Rollers in Brussels

Every Friday evening, the "Brussels Rollers Parade" cuts through the city. Inline skaters are out. Summer's urban sport... Rollers in Brussels At the first meeting (last July 12), there were 600 at the start, but the procession quickly swelled to reach almost 2,500 people who came to skate on the asphalt. The initiative of the City of Brussels – inspired by Carl de Moncharline (Who's Who's Land) – hit the mark. Except for rain, it has become a habit: around 9 p.m., skaters gather in front of the Palais de Justice on Place Poelaert for a 19 km ride towards the Bois de La Cambre, Avenue Roosevelt, and back to the Bourse, at Halles Saint-Géry for a friendly drink. Until now reserved for the Bois skating rink or a few exceptional outings around the lake, roller skating is now welcome in the city. Success is achieved. The atmosphere is quite cool, with this "army" of skaters supervised by ten rollercops and a lead car for safety. They even provided a "Radio 21" broom bus for those who might feel a bit tired during the route. Does the initiative benefit the discipline? - We have noticed a small surge in our sales, confirms the equipment store of the Roller Park in Anderlecht, an address whose reputation extends beyond our borders. Belgium is on the rising wave, unlike Paris where the market is stagnant. The parade can only do good. In addition, it promotes the fun and tourist image of Brussels because many foreigners have come to skate there. Oakley glasses, baggy shorts with multiple pockets, branded t-shirt, the basic skater arrives helmeted and equipped with protections, because they fear falls alone or in a group when the caravan marches through the streets. But, above all, they have fun and enjoy themselves, especially when joined by a few cyclists or some skaters coming down from the Mont des Arts. Many come as families or with friends. We will skate all summer, until the end of August. Drivers are warned by message-strips in the tunnels. Brussels equals Paris, London, L.A. or simply the sea wall which is also very popular. Unless the weather looks grumpy, we all go! B. M. www.brusselsrollers.com SKATE, YOUTH! The skaters have responded present: the Parade is a success, even if there was a false start, on July 5, due to rain.