8,000 skate through streets of Riga

The first ever Brivibas iela rollerblade night ride attracted more than 8,000 participants, according to estimates from the organizers at Riga City Council.
 
Riga Mayor Nils Ušakovs was among those taking part on rollerblades, scooters, bicycles and skateboards along a 5-kilometer route cleared of traffic for the occasion.

Ušakovs showed off his own rollerblading skills on the freshly-laid asphalt of Riga's main drag.

"It is fantastic that so many people choose not to stay at home, but to come out and do some sport. This is the first such ride, but definitely not the last. Next year, we could find another street, and make it a regular event," Ušakovs said.

The mass ride-out took place as part of a larger "Riga Sports Night" program with live music, skills demonstrations and master classes from expert riders.