Roll on, youth!

SKATING Roll on, youth! In July and August, thirteen police officers on skates will supervise group skate outings We announced it to you as a preview in March. Starting July 5th, every Friday, Roller Parades will be organized in the streets of the capital, similar to what is done, notably, in Paris. "It is based on the Parisian example and taking into account the high demand in Brussels that we decided to act," explains Freddy Thielemans, Mayor of Brussels. "To effectively supervise this festive event, the Brussels and Ixelles police have set up a group of police officers on skates who will accompany the skaters." He adds: "Within the framework of the police reform, this initiative is interesting because it prioritizes proximity and contact. The officer is a peacekeeper, also ensuring a certain conviviality; they are part of a new way of experiencing the city." Recruiting volunteers was not difficult. "Thirteen candidates came forward," specifies Roland Van Reusel, Chief of Police. "Men and women. Among them, two commissioners. During the outings, they will supervise the skaters, calm the most spirited ones, and help the slower ones. Their colleagues will regulate traffic, particularly at intersections." As a reminder, the chosen route will start from Place Poelaert, take Avenue Louise on the outward and return journey (with loops through Place du Châtelain, Bois de la Cambre, and Ixelles Cemetery). A short break is taken at Place Poelaert, and then the second part of the route begins: Régence-Royale axis, Botanique, Jacqmain and Anspach boulevards, and arrival at Halles Saint-Géry. This route is approximately fifteen kilometers. Note: this is not a race; skaters will stroll at a speed ranging between 10 and 15 km/h. "The route passes in front of many café terraces," emphasizes Carl de Moncharline, organizer. "This is intentional; we are looking for visibility. In Belgium, one million pairs of skates have been sold, but few people treat it as a sport. Its practice in Brussels is limited to Bois de la Cambre. Another objective of this operation: to stimulate politicians to develop infrastructure for skating." How many participants does he expect? "About a hundred for the first outing, five hundred to a thousand by the end of August." And at that time, what will become of our police officers on skates? "They will be involved in specific missions: presence at Bois de la Cambre, the Brussels 20km, during Car-Free Day," notes Roland Van Reusel. "But it is too early to say that the capital will one day have regular roller patrols." MICHEL DECLERCQ VOLUNTEER "It's a great initiative" Sabrina Plas has been working at Polbru for eight years now. In the second division, near the Grand'Place. From there, she carries out foot or car patrols. "When I read the note announcing the project, I immediately applied. In fact, I had already skated two or three times for fun. Here, it's serious. We received technical training. Then, it's a matter of practicing, every day if possible. I try to do it after my work hours." What equipment will she have during the outings? "The essential safety equipment for skating, but also a radio, a whistle, and a spray." Needless to say, if a real roller brigade were to be established at Polbru (as already exists in various metropolises), Sabrina would apply once again. M.DQ : in brief THE ROLLER PARADES When? Every Friday from July 5th to August 30th, except in case of rain. Schedule: Meet at 8 PM at Place Poelaert; 9 PM: departure; 10 PM: break and refreshments; 11 PM: arrival at Halles Saint-Géry. Participation: It is free. Participants must be able to brake (beginners are not admitted at the start). Skating on sidewalks and holding onto vehicles is prohibited. TRAINING Twelve hours of classes In the group of thirteen police officers on skates, 80% had never worn skates. "They received a 12-hour initiation over four weeks," explains Frédéric Bonus-Plumridge, one of the instructors. "First general, it then continued with more targeted classes to supervise the parade."