Roller skating is attracting an ever-increasing number of followers. As a mode of expression of urban culture or as a leisure sport, but more rarely as a means of transport. With the exception of tourists, no one is surprised anymore to see the Mont des Arts squatted by rollerbladers or skateboarders. With its slopes, low walls, steps, and benches, this natural site indeed offers a suitable terrain for enthusiasts of all roller skate derivatives. Of course, these acrobats have to endure the wrath of heritage defenders who do not look kindly upon the evolutions of 'riders'. Officially, it is not authorized, 'but we most often turn a blind eye unless significant excesses are observed,' smiles a police representative. It is undoubtedly to prevent all urban furniture from serving as an expression ground for 'freestyle' enthusiasts that many municipalities have invested in creating spaces specifically designed for rollerbladers and skateboarders (1). In parallel with 'freestyle', which for many young people is a mode of expression of urban culture synonymous with freedom, roller skating attracts many supporters as a leisure sport. Every Sunday, the Bois de la Cambre and Woluwe Park welcome numerous 'roller-joggers', who find in these sites the safety they do not encounter in the streets, due to a lack of clear legislation. Ambiguous situation The situation of roller skating on public roads is indeed quite ambiguous and prone to accidents since it entails differences... according to age. Roller skate users under 16 years of age must indeed use the sidewalk or the practicable verge when these exist. Failing that, when a cycle path is present, they must ride on it. When none of these facilities are available, the use of these devices by those under 16 is prohibited, except in residential areas, pedestrian zones, and streets reserved for play. Roller skate users over 16 years of age must primarily use cycle paths if they exist. Failing that, they must ride on the right side of the road, or the sidewalk, or the verge, when the road speed is limited to a maximum of 50 km/h. On other public roads, in built-up areas, in the absence of a sidewalk or verge, roller skating is simply prohibited! In short, if you feel like trying roller skating, for your safety and that of others, choose your location carefully! MICHEL OTTE (1) The rouliroula.com website offers an overview of all authorized... and unofficial sites in the capital. Photo : The Bois de la Cambre welcomes 'roller-joggers' on Sundays. (Photo Belga) DID YOU KNOW? A Belgian invention! The first known inventor was a Belgian, Joseph Merlin, a musician by profession. In 1760, he adapted metal rollers to wooden plates. He had invented the roller skate, but not the brake! Legend has it that he crashed into a mirror trying to make a grand entrance at a ball. A covered site The Anderlecht rollerpark allows enthusiasts to practice their favorite sport sheltered from bad weather. It is indeed the largest indoor park in Belgium. ■Info: Rollerpark, Quai de Biestebroek 300 in Anderlecht (Bizet metro). Tel: 02/5225915. Entry: 5 euros. Roller-police The Brussels police have rollerblades that some of its members do not hesitate to wear to patrol on Sundays in the Bois de la Cambre. When will we see law enforcement officers on skates in rue de la Loi? The Roller Parade from the inside For five years now, the Roller Parade has allowed roller skate enthusiasts to safely stroll through the streets of Brussels. We tested this event for you. 7:00 PM. The first rollerbladers appear at Place Poelaert. The esplanade in front of the Palace of Justice is the meeting point, every Friday evening in summer, except when it rains, for enthusiasts of a skate ride through the capital's streets. It's time to get ready: given the heat, light clothing is a must, as are the essential wrist, elbow, knee, and head protectors. 8:00 PM. Carl de Moncharline, the initiator of the Roller Parade, signals the start of the ride. As an appetizer, the descent into the Louise tunnel. While the best skaters rush headfirst, at the back, the less experienced use the tunnel walls to slow down, with some already having spectacular falls, fortunately most often without seriousness. After this obstacle, already sufficient to dissuade some from continuing the adventure, the Roller Parade settles into its cruising rhythm on fortunately less perilous paths. To ensure the safety of the procession, the 1500 participants are effectively supervised by a staff of 50 people, responsible for blocking streets for the passage of skaters, and by police officers on rollerblades, present to ensure the procession is respected by recalcitrant motorists. A mobile emergency team is ready at all times to provide first aid in case of injuries. At the back of this long snake of wheels, an ambulance and a sweep bus for the most tired. The parade is open to everyone for free, without registration, on the simple condition of having the basics of roller skating, i.e., knowing how to stop, raise your arm when braking, and not clinging to others in case of a fall! For the less daring, it is possible to follow the ride by bicycle, at the back of the procession. In total, 35 km of route for a duration of about 3 hours. Fortunately, the circuit is figure-eight shaped, which allows tired skaters to stop halfway, promising themselves to come back and enjoy this convivial event again. Info on www.belgiumrollers.com Photo : (Photo Belga)