Senegal: rollerblading tries to exist in the streets of Dakar

Text by: RFI Follow

It is a popular means for young people to get rid of traffic jams and very dense traffic in the Senegalese capital. In Dakar, roller skating users are more and more numerous, but these short or long trips do not always happen like clockwork.

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With our correspondent in Dakar, William De Lesseux

Faced with the innumerable dangers in the streets where cars have priority, roller-skating users are trying to impose themselves. But before venturing out, they train.

This is how rollerblades took over this basketball court in the Mermoz district. Jordann Ciss, in fifth grade, comes to perfect his footwork before leaving for the city, roller skating. " We can move faster. When there are traffic jams, we can leave faster. It goes everywhere. "

For training, slalom or obstacle course, the field was carefully swept by the instructor, Habibatou Thiam. “ You need a smooth part, otherwise the sand is dead. "

Conditional freedom

For Habibatou, rollerblading is second nature: " It allows you to free your mind, to be really" free ", as we say . Freedom under certain conditions. Rokhaya Thiame is also an instructor: “ When I ride, you really have to pay attention to the drivers who are on the road, watch, concentrate. Especially the concentration. There are protections on the knees, elbows, wrists and helmet. "

Babacar Ndiaye, president of the Accro Roller association, takes care of training the youngest in urban sliding. “ I am better known as Babaroller . "For him, more compatible roller skating spaces are needed in the city:" Bicycle paths and, above all, we share this route. It's just for a moment, so let's do it in peace and cordiality . "

The Senegalese state has promised a cycle path along the route of a future bus route from the city center to the suburbs. Delivery scheduled in 2022.

► Also to listen : Senegal: developing mobility by bicycle in Dakar via social networks

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