Things are rolling, from Namur to Coxyde

After Brussels Rollers, here comes Belgium Rollers. What is it? A roller-skating tour through the heart of the city. An event—free of charge, it should be noted—that runs until the end of summer! Last year, the experiment was tried in Brussels. Total success. This year, it starts again... but no longer just in the capital. Six other cities are also participating in the initiative. Count them up: that makes one for every day of the week! This trend is in vogue in several European capitals. London and Amsterdam, for instance, have tried and adopted it. In Paris, every summer since 1998, the main thoroughfares of the center are taken over by thousands of inline skating enthusiasts, supervised by law enforcement officers who have also put on roller skates. Peaks of 38,000 participants have been recorded there. Then came our turn, in Belgium, last year. Carl de Moncharline, well known in Brussels' trendy circles, suggested to the City of Brussels that a Roller Parade be created every Friday evening in July and August. The Mayor, Freddy Thielemans, accompanied by his local police chief, went to Paris where his counterpart, Bertrand Delanoë, introduced them to the phenomenon. They returned enthusiastic and decided to adopt it. In groups and on wheels across the country Roller skates thus invaded the thoroughfares of our capital. A resounding success. The organizers hoped to gather between 300 and 500 people per outing. There were 2,500 for the first one, a figure that would only swell over successive events to reach 8,000 people. That makes a total of around 30,000 participants and over 100,000 spectators. Unsurprisingly, the experience is being renewed and has expanded into other cities across the country. Goodbye, then, to the name "Brussels Rollers" (which, given the circumstances, was no longer appropriate), and long live "Belgium Rollers". This season, no fewer than seven cities in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels are participating in the operation. One for each day of the week, and indeed the inline parades will take turns every day in a different city. A parade—or rather a ride, on skates of course—of about 20 km that will travel through the streets of Hasselt, Namur, Ghent, Liège, Brussels, Mons, and Coxyde. The first took place in Brussels on June 27, and the last will take place in Mons on August 31. Proper supervision The goal pursued is to organize and promote roller rides, and consequently to promote roller skating itself, whether as a pastime, a sport, or a means of transportation... but also to allow citizens to rediscover their city in a new light. The urban route—always the same each week—has been specially designed for the occasion and, safety obliges, is supervised. By "staffers"—an appeal for volunteers among roller "pros" was launched before the operation began—but also, as seen last year in Brussels, by police officers who were specially trained in roller skating to escort the group. These "roller cops" will be seen in Brussels, Hasselt, Mons, and Namur. And supervision does not stop there. Belgium Rollers has also provided medical support. Two ambulances follow the procession at all times, and a team of first-aiders on roller skates has been assembled. The latter are spread out along the route and equipped with walkie-talkies. They intervene quickly anywhere for minor injuries and notify the ambulance in case of more serious problems. And in case of fatigue, the broom bus, located at the back of the procession, can take you back to the starting point (at the end of the event, of course). A stroll, not a race As can be seen, everything has been planned regarding safety. But participants must also do their part. First, by protecting themselves. From wrist guards to knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets, wearing all safety gear is required for children and strongly recommended for adults. Second, by adopting responsible behavior and adhering to certain rules. There is no question, for example, of holding onto a motorized vehicle or skating on sidewalks. Keep in mind that this is a stroll and not a speed race. Also realize that skating is not something to be improvised: even if one is not a skate "pro", one must still be able to control speed and know how to brake. It should be added that while these rides are organized for roller skaters, enthusiasts of other wheeled modes of transport are also admitted. However, cyclists, skaters, long-boarders, snakers, or scooter riders must position themselves at the back of the procession. For obvious safety reasons: because these devices are different, they pose a hazard both to skaters and to their own users. Best not to take unnecessary risks. It remains to hope for good weather, as roller skates and rain do not mix, and in case of rain (or risk of rain), the ride is automatically canceled. You might not have known... Believe it or not, many people use roller skates. For some, it is the sport they practice. Others engage in it during their leisure time. For still others, it is a true mode of transport used, for example, to commute to work. Until recently, there was no legal provision covering this new mode of travel. Not the slightest mention of roller skates in the traffic code. No "status" for its practitioners—who mostly considered themselves pedestrians or cyclists—and therefore no specific rules. Some pedestrians cursed their presence on sidewalks. A status and rules to respect Since May 2003, this gap has been filled. Those who use roller skates (or inline skates) and scooters are now a distinct category of road users, with rules to respect just like everyone else. Rules that differ according to the user's age. Those over 16 must use cycle paths, or failing that, in built-up areas with a speed limit of 30 km/h, they may use the right edge of the roadway. In 50 km/h zones, the rule is to use the right edge of the roadway, the sidewalk, or a usable shoulder. Outside built-up areas, if there is no cycle path, they must prioritize using the sidewalk or shoulder (or failing that, the right edge of the road). Those under 16 must use the sidewalk or shoulder. Lacking a sidewalk or shoulder, they may use the cycle path. If none of these amenities exist, it's simple: the use of these devices is prohibited for them, except in residential, pedestrian, or play areas. In practice The Belgium Parade runs all summer in seven cities across the country. The gathering is set for 8 p.m. for welcome and warm-ups at a location that serves as both the start and end point of the stroll. The kickoff is given at 9 p.m. At 10 p.m., a break with free refreshments is organized. Arrival is scheduled for around 11 p.m. at the starting point. Dispersion at midnight. Roller Parade schedule: Hasselt, every Monday, Evenementenplein, Kolonel Dusartplein. Namur, every Tuesday, Place de la station (train station). Ghent, every Wednesday, Sport en recreatiepark Blaarmeersen, Zuiderlaan 5 - Parking Oost (near Watersportbaan). Liège, every Thursday, Place Saint-Lambert. Brussels, every Friday, at Carrefour des Attelages in Bois de la Cambre. Mons, every Saturday, on the Grand-Place in Mons. Coxyde, Sundays August 10 & 24, Sportpark Hazebeekstraat 11, 8670 Oostduinkerke. Learning. A collective course "Special Roller Parade 03" is set up in Namur for Wallonia and in Coxyde for Flanders (days and locations were still to be determined when writing these lines) - Participation: €5.00/person - In Brussels, a "Special Roller Braking" course is offered at Bois de la Cambre every Saturday & Sunday afternoon from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For any additional information: www.belgiumroller.com