Largest inline skating network in Europe opened in Roeselare

The first meters of the new Midwest rollerblade network have officially started. In total there are 37 local loops of all together more than 450 kilometers, the longest in Europe. Minister of Sports Ben Weyts himself also received an initiation into rollerblading: “It was indeed my first time and all of those balance sports, that’s not exactly my thing. Anyway, this is an outdoor sport par excellence. On good asphalt. The investment cost is very limited. And so we can succeed in getting people to move and play sports. In an accessible way” Ex-world roller skating champion Sandrine Tas is also enthusiastic: “I really think it’s a very nice initiative that can give a boost to our rollerblading sport. I think it is difficult for many people to find a nice place to learn to rollerblade. It is important that the surface is good. And that it is safe. This is really an added value for our sport.”

Rediscover cities and municipalities

In addition, each route is neatly signposted. The 16 Midwest municipalities from the heart of the province are working together on the project. Mayor of Ingelmunster Kurt Windels applauds the project: “We already had extensive routes for hikers, cyclists and mountain bikers. And now rollerblading is added. Now people can get to know our municipalities and cities in a different way.”