Liège event Every Thursday this summer, the city center will open up to roller skaters

"One million roller skates were sold in Belgium last year," Car de Moncharline, organizer of "Brussels Rollers" in the capital, told us. Given its success last year, he is launching this concept this summer in seven major cities across the Kingdom. The Belgium Rollers, as they will henceforth be called, will offer a 20 km roller skate ride in major cities, including Liège, every Thursday in July and August. "The goal is to offer everyone who isn't going on vacation a chance to get away while promoting roller skating as a leisure activity or a means of transportation. It is also a good way to rediscover one's city. It should be noted that this ride is open to "anything that rolls": bicycles, skates... "Some parents come on roller skates and push their child in a stroller." Last year, each of the rides welcomed around 10,000 participants. One can already imagine the concerns of motorists. "We do this in the summer and in the evening (from 9 p.m.). There is therefore significantly less traffic. We roll exactly like a diplomatic convoy. Traffic is blocked for the duration of our passage through the streets, which is about 15 minutes," reassures Carl de Moncharline. And he recalls the safety guidelines: "Wearing various protective gear is strongly recommended. Two Red Cross vehicles and doctors follow along. It lasts until about 11:30 p.m. Sponsors provide snacks, and several breaks are scheduled. Info: www.belgiumrollers.com .