Summer is now in full swing in Belgium and how better to celebrate than to roller-skate, cycle or skateboard through the streets of Brussels in the annual Roller Parade? Here's The Brussels Times' weekly round-up of Belgian positive news stories.
Today's positive pick
Throughout the summer, locals and visitors take to the streets of Brussels and beyond to participate in the 'Roller Bike Parade', a thrilling event which offers the opportunity to discover Belgian towns and landscapes in a uniquely fun way.
The Roller Bike Parade was born in July 2002, having been inspired by similar successful parades in Paris at the time. The event organisers wanted to "create an event that would enable people of all ages and skill levels to take part and enjoy rollerblading and cycling together, while discovering popular Belgian locations in a real sense of freedom", an organiser told The Brussels Times.
Since its creation, the parade has expanded to Hasselt, Wavre, Leuven, Charleroi, Roulers, Mons, Antwerp and Nivelles. The event's main aim is to "promote an active and healthy lifestyle while encouraging soft and sustainable mobility." The parade allows participants to explore districts, streets and tourist sites while practising their passion for rollerblading or cycling, in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
Credit: Hey! Telecom Roller Bike Parade
With some 10,000 participants expected in Brussels across the summer season, the Roller Bike Parade is "open to all, from aged 10, and amateurs and professionals alike" according to their website, and is the "perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends to share a sporting and musical experience."
Multiple means of transport are accepted in the parade, such as inline skates, longboards, scooters, bikes, BMX bikes and monowheels. Although organisers stress that "it is not possible to take part in the parade on foot" for safety reasons. Helmets, elbow and knee pads and lights are compulsory for children and highly recommended for everyone.
Participants with disabilities are welcome, although organisers ask participants to inform them when they will be participating to ensure that the route chosen is suitably accessible.
Credit: Hey! Telecom Roller Bike Parade
Authorities giving the all-clear
Many may be wondering how the parade came about, given that bikers and bladers dominate the roads and tunnels are closed off on some of Brussels' busiest streets. Despite the seemingly impractical nature of the parades for other road users, the event is entirely above board.
"We make a standard request for authorisation. We hold a general meeting with each city where the city representative, the health and safety representative and the police representative are present," the event's spokesperson told The Brussels Times.
"The route is mainly created and organised by the police, and then validated by the mobility service. This is why the police are always present at each parade to ensure that the parade is 'closed' to vehicles and that people can ride in complete peace and safety."
The parades in Brussels take place every Friday (depending on the weather), with participants gathering at Place Poelaert from 19:00 for a 20:00 start. The organisers confirm or cancel each parade at least two hours before the start. Participation is free of charge and no registration is required.
Find out more on how to get involved here.
Other stories from this week to make you smile:
1. Walk on the Wild Side: Pink grasshopper spotted in Limburg back garden
Taika Brandorff, from Zonhoven in Limburg, noticed the rare, bright pink species first the first time on Saturday and managed to get a photograph before it disappeared into the wilderness. Read more here.
2. Belgian fugitive arrested after stealing inflatable palm tree
The suspect was arrested at around 22:00 on Saturday while riding a bike with an inflatable palm tree that he had stolen during a beach volleyball tournament which had taken place earlier in the day in the town. Read more here.
3. CO2 emissions from new cars fall to historic low
The automotive industry federation Febiac highlighted that the average CO2 emissions of new cars registered on the Belgian market are now at an all-time low, sitting at 90g/km – a 14.3% drop compared to 2022. Read more here.
4. Piano concert on Friday evening at Brussels Bourse... suspended from 45 metres
The singer from French group Hyphen Hyphen came up with the idea of a suspended concert while doodling during a long phone call. "It’s a completely new sensation," she said. Read more here.
