The roller parades are rolling along!

BRUSSELS REVIEW Roller parades are rolling! Between 16,000 and 20,000 skaters participated in the roller parades organized this summer A more than satisfactory review for the roller evenings organized every Friday during the summer. Between 16,000 and 20,000 enthusiasts set off through the avenues of Brussels, supervised by 35 Polbru officers, including 13 "roller cops." The operation will therefore be renewed next summer. And if you are impatient, be aware that five one-off events are scheduled between now and then (see below). Originally, this event proposed by Carl de Moncharline (Who’s who) was modeled on the roller parades organized every week in Paris. "We were impressed by this roller event in Brussels. People had predicted plenty of accidents to me; they also told me that the cobblestones of Place Poelaert would be damaged," jokes Freddy Thielemans, mayor of Brussels. The latter was quite delighted with the result, so much so that he intends to repeat the experience next year, even if "we will not be able to organize roller parades all year round, because it is too heavy to carry within the framework of the police reform. We lack personnel." No major incidents to report, according to the zone chief, Roland Van Reusel. Only a few small tips for future parades. "Bicycles, pushed to the back by the parade organizers, believed they were traveling in a secure environment and caused some problems for motorists. As for animals, dogs in particular, it's not really a good idea to bring them into the parade." The roller parade was also an opportunity for the 13 "roller cops" to reveal another face of the police. Axel Mommerency, 31, had never put on skates before becoming one of the rollercops. "We were all volunteers. For my part, I like sport, and slightly unusual sports in particular. We took five classes to project a good image of the police, an image of police officers who can stay upright on their rollers!" A few private sessions with colleagues allowed Axel to refine his training before setting off. "We thought the first edition of the parade would bring together 300 people at most. There were 1,800 of us! People came to talk to us, saw us struggling on the climbs just like them, and asked us 'Are you doing okay, officer?' It was nice. And it changes the image of the police." As for his colleagues, two of them will now be patrolling in the Bois de la Cambre on weekends. V.M. : in brief A FEW "ROLLER" DATES TO MARK Here are the roller events that will allow you to stay in shape while waiting for summer: ■ On Friday, September 20, starting at 9 p.m., you will have the opportunity to warm up your legs to prepare for the car-free day on the 22nd. ■ Emerging from the mists of Halloween, take to the road again on Friday, November 1, with rollers on your feet. ■ Special evening on December 27, to end the year well. ■ As lovers, take a stroll on wheels on February 14. To love each other is also to skate in the same direction! ■ Let your imagination explode during the special carnival evening on Friday, March 7, the last roller evening scheduled before the summer.