Off. Jensen is also an avid mountain/road biker in his spare time, he currently rides a Cannondale Super V-1000FR (Free Ride) with a Cannondale Moto front fork, Fox Vanilla RX rear shock, Magura Raceline Hydraulic Brakes and Spinergy rims. His passion is mostly downhilling, but he also likes the occasional cross-country ride. He also uses a 1999 Cannondale R1000 road bike for additional bike fitness. And if you didn't get the hint from above he likes Cannondale bikes.

    OFFICER SELECTION
        How the bike patrol officers will be utilized is of primary consideration. This will vary by department, but must be formulated before issues such as personnel selection, training, uniform and equipment needs are addressed.

        ISSUES TO CONSIDER:
        1. Will the officers be utilized full or part-time? Assigning officers to patrol on bike only when there is an excess of manpower, send the impression that bike patrol is relatively unimportant in the eyes of the administration. NOTE! The amount of commitment on the part of bike officers is often relative to the amount of commitment they receive from their administration.

        2. What is the operational function of the bike patrol?
                a. Patrol (performing the function of a beat car)
                b. Specialized Patrol (lakefront, parks, business district)
              c. Tactical Operations (narcotics, burglaries, etc.)
                d. Events (parades, community events, bike safety rodeos)

        3. Will the officers be riding at night?

        4. Will the officers be expected to operate in inclement weather?

        5. If your department does not have a bike unit policy statement, in the form of General Orders, S.O.P's and/or training bulletins, consider writing one. This will establish, and document procedures and guidelines, for the officers to follow. This will also allow for disciplinary actions to be taken against officers that deviate from department policy (i.e., failure to wear helmet), and protect the department from civil liability.

    OPERATIONS
        The selection of qualified personnel is a key component for a successful bike patrol program.

        ISSUES TO CONSIDER:
        1. Selected officers must have the physical fitness and stamina to perform their required duties. A complete physical exam (including stress test) is recommended BEFORE training and selection.

        2. The best bike rider IS NOT necessarily the best personnel selection for a public safety bike patrol. I would rather select an experienced, aggressive, street-wise cop that is willing to learn bike handling skills, than an experienced NORBA racer that is inexperienced or un-motivated in the area of law enforcement. The ideal candidate is one that possesses both prior bike handling skills, and a positive work record in law enforcement.

        TRAINING
            For the safety of the officers and the public, as well as department liability, training is essential. IPMBA certified training is a nationally recognized standard within the law enforcement community, providing bike officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties skillfully and safely. Failure to train (or train adequately) is a liability nightmare for any department, especially when it can be shown in a civil trial that training was available and accessible.

       BICYCLES
            For the bike cops, bicycles ARE department vehicles. More efficient than foot patrols, effective as a community policing tool, and less expensive than the purchase and maintenance of a patrol car, patrolling on bikes is a wise departmental choice. However, the following issues should be considered before purchasing bikes:

         1. Ideally, a bike should be fitted for, and issued to , one officer only. Sharing bikes among officers working different watches:
                a. Creates sizing/fitting problems
                b. Reduces officers accountability for maintenance, repair, and/or damage of "their" department issued bike

        2. Frame considerations
              a. Aluminum is lighter, but less durable and repairable
              b. Cro-moly is heavier, but more durable and repairable

        3. Cost
                Considering the cost, and maintenance, of a fully equipped squad car or EMS vehicle, providing officers with a quality bike pales in comparison. Departments can purchase a fully equipped "police model" bike for under $1000. However, regarding the acquisition of bikes, the following issues should be considered.

              a. If possible, do not use bikes acquired from your recovered property inventory, especially if you are going to repair your own bikes. The parts inventory logistics makes this both ineffective, and in the long run, inordinately costly.
                b. Acquiring bikes through community donations, can be seen as an attractive alternative to utilizing moneys from your department's budget. However, the donors will almost always want to dictate how, and when, the bikes are utilized.
                c. Budgeting for the acquisition of bikes is only half of the financial equation. Maintenance and repair of the bikes, is the other half. Yearly maintenance costs per bike varies depending upon whether or not the bikes are serviced by a bike shop or police personnel. Departments can avoid bike shop labor charges (averaging $25.00 per hour) and unnecessary officer down-time, by having in-house bike mechanics, tools, and an inventory of bike parts. The IPMBA Maintenance Officer Certification Course provides officers with the skills necessary to perform this function, as well as affording their department the opportunity to purchase bikes at a reduced cost, direct from certain manufacturers.

        EQUIPMENT
        Standard equipment for the bicycles include:
        1. Bar ends
        2. A pedal retention system
        3. Rear stabilizer (kickstand)
        4. Bike rack
        5. Water bottle cages
        6. Rack pack, with the following:
              a. Basic bike tools
                    (1) A set of allen wrenches
                    (2) A set of screwdrivers
                    (3) Socket wrench kit
                    (4) Chain tool
                    (5) Extra pins (for Hyperglide chains)
                    (6) Needle nosed pliers
              b. Inner tubes (2)
              c. Tire levers
              d. Tire pump & gauge
              e. Basic first aid kit
        7. Tire suitable for your terrain
        8. Bike lock

        Optional equipment includes:
        1. A lighting system (for night patrols)
        2. Suspension (front and/or rear)
        3. Bike carrier (for the squad car)
        4. Horn or siren
        5. Fenders
        6. Composite wheels (eliminates the time and expense of replacing broken spokes and truing wheels)

        UNIFORMS
        What the officer wears, should not only readily identify him/her as a public safety officer from your jurisdiction, but should also provide safety and comfort. Clothing made from CoolMax, Thermstat and GoreTex, will provide comfort in a variety of weather conditions. Other items for consideration include:

        1. Helmets: The mandatory wearing of bike helmets is a must. Helmets should have either a ANSI, Snell, or ASTM certification. In cold weather conditions, consider the use of a Lycra helmet cover to retain heat.
        2. Eye wear: Protects the eyes from UV rays, wind, dust and bugs.
        3. Equipment belts and holsters: With the moisture incurred in riding (sweat and rain), leather duty gear just doesn't hold up. Consider using belts and holsters made of Codura nylon. Because of the increased vulnerability inherent to bike officers, the use of double or triple retention holsters is strongly recommended.
        4. Hand protection: For protection, control, comfort, and to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, finger-less gloves in the summer and mittens in the winter, should be a standard uniform item.
        5. Shoes: There are several brands of shoes on the market designed for the bike patrol officer, for use with toe clips and/or clipless pedal systems.

        This is, by no means, a complete and exhaustive list of information and considerations concerning starting a bike patrol. Hopefully, it will point you, as a public safety administrator, in the right direction for making your bike patrol a success.
 
 

    Officer Allan Howard, of the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department, and Officer Kirby Beck, of the Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Police Department, are both effective cycling instructors and founding members of IPMBA. They realized that a similar program, tailored to the needs of police departments and incorporating police tactics, was one of the most important services IPMBA could offer its members.

    In April of 1993, after months of planning, ten instructors from across the U.S. gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to present the first four day Police Cyclist (PC) Course to 90 officers from the U.S. and Canada. The curriculum, adopted as an international standard, included what any bike officer should know about basic bike handling skills, police related tactics, bike maintenance, officer safety concerns and legal issues.

    IPMBA continues to sponsor the Annual Police on Bikes Conference, assisting both new and existing bicycle patrol units. A wide range of topics are covered, with unlimited networking opportunities. Pre conference training courses include the 32 hour Police Cyclist Course, the Maintenance Officer Certification Course (MOCC), & the Police Cyclist Instructor Development (PCID) Course. In 1996 the IPMBA Governing Board adopted the following Mission Statement: To promote and Advocate Education and Organization for Public Safety Cyclists.

    As a result, the 1997 Police on Bikes conference introduced the first IPMBA sanctioned EMS Cycling Course for ambulance, paramedic, and fire service cyclists. As the bicycle becomes more widely recognized as a viable tool in the public safety community, IPMBA will stand out as the organization with the resources and expertise to address the information and training needs of the bicycle mounted public safety cyclist.

    Today IPMBA has grown to over 3,500 members from across the world and adds new members monthly, all of whom enjoy dual membership in LAB Leadership is provided by an elected board of active duty police officers, backed by staff support at the LAB headquarters in Washington, D.C. IPMBA is the only public safety cycling association that has the reputation, resources, and experience of the LAB.

    LAB is involved in bicycling safety and advocacy, both nationally and at the grass roots community level through cycling clubs and involved members. Examples include:

• The Effective Cycling program began to teach vehicular style cycling based on the principles in the book of the same name, authored by John Forester.
• LAB has been there to facilitate anything that improved cycling and the cycling environment.
• In 1991 the LAB (the "LAW") sponsored the first Police on Bikes conference in Tucson, AZ. This involvement with the police was seen as a positive step to improve cycling overall. Police were needed as allies in the effort to improve the safety of the roads for cycling.
• The LAB, with its resources and reputation, was he best organization to coordinate efforts by the bicycling police to organize into a group

  In 1992, the first IPMBA Governing Board was elected. As the first division of LAB, they chose a specific purpose, and goals:

• To promote policing using bicycles as a viable, cost effective tool.
• To act as a liaison between the members and bicycling organizations or industries.
• To act as a liaison among members, both individual members and department members.
• To standardize policies, procedures and training relating to police bicycle units.
• To actively pursue the development of new products designed for police bicycle units.
• To disseminate information about new products, techniques, procedures, and other topics relevant to members.
• To develop and conduct conferences for members.

    Police Cyclist training is based on the successful, and proven safe principles of the well known and respected Effective Cycling program. Effective Cycling techniques and principles are stressed throughout the training. Effective Cycling techniques combine principles to traffic flow, state traffic laws and physics of bicycling to produce a method of cycling in traffic which enhances the predictability and safety of the cyclist and surrounding motorists.

    Effective Cycling is recognized around the world as a superior method of cycling, based on sound principles, not one person's opinion. Effective Cycling is supported by the L.A.B. and its network of cycling experts from around the United States and around the world.

    Police Cyclist training is a result of input from a group of police bike patrol experts. The program is based on needs identified by working police bike patrols. The material covered is very diverse and valid, making it incredibly comprehensive, in addition to using the bike for transportation the course looks at:

• Bicycle patrol procedures and tactics
• Use of the bicycle as a complete law enforcement tool

    Mandated performance skills are validated b a committee of working bike patrol officers, and are defensible in court. Tested skills are basic and work on the street, where it matters the most ! The program is alive and growing; evolving as the demands on police bike patrol officers change.

Standardized training and instructor programs

• The program is standardized, with Standard Performance Objectives established to verify competence.
• The course requires a minimum of 32 hours of instruction and testing for certification.
• The program is flexible, it can be adjusted to add topics that are relevant to specific situations or organizations.
• The standards for certification are both rigid and realistic, including standardized testing:

• Some students do not achieve high enough scores to attain certification.

    IPMBA can offer certain support services not offered by other police bicycle organizations. As a member of IPMBA, you enjoy

• Full-time office staff in our national headquarters in Baltimore, MD
• Affiliation with the oldest, most respected cycling organization in the United States.
• The IPMBA Chairperson holds a seat on the Board of Directors of the LAB including its ties to influential sponsors and bicycling supporters.

Liability Reduction

    All Police Cyclist Instructors are rigidly screened and tested. All actively work as bike patrol officers. All IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructors are full-time, career police officers.

    Being affiliated with IPMBA, the League of American Bicyclists, and Effective Cycling shows an effort to train officers to be safe, effective and legal cyclists. By using this program you are able to demonstrate that you bike patrol officers have been taught and tested in proper, safe cycling techniques, law and theory. Police Cyclist training and testing patterns itself after drivers training and testing. At 32 hours, the Police Cyclist training is more intense than many better known police training programs.

    Officers will be tested on concepts learned in the course through both written and on-bike testing. Certification as an IPMBA Police Cyclist is awarded to officers successfully completing the practical tests and receiving a score of 76% o better on the written test and becoming an IPMBA member. The IPMBA membership fee is $40.00 and may be obtained by contacting;

    Policing in the nineties has become ever increasingly more complex. Crime has infiltrated our entire community and has placed added pressures on our judicial system. In society today a growing concern exists about the victimization of our citizens. As the issue of victimization become more of a concern, the citizens tend to isolate themselves with the feeling that police no longer have the means too adequately serve them. The law enforcement community has had to adopt a more creative approach to meeting the challenge of bringing the citizens and their police officers back to solving their problems together.

    By means of an innovative new concept, referred to as "Community Oriented Policing" police department bike patrol programs seek to bridge the gap between the law enforcement function and the citizens of their community. This program has not only expanded the community's awareness of the law enforcement role, but has also reinitiated the necessary interaction between the police and the citizen.

Police Department bike patrol programs have been utilized to address various aspects of the following police functions;
 
 

1. Public Relations

    The public relations opportunities with which the bike patrol function can come into play are substantial. The police officers on bikes help to provide more positive departmental image through personal interaction with the community. An officer on a bike is viewed as less threatening and becomes much more approachable by citizens who are able to personally deliver their problems to a police officer in an unsolicited manner. Through personal interaction with the police, citizens become more aware of the function, role and responsibilities that police departments fill in the community. In turn, the police gain a more comprehensive understanding regarding the needs of the community.
 
 

2. Education

    Police Department Bike Patrols play an important role in raising the bicycle safety consciousness amongst its community members. By educating the public about the importance of such issues as safe bicycling, proper riding technique, and the use of protective gear, the total number of bicycle related accidents and injuries hopefully will be reduced.

    Bicycle safety programs should include visits to public and private schools, youth groups, and civic organizations. Topics such as laws pertaining to cyclist's rights and duties, proper bike fit, and riding techniques, and usage of protective equipment are discussed. Bike rodeos, which are held in the late spring, summer, and fall, give cyclists a chance to practice safe and effective riding skills. The bike patrol should also assist with planning and handling of special fundraising events. The officers on bikes have been effectively utilized for ensuring the safety of, and smooth traffic flow around, such events as walkathons, foot races, parades, etc.
 
 

3. Patrol Enhancement

•         Saturation patrol of a specific geographically defined area.
•         Reactive patrol assigned to address an ongoing problem, criminal in nature.
•         Proactive patrol designed to deter criminal activity by means of officer presence.
•         Special operations where stealth and mobility combine to form an extremely effective tool for crime detection, surveillance, and criminal apprehension.

Q. Why police mountain bikes?

    One of the fastest growing trends in law enforcement today is utilizing mountain bicycles for patrol duty. Quite, cost efficient, and amazingly effective, mountain bikes are able to bridge the gap between automobiles and foot patrol. Experience has shown that citizens are more likely to approach a bike officer than even a neighborhood beat officer, optimizing community oriented or problem oriented policing efforts. Bicycle officers are better able to use all of their senses, including smell and hearing, to detect and address crime. Bike patrol officers are often able to approach suspects virtually unnoticed, even in full uniform.

Q. Where would we use bikes?

    Mountain bikes have proven effective in a number of different environments. They have proven to be swift and agile in busy urban areas where traffic snarls delay motorized units. Bikes may also be used in less urban areas for park patrol, parking lots, campus areas, residential patrol, business security, athletic or civic events, and specialized details where moving in on suspects quickly and quietly is necessary. They can be operated on streets, sidewalks, alleys, trails, and in those areas that are hard to reach with cars.

Q. We know how to ride bikes: why do we need training?

    While many officers know how to ride bikes, few know how to cycle and survive in complex traffic. Unlike recreational cyclists who can choose a route that is convenient and safe, police cyclists have to ride where they are needed. That may mean they have to ride in extremely heavy traffic Are your officers skilled enough to do that now? Do they know where to ride on multi-lane or channeled roadways? Can they brake safely with maximum effectiveness and control? Are your officers able to perform emergency maneuvers if a car or object suddenly appears in their path? Police cyclists need additional skills to ascend and descend curbs, stairs, and other obstacles that are part of their environment. They must know what tactics to use in a pursuit and how to quickly, but safely, dismount their bike to perform an arrest or fire their sidearm. It can be done with training, confidence and practice.

Q. Why this training course?

    This course is approved by the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). It is based on the successful Effective Cycling program of the League of American Bicyclists. It is only certified police cyclists training backed by experience, reputation and resources of LAB. Officers will learn how to ride safely and comfortably in traffic, off road and in various conditions they are likely to experience. Students will spend hours in skills development, riding in diverse traffic situations and practicing techniques designed to safely apprehend criminals. They will learn to hop curbs, descend stairs and perform emergency maneuvers designed to prevent crashes. IPMBA Police Cyclists certification requires IPMBA membership and passing written and on-bike tests. IPMBA dues are $40.00.

Q. What do I need to attend?

  Each student must bring the following: a mountain bike that is in good working order and properly fitted (K-Mart bikes will not due); a properly fitted bicycle helmet; protective eye wear; padded cycling gloves and padded cycling shorts are highly recommended. Students should have clothing available for all possible weather conditions, including suitable rain gear; Full duty belt (except for portable radio) and bike uniform (if have one).

    A properly fitted frame should be at least 2-3 inches lower than the rider's crotch. The bike must be of sound quality to hold up the rigors of four days of riding, curb hopping, stair descents, etc. The bike must be equipped with toe clips or similar devices.

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     SAFETY ALERT

    For more officer safety related items click here: Calibre Press

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   WINTER CLOTHING TIPS

    Skimping with cold weather gear will severely reduce the effectiveness of your patrol unit. Below are some summaries of areas specific to winter clothing from Chapter Three of IPMBA's book: The Complete Guide to Police Cycling.

    1. Uniforms. Foul weather uniforms are available from the bike patrol clothing manufacturers now more than ever these companies are a great source of information. The following companies offer uniforms: Bratwear - (253)471-1901; Cascade (604)873-2226; Fechheimer (513)793-5400; Gator Sports (801)261-3729; Kitaro (213)746-8000; Mocean (949)646-1701; Olympic/J.Marcel (206)722-1412; Pro Tuff (800)547-0976.

    2. Layering. The key to dressing for winter riding is in layering. Layering creates "micro-climates" between each garment which serves as a barrier to the cold more effectively than a single garment, no matter how thick. The base layer should be absolutely wick away moisture. The second layer should also allow moisture to escape from the inside out. for feet, switching to insulated patrol boots with wool socks is best for foot warmth, but you should make sure that you adapt your pedal retention accordingly.

    3. Jackets. It is important for the outer shell to shelter you from the elements and to allow freedom of movement. The liner should act as a moisture barrier to keep the garment from sticking to your skin when worn as a second layer shell. Other features of the jacket should include: a two-way zipper; wrist closures; a hook and loop closure on the collar to keep it from flapping in the wind and to allow adjustment of the opening for ventilation; and a ventilation flap on the back, just below the shoulders. A winter jacket should be cut long enough in the back (or have a way to fix to your belt) to keep it from riding up past your waistband and allowing cold air in.

    4. Pants. When weather drops below 60 degrees, you should have something over your legs because of the body's inability to maintain warmth in the knees. The knee is especially susceptible to injuries from the cold because its tendons and ligaments are only insulated by a few millimeters of skin; whereas other joints have the added protection of larger muscles and body fat.

    5. Winter Gloves and Hats. Winter gloves and balaclavas (which keep heat from escaping from your neck and head -- essential in cold weather) are an absolute must for riding in extreme cold weather. Helmet covers will keep heat in, and also keep precipitation out. when selecting gloves, look for the thinner ones that will keep you warm and still allow good control of the bike. One unique product is Climitts --- which enclose the grips, break levers and shifters, allowing freedom of your hands and allowing you to wear lighter weight gloves very effectively. And above all, be sure you can draw and fire your weapon accurately while wearing gloves.

    Those departments or officers that are interested in attending a course please forward a letter (e-mail) of intent with the number of positions wanted to Officer Ralph Jensen Jr, Western New England College Police Department, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield MA 01119. I will then send a information packet and application.

    The fee choice for each officer attending the course is:

                        1) Basic Course                                                             $175.00 per officer
                        2) Basic Course and IPMBA membership/certification    $225.00 per officer

      If attending course at WNEC the check should be made out to Western New England College. If you would like me to travel to your department, please contact me to discuss payment options. If I travel to your department the check should be made out to Ralph E Jensen Jr. All payments must be made on or before the first class.

    If you have any questions or would like a Bike Training Course Information Package please contact Officer. Ralph Jensen Jr at (413)782-1207 or e-mail at [email protected].

May 4-8, 1998 at Pittsfield Police Department, Pittsfield Massachusetts ---- Completed (19 Officers)
July 6-10, 1998 at Western New England College Police Department, Springfield Massachusetts - Completed (7 Officers)
August 17-20, 1998 at Western New England College Police Department, Springfield Massachusetts - Completed (5 Officers)

May 3-7, 1999 at Western New England College ---- Completed ( 7 officers)
May 24-27, 1999 at Western New England College ----- Completed (10 officers)
May 30-June 4, 1999 at Western New England College --- Completed (17 officers)