Bike Patrol started July 10, 1987 in Seattle, Washington.
All-terrain bike (ATB) or Mountain Bike
Highly mobile and cost-effective means of policing
Combines speed, silence, invisibility and unpredictability to make this patrolling technique a virtual nightmare for criminals.
Community-oriented policing
West Hollywood Sheriff is first policing agency to implement Bike Patrol (July 1989) in all of California.
NOMENCLATURE
The instructor will display a bicycle and describe the parts and how they work.
Handlebars
center triangle
Bar ends
Brake handles
chain
Gear shifters
chain rings
Headset
Front fork
crank pedals
Front wheel
chain stay
Front tire
rear derailleur
Front quick release
rear derailleur
Top tube
rear wheel
Down tube
rear tire
Seat tube
Seat post
kickstand
Seat – horn of seat
Front derailleur
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE BICYCLIST
When exercising, your body consumes blood sugar (glucose) that your muscles use for fuel.
Need carbohydrates for energy
Simple and complex
Other main components
a. Fats
b. Protein
Vitamins
a. Iron
Hydration
a. Water vs sport drinks
Be aware of your food intake and fuel your body as needed
PUBLIC RELATIONS
1. Community-based policing
a. Policing by all-terrain bicycle has proven to be effective, exciting and readily accepted by all communities
b. Changes public perception, considers bike officer approachable and friendly.
Tool for apprehension of criminals
Promotes safe and proper riding skills
Places officer close to the public; able to see, hear and respond quickly to needs of public
CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC LAWS
Bicycles are subjected to Vehicle Code
Section 21200 CVC
Section 21202(A) CVC
Section 21650.1 CVC
Section 21208(A) CVC
Section 21201(D) CVC
Sections 21806 and 670 CVC
DISCUSSION OF NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
ATB bicycle
Bicycle helmet
Whistle
With breakaway strap
Protective eye wear
Gloves
Sam Browne
Uniform
BASIC SKILLS RIDE
Basic techniques and skills
Correct positions while riding and turning
Proper gear selection
Mounting, dismounting
Slow riding
Emergency braking and turning
Pair riding and single lane riding
The riding course will cover approximately 8 miles
DAY TWO
Discuss “at rest heart rate”
Stretch and warm up muscles
Discuss the ability to look into vehicles, businesses’ windows, open doors and make observations of criminal activity
Conditioning ride – 7 mile course
Business district
Parking lots
Motel walkways
Riding techniques
Slow riding control of the bicycle
Object jumping (curbs and obstacles)
Stair climbing and descending
Dismounting at slow and high speeds
Sliding dismounting techniques
Bicycle pursuits
Arrest techniques
Emergency turning
Avoiding obstacles
Angle curb climbing
DAY THREE
Warm up – stretching
Practical exercises
1. Citizen contacts in the field
2. Suspicious persons interview techniques, proper positioning and officer safety tactics.
How to use bike to your advantage for search techniques.
Skills test
All students will be required to perform all of the tactics taught during the course.