Product Guide Winter 2012

ipmbaNewsletter of the International Police newsMountain Bike Association

IPMBA: Promoting and Advocating Education and Organization for Public Safety Bicyclists. Vol. 21, No. 1

Bootleggers, Gangsters, and IPMBA Use of Force: The Impact of Your Bike by Maureen Becker By Michael Wear, PCI #516T/EMSCI #059T Executive Director Metropolitan Police Department (DC) ootleggers, gangsters, and a guy named Pig’s Eye Parrant. St. he patrol officer is often in the midst of contact with Paul’s residents — permanent and temporary — at times have citizens. Empirical data show that bike officers have more had a somewhat unique relationship with law enforcement, citizen contact than conventional automobile patrols, as reported in which makes it an intriguing place for an IPMBA conference. Bicycle Patrols: An Underutilized Resource. Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant is recognized as the first non-Native “Analysis of these data provides evidence that bicycle patrols American resident of what was to become St. Paul. He was a French- result in over twice as much contact with the public Canadian fur trapper and part-time bootlegger who migrated to Fort compared with automobile patrols. The field observation Snelling in the Minnesota Territory, where he made a fine living selling liquor to squatters, indigents, and soldiers. Forced off the land in 1838, perspective revealed clear tactical advantages to bicycle he staked his claim at the entrance to Fountain Cave, just upstream patrols.” (Menton, 2008) from what is now downtown St. Paul. There, he established a wildly The role of the bike officer is frequently equated with Community popular watering hole known as Pig’s Eye Pandemonium. It flourished Policing activities, but bike officers are involved in nearly all until 1844, when he was compelled to give up his claim. aspects of law enforcement, ranging from traffic stops to fatal Fast forward to the Prohibition era, when St. Paul gained a reputation confrontations. Like any other law enforcement agent, the bicycle as a “safe haven” for gangsters. St. Paul had something of a truce with officer will use force. The difference lies in the choice of tools or criminals: as long as the gangsters didn’t tear up the city, local weapons available to confront a suspect. It is possible to have authorities would not bother them. Hence it became a popular place to “shots fired…spray deployed…baton strikes…in pursuit-got one “lie low” between crime sprees, attracting the likes of John Dillinger running” and so . Each of these activities requires training. and his moll Evelyn Freschette, “Ma” Barker, Officers prepare for a variety of engagements with specific As you peruse this 10th “Prettyboy” Floyd, and “Babyface” Nelson. It applications in the deployment of methods/techniques/skills, Annual Product Guide, was also the birthplace of Al Capone’s chief accompanied by a distinct written policy. make a wish list. Then rival — George “Bugs” Moran. “Law enforcement officers are authorized to use force in come to 22nd Annual At the 22nd annual IPMBA Conference, you specified circumstances, are trained in the use of force, and IPMBA Conference in can follow in the footsteps of these infamous typically face numerous circumstances during their careers St. Paul to fulfill it! characters at the 1902 Federal Court House when use of force is appropriate.” (Justice, 1999) and Post Office (where many of them were tried), among the grand houses of Summit Avenue, and in the shadows Police officers make the news daily with coverage ranging from of the Wabasha Caves. You may even sample the legacy of Pig’s Eye! fouled crime fighting measures to events whose notoriety stems (Continued on page 26) As rich in history as St. Paul is, the main reason to attend the IPMBA Conference is the outstanding training. This is followed closely by the opportunity to discover what’s new in products and services for public inside safety cyclists. Industry leaders attend the conference to launch products, display their wares, provide demos, solicit input, and mix and Corporate Members ...... 17 mingle with you! Whether you are “in the market” for new bikes, Instructor Corner...... 20-21 Issue Focus: Product Guide ...... 5-19 uniforms, accessories, and other bike-related merchandise, or just like Action Wipes ...... 11 to keep your product knowledge on the cutting edge, the IPMBA BiSaddle...... 10 Conference is the place to be. Five Ten Shoes...... 16 As you peruse this 10th Annual IPMBA Product Guide, make a wish IMPACT Radio Accessories ...... 13 list. Then venture forth to one of America’s most bicycle-friendly InterBike 2011 ...... 5 states for the 22nd Annual IPMBA Conference, where you will visit Product Purchase Program ...... 6-9 with the vendors, improve your public safety cycling skills, and explore Rolling with the Big Boys ...... 12 Spenco Heat Wave 2.0 ...... 15 St. Paul’s colorful and storied past. Storm Quest Saddle...... 14 For updates, including a current list of vendors, and to register, visit Supplier List ...... 17-19 www.ipmba.org/conferences.htm. Teny Cyclone Rims ...... 11 Member News ...... 22-24 St.IPMBA Paul’s NEWS, Got it All!VOL. April21, NO.28-May 1 5, 2012. News from the UK ...... 25 1 President’s Column ...... 2 President’s Column People of Integrity = Organization of Integrity

or the last four years, I have had What I am referring to is the level of integrity of the the honor and privilege of serving people with whom I have worked and served F as your President. I want to give alongside these past years. I have witnessed and you a heartfelt and sincere “Thank participated in discussions, arguments, agreements, You” for the opportunity to have done and disagreements (sometimes all in the same so. It has been a high point of my law meeting) that from the sincere desire of each enforcement career to have worked with person to better this organization. I would like to the Board of Directors and the members think, as I finish my last term as your President, that of this organization. I have learned we have accomplished our goal of pushing this much, experienced much, and have been witness to organization to continuous improvement. exceptional effort by people serving an organization for which they care deeply. I now understand the mixed feelings and emotions that past presidents and board members feel when It has been said that you are able to determine what their terms come to an end. There is a desire to your priorities are by looking at how you spend continue to push ahead, but, at the same time, there your time. Without a doubt, I can say that the folks is a feeling of accomplishment and a realization that staffing the Board of Directors and Executive the time is right to step aside so that others can gain Director positions have this organization at the top the experience and bring their strengths to the of their priority lists. The amount of time that goes organization. While I’m not sure if my time on the into trying to guide and direct an organization that Board is over, I do know that my time as President spans three different professional disciplines and is ending. I greatly appreciate the opportunity that around the world is monumental. The people has been afforded me and want to assure you that serving this organization take on these efforts your organization is in good and caring hands. willingly, with purpose, and with the intention of doing what they believe is best for the organization.

BECOME AN IPMBA INSTRUCTOR ipmba news Newsletter of the INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION 583 Frederick Road, Suite 5B Baltimore, MD 21228 PH: 410-744-2400 ~ FX: 410-744-5504 E-mail: [email protected] Join the ranks of more than 1,000 of your fellow public Web site: www.ipmba.org David Hildebrand safety bicyclists by becoming an IPMBA Instructor. IPMBA President Maureen Becker Executive Director; Managing Editor all 410-744-2400 or email [email protected] for an instructor Jennifer Horan Design and Layout C application packet. In the simplest of terms, to become an Instructor, you must meet the criteria outlined in the packet, apply Copyright 2012 © International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). to IPMBA headquarters, be approved, then register for and attend Reproduction without permission is prohibited. one of the Instructor Courses. The first course of 2012 will be held The International Police Mountain Bike Association promotes the use of bikes for public safety, April 28-May 2, 2012, in St. Paul, Minnesota, in conjunction with provides resources and networking opportunities, and offers the best, most complete training for the annual IPMBA Conference. public safety cyclists. IPMBA Membership is $55.00 per year.

Check out www.ipmba.org for Interested in submitting an article? Interested in advertising in IPMBA News? Instructor Course information. Email [email protected] for information.

2 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 3 4 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012

elcome to the tenth annual IPMBA Product Guide! This year’s W guide begins with the 30th anniversary of InterBike — highlighting innovative products — and concludes with a list of suppliers who support IPMBA. The Product Guide continues to keep you on the cutting edge of public safety cycling AND brings you lots of savings, so be sure to take advantage of them! Pages 5-19.

InterBike 2011: 30 Years and Still in Vegas helmet has been reinforced with alloy or Android smart By Charlie Summers, PCI #512 tubes in order to pass the high security and phone to run through Illinois State University Police Department IPMBA Industry Liaison homologation tests. The visor is flexible Fox’s Intelligent and light, which is a nice feature in case of Ride Dynamics n 2011, InterBike celebrated its 30th the inevitable drop or crash. The helmet application and set anniversary in Las Vegas. Although has a unique array of padding, and the your suspension for initially planned for Anaheim, Ca., front of it houses a large frontal pad to the terrain. Even the show returned to Las Vegas. The absorb sweat. The strap system crosses on better, They are tradeshow pulled out all the stops, and the the back of the neck for a nice, launching a totally industry seemed excited to be back in comfortable fit. sweet, 34mm stanchioned fork. Vegas. There was much more enthusiasm Another “hot” item for those of us who are and a it seemed like a larger crowd than in buried in snow over the winter was a new We also checked out the new line of Bern 2010. design in bicycle snow helmets. They have an outstanding line of As always, the show presented IPMBA chains from Slipnot. helmets for all kinds of weather, and are President Dave Hildebrand and me with a These chains are for use eager to work with us. They have even set tough job to conquer. This year, it filled in harsh conditions us up with some demo up two floors of the Sands Convention such as ice, snow, and products, so for those Center. For those of you who have never even mud. They can be reviews in a future issue. had the opportunity to visit the Sands, it is used with either disc or The Bern reps introduced an overwhelmingly large place. It took us caliper brakes. They us to the new line of three days to cover the two levels and I are available for both sunglasses, which guarantee we didn’t see it all. 26-inch and 29-inch are super-nice. They set us tires. I viewed a short video clip of them up with some demos, and Dave and I noticed right from the start in use, which showed a significant you’ll be reading about there were many new products and improvement in traction when riding in those soon as well. I am hopeful you’ll be vendors at this year’s show. For you 29er harsh conditions. seeing both these vendors in St. Paul. fans, the industry has come up with some sweet products. In fact, from our Another item that fascinated us was the These were just a few highlights of what is perspective, it could have been called The new Le training system to come for 2012. There were countless Year of the 29ers. With new lines of 29er from ProForm. This is an indoor training new bike designs and other bikes and related products and accessories, bike, but with the help of Google maps, products. As evidenced by they are fast becoming the bike of choice. you can ride the Tour from the the fact that InterBike “comfort” of home. The bike continues to expand, the industry One of the hot new items was from Urge makes adjustments so you is constantly evolving. It is hard to helmets, which has come up with a totally can feel every incline and keep track of all the innovative new concept in helmet design. This descent the terrain has to products with potential for public offer. This was one unique safety cycling use. ride, to say the least, and a In the midst of all this new stuff, great workout. don’t forget about all the wonderful One of the items I hoped to see this companies that have supported us year, which I spoke of last year, was the throughout the years. Please shop the DOSS (Drop Off Steep Stuff) drop seat Product Purchase Program and patronize post from Fox Racing Shox. According our advertisers, exhibitors, and other to the reps, though, we are going to have supporters at every opportunity. to wait another year while they perfect it. Charlie serves as industry liaison on the helmet is designed for mountain use, but All is not lost, however. They have with the venting of an XC style helmet. IPMBA Board of Directors. He can be reached introduced the Smart Suspension setup at [email protected]. The vents are very large to optimize air pump concept. This system will calibrate circulation and the general structure of the your suspension by using a Garmin GPS IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 5 Product Purchase Program

elcome to the IPMBA Product Purchase Program! In an effort to make your shopping experience more focused and productive, participating companies are listed by category. Each company appears in the category that best represents the nature of their product line. There may be some overlap, so be sure to check out all the categories and listings. Expanded listings of the Product Purchase Program are maintained at www.ipmba.org/ppp.htm. Visit often for new listings and updates. Listings link directly to company websites, so browse around and start saving! Not sure where to start? Read Dream Bike 2011 at www.ipmba.org/reviews.htm for inspiration!

IFORCE BIKES MONTAGUE BIKES CORPORATION Product: iFORCE Patrol Bicycles and Accessories Product: Paratrooper Tactical Folding Mountain Bike Cost to Members: Contact for special pricing. Cost to Members: Special Prices on Selected Models Contact Name: David Mysliwiec Contact Name: Jonathan Vandenberg Contact Info: 724-431-2276/[email protected] Contact Info: 800-736-5348 x 204/[email protected] Website: www.iforcebikes.com Website: www.montaguebikes.com Bicycle Accessories and Components

R & B FABRICATIONS DETOURS SWAGMAN Product: Panniers & Safety Vests Product: Bike Bags Product: Bicycle Carriers (Roof/Hitch/Trunk) Cost to Members: 15% off Cost to Members: 25% off all non-sale merchandise Cost to Members: 15% off Retail Contact Name: Liz Meeker Contact Name: David Gaible or Shawn Parks Contact Name: Debbie Finnie Contact Info: 800-553-1911/[email protected] Contact Info: 877-489-5208/[email protected] Contact Info: 800-469-7924/[email protected] Website: www.rbfab.com Website: www.detours.us Website: www.swagman.net Notes: Online: Enter promo discount code GO IPMBA! Notes: All Shipments Made from Orville, WA. VOLCANIC BICYCLES ERGO THE SEAT Product: Volcanic “PATROL” Fork TALLAC DESIGN Product: “The Seat” Ergonomic Bike Seat Cost to Members: $250 + FREE Shipping Cost to Members: $35 lycra/gel; $28 vinyl; $20 faux Product: Cage Holding S ystems, F rame Bags, Contact Name: Eric Kackley Mounting Devices leather Contact Info: 360-943-8613/[email protected] Contact Name: Thomas White Cost to Members: 30% off MSRP Website: www.volcanicbikes.com Contact Info: 425-270-3548/[email protected] Contact Name: Allen Young Contact Info: 831-331-9828/[email protected] Website: www.thecomfortseat.com BRAKE DIRECTOR Website: www.tallacdesign.com Notes: Send email with item and quantity. We will either send you a Product: Brake Director: One-Hand Power Braking ERGON USA PayPal request or, if you submit a PO, invoice you. System for Bicycles Product: Ergonomic Grips, Backpacks, Tools, Pedals Cost to Members: $110 Cost to Members: 35% off Retail; 15% off PC2 VMI LOGISTICS, LLC Contact Name: David Krafchick Pedals Contact Info: 206-285-6518/ Product: Wipperman Chains Contact Name: Jeffrey Neal Cost to Members: Wholesale Pricing [email protected] Contact Info: 323-428-3495/[email protected] Website: www.brakedirector.com/police.htm Contact Name: Shane Rohleder Website: www.ergon-bike.com Notes: Contact with member number for directions to a special Contact Info: 800-422-2104/970-472-0125/ purchase page. Special Setup Available. Call for details. [email protected] FOX RACING SHOX Website: www.cantitoeroad.com BYCYCLE, INC. Product: Fox Racing Shox MTB Suspension Notes: Contact for order form. Provide name and membership number when ordering. Product: Cost to Members: 45% off Retail Cost to Members: 20% off Retail Contact Name: Andrew French Contact Name: J im Bo mba rd ie r Contact Info: 800-369-7469/ WTB Contact Info: 877-397-2165/ [email protected] Product: Tires, Saddles, Grips, Wheel Parts [email protected] Website: www.foxracingshox.com Cost to Members: 15% off Wholesale Prices Website: www.bycycleinc.com Notes: Contact for order form; fill out completely and return by fax or Contact Name: Mike Clifford email. Allow 1-3 weeks for processing. Contact Info: 415-389-5040 x 20/ [email protected] CANE CREEK CYCLING KENDA USA Website: www.wtb.com COMPONENTS Product: Premium Bicycle Tires & Tubes Product: Thudbuster Suspension Cost to Members: 60% off MSRP Cost to Members: $99 Contact Name: Cindy Contact Name: Chris Strout Contact Info: 614-729-7881/ Contact Info: 800-234-2725/[email protected] [email protected] Website: www.canecreek.com Website: www.kendatire.com Notes: Contact Cindy for log in to discount purchase site.

6 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 Bike Patrol Supply Companies

POLICE BIKE STORE BIKE TAC DESIGNS PATROL BIKE SYSTEMS Product: Fuji, S&W, Lights, Sirens, Bags, Product: Bike Sirens, Bikes, Accessories Product: Bikes, Uniforms, Equipment, Park Tools Accessories,Uniforms, More Cost to Members: Contact for Discounts Cost to Members: Contact for Pricing Cost to Members: Additional 5-10% off web prices Contact Name: Mel or Annie Galli Contact Name: Mark Eumurian Contact Name: Michael Espejo Contact Info: 541-892-5344/[email protected] Contact Info: 800-208-2032/ Contact Info: 973-366-5865/ Website: www.biketac.com [email protected] [email protected] Notes: Send email with IPM BA membership. Website: www.patrolbike.com Website: www.policebikestore.com 4BIKE-POLICE.COM MADISON BICYCLE SHOP TACTICAL WEAR ONLINE Product: Police Bikes by Fuji, S&W, Marin, KHS; Product: Bikes, Uniforms, and Accessories Product: , Camelbak, Benchmade, “ to Toe” Outfitting Cost to Members: Up to 15% off; up to 12 months MOCEAN, public safety supplies Cost to Members: 10% off Regular Prices financing same as cash Cost to Members: Discounted rate for registered Contact Name: Mark “The Masked Merchant” Contact Name: Sal P icco lo users Leonard Contact Info: 973-377-6616/ Contact Name: Donald Erb, PCI #205/EMSCI #018 Contact Info: 501-517-5338/ [email protected] Contact Info: 717-666-2348/ [email protected] Website: www.madisonbicycleshop.com [email protected] Website: www.4bike-police.com Notes: Complete police application. Call to demo a complete police Website: www.tacticalwearonline.com mountain bike. Notes: When ordering online, use coupon code IPMBA 10 for 10% Notes: Must register on website to qualify for discount. Click on discount. "Contact Us" to register.

Clothing and Accessories

BRITE-STRIKE POINT 6 TERRY PRECISION CYCLING TECHNOLOGIES Product: Premium Merino Wool Socks Product: Bikes, Accessories, Seats, Apparel Product: Package: 1 pr police cycle Cost to Members: 40% off MSRP Cost to Members: Wholesale Prices on Terry gloves, 1 white A.P.A.L.S, 1 set A.P.A.L.S-Air (red), Contact Name: Brynn Bennett Apparel 1 set A.P.A.L.S-Air (blue) Contact Info: 571-393-1307/ Contact Name: Abbie Newell Cost to Members: $40 [email protected] Contact Info: 802-861-7615/ Contact Name: Jon Neal Website: www.point6.com [email protected] Contact Info: 508-746-8701/ Notes: Contact Brynn for 40% LEO discount code for the website. Website: www.terrybicycles.com Payment is made directly to Point6 and product is shipped to the Notes: Contact Abbie via email for pro deal form. [email protected] purchaser. Discount code is for public safety only and must not be Website: www.brite-strike.com shared. Free shipping for orders over $125. Notes: Request IPMBA package deal and provide IPMBA # when ordering. ZENSAH SOCKGUY Product: Compre ss io n Appare l MAXIT DESIGNS Product: High Performance Cycling and Running Cost to Members: 30% off Regular Cost Product: Under Helmet Thermal Accessories, Sock Socks Contact Name: Ryan Oliver Liners, Wicking Headbands Cost to Members: 30% off on Police and Sheriff Contact Info: 305-935-4619/[email protected] Cost to Members: 35% off Retail socks Website: www.zensah.com Contact Name: Liz Fuoco Contact Name: Michael Foley Notes: When ordering online, type "IPMBA30". Contact Info: 800-556-2948/[email protected] Contact Info: 760-804-1344/[email protected] Website: www.maxit-inc.com, www.headgator.com Website: www.sockguy.com ZOIC Notes: Please provide IPMBA membership number and expire date. Notes: Online: Enter promo code JOHNNYLAW2012 at checkout Product: Cycling Apparel and click recalculate. Cost to Members: 40% off Retail Contact Name: Customer Service Contact Info: 877-484-9642/ SPENCO IRONMAN CYCLING [email protected] GLOVES Website: www.zoic.com

Product: Spenco/Ironman and Police Cycling Notes: Use code PUBS2011 at online checkout. Gloves Cost to Members: 40% off MSRP Contact Name: Bill Paine Contact Info: 215-327-5206/[email protected] The IPMBA Product Purchase Website: www.spencogloves.com Program was updated as of Notes: Order directly through Bill Paine. January 2012. Information has been provided by the participating companies and is EMS subject to change without notice. Participation in the OPENHOUSE P RODUCTS STAT PACKS Product Purchase Program does Product: Panniers, Cycle Bags, Lyteline High-Viz Product: Trauma Bags & Accessories not indicate endorsement or Products Cost to Members: 25% off MSRP recommendation by IPMBA, Cost to Members: 15% off Regular Prices Contact Name: Andrew Tepper Contact Name: Bruce Burns Contact Info: 435-627-2265/ nor does it indicate the Contact Info: +44 (0) 151 647 4044/ [email protected] company’s sponsorship of [email protected] Website: www.statpacksstore.com IPMBA. Website: www.openhouseproducts.com Notes: Enter coupon code IPMBA25% online during checkout or Notes: Provide IPMBA membership number when ordering. reference when placing phone orders. IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 7 Eyewear

ESS EYEWEAR GATORZ EYEWEAR ZEAL OPTICS Product: MilSpec Sunglasses and Eye Protection Product: Eyewear (Polarized, Photochromic, and Product: Sport Eyewear and Goggles Cost to Members: 40% off MSRP Defender Series Lens) Cost to Members: 50% off retail. Contact Name: Brynn Bennett Cost to Members: 25% off regular prices Contact Name: Terri Gooch Contact Info: 571-393-1307/ Contact Name: Toni Bagheri Contact Info: 888-454-9325/[email protected] [email protected] Contact Info: 951-813-3003/858-334-3868/ Website: www.zealoptics.com Website: www.esseyepro.com [email protected] Notes: Enroll at www.promotive.com/lawenforcement to place Notes: Contact Brynn for 40% LEO discount code for the website. Website: www.gatorz.com discounted orders. Payment is made directly to ESS and product is shipped to the pur- Notes: Must contact Toni directly. chaser (contact Brynn for PO and department check orders). Discount code is for public safety only and must not be shared. Free shipping on orders over $75. ESS is a subsidiary of Oakley, Inc. RUDY PROJECT EYEWEAR Product: Sunglasses, Sport Eyewear, Helmets, GARGOYLES EYEWEAR Goggles Product: Eyewear Cost to Members: 40% off Retail Cost to Members: 40% off MSRP Contact Name: Chris Lupo Contact Name: Bill Paine Contact Info: 949-272-2457/ Contact Info: 215-327-5206/[email protected] [email protected] Website: www.gargoyleseyewear.com Website: www.rudyprojectusa.com Notes: Order directly from Bill Paine. Notes: Online: Go to www.e-rudy.com. Add items to cart and checkout. Enter VIP code: sportmask. Footwear, Maintenance, and Specialty Items

FOOTWEAR ELHN BADGE & EMBLEM DESIGN PROMOTIVE.COM Product: Custom Police Badges, Emblems, Pins, Product: Outdoor-Bike-Action Sports Gear PATROL CYCLE LLC Coins Cost to Members: Promotional Prices on Gear; Free Product: Patrol Cycle Shoe Cost to Members: 25% off Pro-Deal Membership Cost to Members: $79.95 Contact Name: ELHN Rep Contact Name: Peter Lake Contact Name: Mark Eumurian Contact Info: 800-316-3001/ Contact Info: 877-420-2766/ Contact Info: 800-208-2032 x 201/ [email protected] Website: www.promotive.com/lawenforcement [email protected]; [email protected] Website: www.elhnbadge.com Notes: Go to the website and apply for the law enforcement team. Website: www.patrolcycle.com, Notes: Call or email design/quantity for price quote. www.patrolbike.com TIMEX WATCH CORPORATION GSM OUTDOORS Product: All Timex Products MAINTENANCE Product: Ep ic Actio n Ca m Cost to Members: 40% off MSRP Cost to Members: 5% Discount Contact Name: Bill Paine UNITED BICYCLE SUPPLY Contact Name: Terry S. Johnson Contact Info: 215-327-5206/[email protected] Product: Bicycle Tools and Parts Contact Info: 760-207-8078/[email protected] Website: www.timex.com Cost to Members: Wholesale Pricing to Website: www.epicstealthcam.com Notes: Order directly through Bill Paine. Departments Notes: Email orders to [email protected]. Contact Name: Mark Super Contact Info: 541-482-1750/[email protected] LIFT & STORAGE SYSTEMS, INC. Website: www.unitedbicyclesupply.com Product: Automatic Bike Lift Storage Systems Notes: Call to establish an account for your department to be Cost to Members: $4,450 (30 bikes); $6,450 (60 eligible for wholesale pricing on all products. bikes) Contact Name: Shawn Jones SPECIALTY ITEMS Contact Info: 800-825-4777/[email protected] Website: www.liftnstore.com ARMORPUR Product: Odor Neutralizing Products for Body Armor NU GO NUTRITION Cost to Members: 10% off Retail Product: Nutrition/Energy Bars Contact Name: Lorenza Vidris Cost to Members: $1.02/bar; $15.25/box Contact Info: 973-244-1862/ Contact Name: Alyssa Nard [email protected] Contact Info: 888-421-2032/ Website: www.armorpur.com [email protected] Website: www.nugonutrition.com Notes: Enter coupon code "IPMBA" on check out page; 10% will be Call 888-421-2032 to order, and have your IPMBA automatically deducted. Notes: membership number & expiration date handy. CYCLEAWARE Product: Cycling Mirrors and Day-to-Night POLAR ELECTRO INC. Visibility Products and Accessories Product: Polar Heart Rate Monitors Cost to Members: 15% off Retail Cost to Members: Wholesale Pricing Contact Name: Elizabeth Gilbert Contact Name: Tricia Sterland Contact Info: 831-333-9135/[email protected] Contact Info: 877-630-9924/ Website: www.cycleaware.com [email protected] Website: www.polarusa.com Notes: Online: enter discount code IPMBA; phone: mention IPMBA when placing order. Notes: Email Tricia for order form.

8 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 Lights, Sirens, and Electronics

ALERTE SYSTEMS INC. CATEYE ELECTRONICS CYCLE SIREN Product: “Trail-Blazer” Bike Light Kit Product: Computers, Heart Rate Monitors, Lighting Product: Cyclesiren Police & EMS Mini-Sirens for Cost to Members: 10% off 1-10 units; 15% off 11-20 Systems, Safety Lights Bike Patrol units Cost to Members: Industry Pricing Cost to Members: 10% off Retail Contact Name: Bill Phillips Contact Name: Liz Weiss Contact Name: Greg Bohning Contact Info: 800-728-1536/ Contact Info: 800-522-8393/[email protected] Contact Info: 877-477-4736/[email protected] [email protected] Website: www.cateye.com Website: www.cyclesiren.com Website: www.alertesystems.com Notes: Go to https://shopcateye.com/login.php? Notes: E-mail or call with your name and IPM BA membership action=create_account and create an Industry account. Enter IPMBA number. for shop name. Account will be confirmed via email. Wait 24 hours for full access. Uniforms

BRATWEAR MOCEAN OLYMPIC UNIFORMS/J. MARCEL Product: Bike Uniforms Product: Bike Patrol Uniforms Product: Bike Patrol Uniforms Cost to Members: 10% off Standard Cost to Members: 25% off Retail Cost to Members: 10% off Retail Prices Price List Contact Name: Bill Levitt Contact Name: Julie Cruise Contact Name: Bill or Sally Contact Info: 877-662-3680/[email protected] Contact Info: 888-722-9222/[email protected] Contact Info: 253-517-4000/[email protected] or Website: www.mocean.net Website: www.olyuniforms.com [email protected] Notes: Discount available only on orders placed directly with Website: www.bratwear.com M ocean.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 9 BiSaddle: Best Shock Absorber of a Seat

WATCH NO-NOSE ON By Michael Maxon handlebars, the seat was more Omaha Police Department comfortable on my hamstrings than YOUTUBE Ed.’s Note: This review was posted the edges of a normal saddle. Since The Police Department and the to Bycycle website and submitted to the seat contacts my higher up National Institute for Occupational Safety IPMBA News by BiSaddle inventor than normal, I am actually more and Health (NIOSH) have created a one- Jim Bombardier. Permission to re- solid in that position. I think that minute YouTube video to create interest in post was granted by the author. out-of-the-saddle technical work will require good technique and less slop the use of noseless (no-nose) bike seats y initial BiSaddle from the rider. Not a big deal if among bike patrol officers. This brief video impression was, “Well, you’re as good as you think you quickly dispels some purported problems this can’t be any worse are… of noseless seats. The officers are able to than the best seat I’ve had.” I ride in traffic, conduct police work, and selected the steel frame with Monday’s ride to work was 17 have complete bicycle control to the extent elastomer pads because I’m cheap miles. I angled the seat back a bit that they can ride “no-handed,” all while and weight is not an issue as I carry and narrowed the rear section a using a noseless bike seat. stuff with me. The elastomer is pinch. It still felt really strange but After a decade of research studying the supposed to be firmer and since I’m it is getting better. The sore spots reproductive health effects of the bicycle no lightweight, it seemed like the are pretty much history. There is no seat on bicycle police officers, NIOSH has best idea. I weigh 205, carry a discomfort/borderline pain. I don’t shown that the noseless (no-nose) bicycle backpack weighing 10-15lbs, and feel like I rode but a couple of miles. seat is a good intervention to relieve ride a Trek 4300 mountain bike with As with any new piece of harmful pressure in the genital area and, at 1.5” road tires. equipment, this will take some least in part, restore sexual function. While My first ride with BiSaddle was the adjustments. I was skeptical about the science is strong and has been 16-mile OWL night ride in Omaha this thing and surely didn’t want to published in highly respected medical on July 16, 2011. At drop $93.80 (with shipping) journals, recommendations have been first, it was difficult to I’ll never get on just a seat. At this point I made, and the seats have been integrated keep from shifting about another kick feel how the seat works and into major police departments like Chicago, since it felt fairly weird, there when there is definitely no the shift of large numbers of public safety but I soon realized I was hitting a destructive pressure. cyclists to this “healthier design” has been just shifting around pavement Normally, my right toes go slow. In an attempt to raise awareness of because that’s what I’ve numb within 10 minutes; this important intervention, NIOSH created been doing for 20 years seam, stick, that’s not happening. a video showing how the Chicago Bicycle stray cat, or Patrol officers have integrated the on an uncomfortable One giant bonus is that since noseless seat into their standard safety perch of a seat. The whatever. nothing is under the junk, I’ll day, the only soreness I never get another kick there equipment. noticed was in the backs when hitting a pavement seam, stick, To view the YouTube video, visit http:// of my legs, just under the seat. I had stray cat, or whatever. That alone is www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEzfgS36eEE been trying to scoot back too far the worth the price. This is the best whole time and therefore was shock absorber of a seat ever. An For more information please contact putting pressure on the muscle. additional bonus – ventilation since NIOSH at [email protected] or visit http:// www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bike/. The lack of balance or control from there’s nothing in the middle to the non-existent saddle nose was block the breeze! Dr. Steve Schrader leads the Reproductive Health Assessment Team for NIOSH and has apparent at first, but then I realized I Thank you, Jim! only had to change a bit of been conducting occupational studies on positioning to keep the seat where I For more information or to order, reproductive health since 1983. He was the project officer for the NIOSH bicycle research needed it. When mounting up, I visit www.bycycleinc.com. studies. instinctively use the saddle nose to Michael Maxon is an Administrative Sgt. Joe Andruzzi has been the commanding push against the clipped-in leg until Assistant III, Uniform Patrol Bureau, the other side is in, so I just had to officer of the Chicago Police Department’s Deputy Chief’s Office, of the Omaha Bicycle Patrol Unit since March 1999. He pay attention to what I was doing. Police Department. He can be reached oversees a fleet of more than 450 bicycles and at [email protected]. Control while riding wasn’t even an trains 100-200 officers yearly for bike patrol. He issue. In fact, when I leaned also is an avid user and advocate of the forward, aero-style, with my hands noseless bike seat. out front and forearms on my

10 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 Teny Cyclone Rims

By Joshua Rymon, PCI# 1252 regular wheel, but it comes at the cost of They rode surprisingly well, though I did Metropolitan (DC) Police Department being able to adjust the tension of each find myself unusually fatigued during recently had the opportunity to test a spoke if the wheel comes out of true. The some rides. set of wheels by Teny Rims, a wheels are available in a variety of colors, I cannot speak about the long-term company based out of . They in addition to traditional black. durability of the wheels or their integrated have been making bicycle wheels since I tested the wheels on my Trek 6000, hubs, but they seemed to hold up well 1990, and also produce wheels for riding singletrack in some parks near DC. during my rides. For departmental use, I scooters and wheelchairs. Their bicycle When I swapped the Teny Cyclones for would not recommend them for hilly rims only became commercially available the stock wheels on my bike, I was areas or for riders who may already have in the in May 2011, so until surprised by the difference in weight. trouble with the weight of a patrol bike. now, I knew very little about the The Teny wheels are significantly If neither of these are an issue, the Teny company. heavier. I’m not talking about some Rims might be an option. As a bonus, My initial reaction had little to do with barely noticeable amount, but more of a they also add a unique appearance that the wheels themselves, but was instead “why does this feel like it has a boot tied would serve as a conversation item to based on the quality of customer service to it?” difference. As a roadie at heart, help engage parts of the community. I received. In the days of hour-long waits my initial impression was that no on hold and automated email accounts wheel could be good enough to justify that no one actually checks, I was that sort of an increase in weight. contacted directly by the company’s Weight is not as much of an issue on a United States CEO, Calvin Watkins. patrol bike, but it still remains a concern when you take into account I expected to receive the wheels in the the additional gear with which public mail within a few weeks, but instead he safety cyclists are already laden. offered to drive down to DC from Baltimore to deliver them personally. It Once I hit the trails on the Teny Rims, was a pleasant surprise, to say the least, I noticed two things: first, the and hopefully representative of the type additional weight made a noticeable of service that can be expected when difference while climbing; and second, working with the company professionally. once I was able to get up and over the hills, the bike was rock solid The wheels themselves are made of an underneath me, able to take on whatever aluminum magnesium alloy, and have six For more information or to purchase, go sort of abuse the trail could throw at it. wide, integrated spokes. Unlike the ones to www.tenyrims.com, or contact Calvin I don’t know how much of the effect was on a traditional , these Watkins at 443-552-4821 or psychological, but having a pair of heavy, spokes are a beefy ‘T’ shape, attached [email protected]. solid metal wheels did inspire some extra directly to the hub and rim. This type of confidence to push myself and my bike a Josh is an IPMBA Police Cyclist instructor, construction seems like it would be much bit harder into obstacles in the trail. part-time mountain biker, and full-time roadie. stronger and more durable than that of a He can be reached at [email protected]. Action Wipes: Ready for Action By Scott Picquet to attend to duties at an inside venue. I was a little self-conscious Chandler (AZ) Police Department about how dirty I was when I remembered the samples in my attended the 2011 InterBike Expo in Las Vegas. There, bag. I grabbed one and used it to wipe off the grime. To my amongst the thousands of products, I discovered the Action surprise, it was quite refreshing. Wipe. Or, perhaps I should say, the creator, Martha Van According to their website, Action Wipes are safe, gentle, and Inwegan, discovered me. It was a chance encounter, but when she contain only natural ingredients like tea tree and eucalyptus oils. found out I was a bike cop from sunny Arizona, she sent me home These are good for cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, and road rash, as with about 30 samples. well as removing poison oak and oils. Action Wipes are all-over body wipes designed for quick clean-up The company, Life Elements, also produces a Sports Spray when you don’t have time to shower. They are larger, softer, and purported to neutralize body odor, deodorize rooms, cars, and lack the “baby-fresh” scent of similar wipes. lockers, and even repel insects. Not long afterwards, I had worked a long shift and needed to Visit www.actionwipes.com, call 805-462-2215, or email change quickly from my sweaty bike uniform into civilian clothes [email protected].

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 11 Rolling with the Big Boys

By David Cohen outnumbered their smaller-wheeled Mountain bike manufacturers have caught Maryland-National Capital Park Police cousins by about a five-to-one ratio. onto the skyrocketing popularity of the Ed.’s Note: The title of this article was There had to be a reason for this, so I 29er, and the high-end “26er” is rapidly inspired by a workshop conducted by Don began looking seriously at the larger-sized becoming a thing of the past. For Coppola, PCI #1079, whose research bicycles. instance, Specialized, which pioneered the prompted IPMBA’s approval of the 29er for mass-produced mountain bike with the Instead replacing my Trek Fuel with a full public safety use. 1980’s Rockhopper, now offers seven suspension, I decided to go with a hardtail models of 29-inch mountain bikes, but am a volunteer with the Maryland- 29er, a Felt Nine Sport. For just under only three 26-inch models. Just as most National Capital Park Police in $1,000, it came with a 100mm Rock Shox police departments are dealing with the Montgomery County, Maryland. fork, hydraulic disc brakes and reality of finding replacements for the Volunteers help patrol the Maryland- Alivio derailleurs (you can opt for better ubiquitous Ford Crown Victoria, they will National Capital Park and Planning specs at the $1,599 and $2,299 price someday have to embrace the 29er, which Commission’s 405 parks and properties, points). I have fallen in love with this is becoming the preferred platform for the acting as additional “eyes and ears” for bike. It does everything well, and I have majority of mountain bikes. the uniformed officers. I do most of my even been thinking of utilizing it in the patrolling on bicycle, on both paved and patrol role. Now that the disadvantages of the 29ers natural surface trails. As a senior have been addressed, we can focus on the In the past, the suggestion of patrolling on volunteer, many other volunteers seek my greatest advantage: the ability to roll over a 29er would have raised eyebrows. One advice on equipment and other bicycle- obstacles with greater ease and stability of the concerns expressed was that they related matters. than one could on a 26er. Here is a could not fit smaller riders. If a smaller perfect example. I was on a night ride at Long before I started volunteering with rider wanted a 29er, he or she would have Little Bennett Regional Park in the Park Police, I got hooked on mountain to go to a custom frame builder, which is Clarksburg, Maryland. We were biking. I have owned several different impractical for most police departments. types of mountain bikes over the years, descending the Tobacco Barn Trail, which from rigid single-speeds to geared, full- has some “old school” railroad ties in the suspension bikes. My first patrol bike trail to help manage erosion. The trail was my 1998 Klein Pulse Comp, which I was covered with leaves. As I adapted for patrol duty simply by adding a approached a railroad tie, my front wheel Topeak Beam rack. After a year of fell into a deep rut. All I had time to do patrolling, I had identified the Klein’s was slide back in the saddle, utter an deficiencies and compiled specs for my expletive, and wait for the inevitable over- ideal volunteer patrol bike: multiple the-bar when my bike impacted the speeds, front shock with 100mm travel, railroad tie. However, the “endo” never and disc brakes, preferably hydraulic. I happened. The 29-inch wheels simply found the right combination in a Trek rolled over the railroad tie. Had I been on However, the 29er has evolved 6500, and that has been my faithful patrol a 26-inch wheeled bike, the story would considerably over the last few years, and mount for the last three years. have been very different, as evidenced by these frame geometry issues have been another rider, who caught the railroad tie Recreationally, I have been riding a Trek resolved. 29ers are now available in the with his back tire, causing him to slide out Fuel full suspension bike since 2005. same 15.5” (small) frame size as the and crash. After seven seasons, the full suspension venerable Trek Police bikes. I am 5’ 6” bike was getting pretty worn out and I tall, and the 29er fits me like a glove. The geometry on the 29er has gotten so began shopping for a replacement. For When I am in the saddle, the difference in good that it has become a remarkably years, I had been watching the the wheel size is indiscernible. stable platform. Steering response has development of the 29-inch wheel been quickened with the use of 72-degree Another concern was the lack of wheel mountain bike from what I considered an head angles. I have found that the 29er is and tire choices. Over the last couple of oddity, to what I considered it a fad. able to stay upright at extremely low years, the selection of wheels and tires has Finally, I realized that the 29er is here to speeds, and excels at maintaining traction exploded to include a wide array, from stay. This was reinforced during the on steep upgrades. To use another slick and semi-slicks to knobby tires of Montgomery County Epic, a fund-raising example from my ride at Little Bennett just about any kind of pattern imaginable. ride for the local mountain bike advocacy Regional Park, while I was climbing an You can now get virtually any tire that is group. 18% grade, my rear wheel spun three available in the 26-inch size in a 29-inch times on loose ground. Each time, I was I was patrolling a section of the trail size. The wheels have become stronger, able to recover and continue my climb. during the ride, and as we watched the lighter and more durable. riders, it became apparent that 29ers (Continued on page 13) 12 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 IMPACT Radio Accessories

By John Miller, PCI #1005 that improved the quality of our Accessories. One of our police cyclists Scottsdale (AZ) Police Department transmissions and our ability to hear advised me, in no uncertain terms, that I broadcasts, were reliable, and were flexible was not welcome to have his equipment e police cyclists are always enough to make both our police cyclists back. He said that he liked the flexibility looking for ways to improve our and dispatchers happy. of the equipment, as he could wear the ability to communicate well in the wire set with either his standard patrol The product we tested was the P3W-AT1, face of everyday interferences, like rain, uniform or his police cyclist uniform with which is described on their website wind, background noise, constant pedaling universal effectiveness. Further, as “designed for ultimate stealth motion, and movement. To aggravate our he advised that the quality use and for users who simply situation, our agency recently switched of both the microphone can’t afford to sacrifice over to digital audio, which has created and the earpiece were reliability and additional challenges. Our existing impressive. equipment, which operated well with the performance.” analog radios, suddenly began digitizing The P3W Our experience with the P3W-AT1 minor wind noise to a constant loud features a micro has been very positive. squelch. As a result, we needed to find MEMS surface mount Well-designed new microphone equipment for our radios. Knowles™ mic inside an equipment, good reputation, and a incredibly small mic, dual clips for solid warranty make a recipe for success. Fortuitously, IMPACT Radio Accessories, multiple securing options, and anchored For more information about the P3W-AT1 via IPMBA, offered us an opportunity to Kevlar™ reinforced cabling. “test drive” some of their radio connector and other products, visit adaptor equipment. We jumped at the During the test, our officers were pleased www.impactcomms.com or call 866-532- chance. IMPACT has been supplying that there was no wind noise being 9005. radio products for public safety, military, digitized by their microphones. Better yet, Detective John Miller has been with the security, retail and hospitality personnel they were very impressed with their ability Scottsdale Police Department since 1994 and since 1999, so their staff knows their stuff. to communicate in extremely loud assigned to the Scottsdale Police Bike Unit Just as importantly, all IMPACT conditions, such as bars packed with since April 2000. He also served six years as a components are backed with a three-year patrons and blaring music. Counterintelligence Special Agent with the U.S. “no hassle” warranty. Army. He has been an IPMBA member since At the conclusion of the testing period, I 1996, and an instructor since April 2007. He Although IMPACT offers a wide variety emailed our bike unit members, advising can be reached at [email protected]. of equipment for all radios in use in the them that I had to assemble the equipment field, we were partial to those accessories for its return to IMPACT Radio

Rolling with the Big Boys With its larger wheel size, the 29er is able and disadvantages the bikes had four years to cruise at higher speed, and uses less ago. The 29er’s ability to roll over (Continued from page 12) energy to maintain lower speeds. The obstacles more easily than 26er, excellent gearing on a 29er is no different than on a stability, good maneuverability and more Climbing that same hill on a 26er, I have 26er; you still have the standard 44/33/22 efficient drivetrain, make it clear that the never been able to recover after my rear front triple chainring mated to the 11–32 29er is now the superior patrol platform wheel spun out. With the added stability rear cassette. However, each rotation of and should be considered the patrol bike comes increased officer safety. the cranks gives you an additional 11.5% for the future. more distance than a 26-inch wheeled bike 29ers also have a reputation of not being David Cohen has been a volunteer with the in the same gear. I have had no trouble able to turn as quickly as 26ers. This is not Maryland National Capital Park Police, maintaining a steady 15 mph on level the case. I will admit the 26-inch wheeled Montgomery County Division, since 2007. In ground without significant exertion. Less bike feels quicker, but there isn’t anything 2011, he was awarded the Maryland exertion means patrolling with less fatigue. Recreational and Parks Association Agency that I was able to do on the 26er that I can’t It also means that when a situation calls for Volunteer of the Year Award. David leads do on a 29er. The 29er can handle “the maximum speed, the 29er is going to group night mountain bike rides by Special Use box” and other cone courses with ease at provide more top-end speed than the 26er, Permit as part of a collaborative effort between low speeds and is still very maneuverable which could mean the difference between the Maryland-National Capital Park and at higher speeds. The 29er has a larger making an arrest and having one get away. Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and Mid- contact patch, so the tires give you more Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE), the “bite” when maneuvering at speed, which While some departments may still regard local mountain bike club. When not can negate any maneuvering advantages a the 29er with some trepidation, there really volunteering, David works as the Chief 26er may have. is no need to do so. Since its debut, Financial Officer for Washington Talent Agency, and plays keyboard in the band Onyx. bicycle manufacturers have listened to the He can be reached at [email protected]. riding public and addressed the weaknesses IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 13 Storm Quest Saddle: Carbon Comfort

its way. Initially, I thought the seat was a Another feature I like about the Storm By Scott Smith bit small because, in the photos, it looked Quest is the Urban Touring Bag. This is Contributing Editor, Police Magazine larger, like a touring saddle. However, I an optional-purchase bag which attaches thought, “I’ll give it a whirl,” and put it to a bracket on the Comfort Carbon and do not claim to be a world class on the Fisher. I was surprised to discover Storm Quest saddles. I suggest it because rider, heavy duty rider, or a cop on that the Storm Quest was very comfy on of the three built-in, flashing red LEDs. bike patrol. What I am is a beat-up my delicate little butt, OK, no laughing; They are very bright and will draw GI, former federal police officer and my big a**. motorists’ attention, adding to your reserve deputy who has had bi-lateral safety. knee replacements. This means I needed The Storm Quest and the other a good way to rehabilitate my knees from Comfort saddles are designed to be surgeries. minimalistic. Jeri told me that less is good when it comes to bike Fortunately, my orthopedist is a big fan saddles, not just to reduce weight, of pedaling and suggested setting my but also to reduce chafing and wear Fisher on a stationary rack. It seemed on the body. It is how the saddle like a good idea to me; however, my butt fits and contours to your rear end, disagreed. I had forgotten how much a and ultimately how it supports you, bike seat hurts when you haven’t ridden that matter. in many moons. If this rehab thing was going to work, I needed to find a better What makes the Storm Quest and saddle. Fortunately, I had just returned the Comfort Carbon saddles unique from TREXPO East with my mountain of is the patented “crossbow supports”. magazines and advertisements. In one of These carbon fiber supports flex to them, I noticed an advertisement for dampen by absorbing and dispersing the road shock through the RideOut Technologies’ Storm Quest Overall, I like the Storm Quest. It rides entire seat. The thermal molded base saddle. well, especially while endurance riding, plate is molded to the contours of the like on a stationary set-up, when your The Storm Quest, built from waterproof human body to “fit” your butt better. butt and inner thighs seem to get sore Kevlar, is designed for the rigors of bike Multi-density foam is used to deliver a more quickly than during real riding. I patrol and other prolonged daily saddle that is comfortable for the long did not have this issue with the Storm excursions. According to the information haul. The fit, padding and flex of the Quest. Like shoes that fit, having a on RideOut Tech’s website, their saddles Carbon Comfort saddles will make your bicycle saddle that fits helps make the are built to reduce pressure points, ride more enjoyable. chafing, and bike-induced inflammation; ride and the day go better. When the ride in general, to be markedly more When you try this saddle, you should is literally going nowhere as it is on a comfortable. The images of the seat lower your height about a half an inch as stationary rack, a slightly sore, tired butt looked good, and the idea of the saddle it sits a bit higher on the stem than a is a good reason to quit. The Storm not making my butt hurt was what I had standard bicycle saddle. Personally, I Quest has helped combat this. It just felt in mind. found I needed to raise my handlebars, right, and continues to feel good daily as but the Storm Quest changed how I sat, I work on rehabilitating my knees. I contacted RideOut Tech’s head bike and raising the handle bars took stress off If you are looking for a new bicycle seat designer, Jeri Rutherford, and she my shoulders. quickly sent one of the Storm Quests on saddle for your patrol or personal bike, When I did try the consider RideOut Technoloies’ Storm saddle on the street, Quest. You will appreciate the comfort I found the design and the ride. of the Storm Quest For more information, visit allows for a smooth www.rideouttech.com, call 208-866- exit. This means 5313, or email [email protected]. you can exit the bicycle quickly Scott Smith is a former federal police officer should you have to for the Department of Veteran's Affairs who move to a foot currently serves as a reserve officer. He is a pursuit. certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor who has attended several major training centers. He can be reached at [email protected].

14 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 Spenco Heat Wave 2.0 Full-Fingered MTB Glove

By David Hildebrand, PCI #404T/EMSCI #118T narrower, and its positioning under the slightly early on but have not gotten any IPMBA President wrist makes it much less likely to get worse with further use. Denton (TX) Police Department snagged and pulled open accidentally. or the past 15 – almost 16 – years, I My only major problem that I’ve The backs of the gloves have a mesh encountered since using these gloves is have always worn half-finger st gloves while biking. This included covering that makes them breathable, that I have entered the 21 century road, mountain, and patrol riding. The which is very important here during the regarding electronic components, and I only time I wore anything with full fingers summer. This partially addressed one of cannot use my iPHONE while wearing was when the temps here in my concerns about full- them. While this is not a major issue for got down into the frigid 50’s fingered gloves for some, as a supervisor who is on his phone (just kidding…sometimes summer time use. quite a bit, this has caused me some it gets down into the The fingers consternation because I have to take one 20’s and even themselves have glove off each time I need to use my lower around here). a soft spun finish phone. It’s probably not fair to blame this that provides for on the glove but it is something to At the beginning of decent dexterity while consider if you have a touch screen phone the summer, I was riding and doing other and want to wear full-fingered gloves on speaking with Bill tasks, further assisted duty. Paine, who reps for by silicone patches on Overall, I have been suitably impressed Spenco and is very active the tips of the index and with the Spenco Heat Wave 2.0 gloves supporter of IPMBA and middle fingers. The gloves and would recommend them for use by our efforts. He sent me a also have the requisite terry our members. They can be purchased pair of Heat Wave 2.0 thumb for keeping things from Bill who participates in our Product gloves to try and my summer clean while riding. of full-fingered glove Purchase Program and is a staunch activities commenced. The gloves have worn well for supporter of IPMBA. Visit several months, and I have www.spencogloves.com for more I was impressed with the fit enjoyed the additional protection that the information, and then contact Bill at 215- of the gloves from the start. They are full fingers provide. I’ve even moved to 327-5206 or [email protected] for 40% nicely designed and seem to follow the wearing them singularly for off-road off the retail price. contours of my hands quite well. One riding. The padding is well-placed and David Hildebrand is the Southside Patrol thing that was different from any of my not so bulky that it hinders manipulation Lieutenant for the Denton Police Department. other gloves is that the Velcro® closure at of bike-related gear or weapons. The tips He has been a firearms instructor since 1997 the wrist wraps around underneath the of the fingers have started to fray a little and a bike officer since 1996. He currently wrist rather than on the top of it. I do due to use and washing but they are still serves on the IPMBA Board as President. He have a tendency to wear my equipment very serviceable. The only issue that I can be reached at until it falls apart, but I now realize that have had with their construction is some [email protected]. many glove makers have moved to this small tears at the base of the thumb where configuration, and I will admit that I’m a the padding is placed. The stitches of the fan of it. The closure is smaller and thumb and the padding pulled away

For your copy call Toll free: (800) 832-0034 Switchboard: (978) 443-5000 Customer service: ext. 8197 Online: www.jblearning.com

Made possible through the support of Mocean, manufacturers $32.95 • Paperback • 264 Pages • © 2008 of technical law enforcement and bike patrol uniforms.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 15 Five Ten Shoes: Pursuit and Impact

By Jeff Britton, PCI #1205 on bike patrol and discovered immediately that you can tuck the laces down inside, Central Point (OR) Police Department that this shoe was not designed for bike out of the way. Neither I nor any of my n February 2010, while attending the riding. officers have had any issues with the laces getting wrapped up in the chain ring, San Francisco Bike Expo, I met Luke I approached a person to contact and cranks, or kickstand. The shoe is very Hontz, the rep for Five Ten. My performed a dismount. As I was still comfortable and runs true to size. The experience with Five Ten started a couple moving and kicking down the rear mount Stealth® rubber sole also wraps up around of years ago when I went to Whistler for a kickstand, my laces got wrapped up in it. the sides of the shoe for protection and downhill trip. I bought a pair of Five Ten Luckily, I was able to get them grip. The top of the toe has a rubber tip, Impacts and was impressed by how well unwrapped before I went down. This was which I have found keeps my toes a little my feet stayed on the pedals without not an auspicious beginning. The loose drier and warmer during the cooler parts being clipped in. When I returned from laces, coupled with the complete and utter of the year. The shoe is also very my vacation, I tried them on bike patrol. lack of retro-reflective markings, spelled comfortable for walking during those After using them for several months, I doom for the shoe’s bike patrol potential. was sold. As the bike team supervisor and times you need to be off the bike. While we might consider the Pursuit for IPMBA Instructor, I made them part of The shoe has worn well and has not regular patrol, the Impact will remain the our approved equipment. shown any signs of defects. It is available approved and assigned bike patrol shoe in US sizes 5-13, 14 and weighs 25.6 Luke told me that Five Ten has designed a for our department. line of shoes for law enforcement and the ounces. The cost is listed on the military. I am always on the lookout for a The Impact website as $124.95 for the low top good pair of shoes, so Luke agreed to send Take a good look and $134.95 for the high top. me a pair to try out. About three weeks at the feet of You can purchase them later, I received a box from Five Ten many of the top online at containing a pair of Pursuit shoes, which downhill racers www.fiveten.com are marketed for law enforcement. and you will or use the website to locate The Pursuit probably notice that they wear Five a dealer. For The Pursuit shoe is a well-made, stealthy, Ten shoes. Five Ten got their start more information, black leather and suede rubber shoe. It is making climbing visit www.fiveten.com specifically made for military, special ops, shoes, developing and select SWAT, fire rescue and all other first a high-friction, “Freeride” under responders. The Five Ten web site durable rubber footwear. The advises “the highly specialized Stealth® compound Pursuit can be Phantom™ outsoles offer the highest dubbed found under friction available; the non-squeak, non- “Stealth®”. Other “Enforcer”. mar ki ng a nd athletes, including downhill racers, Jeff is a Lieutenant with the Central Point rugged, quickly realized that the extremely sticky Police Department (OR). He has been a protective non- Stealth® rubber soles grip flat pedals like member of the bike patrol team since 2004 and reflective glue. Honestly, this is like clipping in. a LEBA instructor since 2004. He was leather You have to make a genuine effort to pull certified as an IPMBA Instructor in 2010. Jeff uppers make your foot up off the pedal to move it. I loves downhill and cross country riding in Southern Oregon and Lake Tahoe. He can be this the shoe had to adjust my toe straps at first and get of choice for reached at or 541-210-7251 or used to putting my feet in and out of them [email protected] . the tactical all over again. Once I got used to the market”. sticky soles, though, I was hooked. In I put the fact, all eight of our bike team members shoe on are now wearing the Five Ten Impact and shoe. immediately The Impact shoe is black with a retro- noticed that it is reflective logo and piping for great night both comfortable and runs true to size. It visibility. It comes in both low- and high- is a great-looking shoe. I broke it in with top models, so if you have ankle problems my regular duty uniform and was satisfied or you like the extra protection, they got with both its look and function – as a that covered. The tongue is designed so regular patrol shoe. I wore it the next day

16 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 CORPORATE MEMBERS Supplier Listing The Supplier Listing is a listing of companies which have shown their Bicycle Patrol Outfitters Product: Bike Patrol Products dedication to public safety cyclists over the past year through their Phone: 951-318-7341 active participation with and support of IPMBA, as conference Website: www.bpopatrol.com vendors, PPP participants, advertisers, and sponsors. Bratwear Product: Uniforms 4Bike-Police.com Phone: 253-517-4000 Product: Police Bikes by Fuji, S&W, Marin, Product: Bicycle & Tactical Ops Equipment & Website: www.bratwear.com KHS; Complete Bike Accessories and Duty Gear Accessories Brite-Strike Technologies Phone: 501-517-5338 Phone: 843-259-8368 Product: Tactical Illumination Products and Website: www.4bike-police.com Lighting Solutions Cygnus Law Enforcement Group Phone: 508-746-8701 Alerte Systems Inc. Product: Law Enforcement Product News, Law Product: Lights & Sirens Enforcement Technology Website: www.brite-strike.com Phone: 800-728-1536 Phone: 800-291-3911 Website: www.alertesystems.com Website: www.officer.com Product: Smith & Wesson Bicycles Phone: 515-232-0277 AMC Media Cygolite Website: www.cyclefg.com Product: From A to Z by Bike Product: Lighting Products Phone: 800-667-6119 Phone: 714-437-7752 Cycling Sports Group/Cannondale Website: www.amcmedia.net Website: www.cygolite.com Product: Schwinn, , GT,

Cannondale, Ironhorse ArmorPUR Dero Bike Rack Co. Phone: 608-268-8908 Product: ArmorPur Outershell Fine Wash and Product: Bike Racks Website: www.cyclingsportsgroup.com Odor Neutralizer Phone: 800-891-9298/612-359-0689 EMS World Phone: 973-244-1862 Website: www.dero.com Product: Leading EMS Magazine, Website, Website: www.armorpur.com and Expo DiNotte Lighting Phone: 800-547-7377 Athena GTX Product: Ultimate Road and Trail Lights Website: www.emsworld.com Product: Small, lightweight, patient-worn Phone: 603- 929-0123 wireless vital signs monitor system transmitting Website: www.dinottelighting.com iFORCE Bikes NIPB, SpO2, HR/PR Product: iForce Patrol Bikes and Accessories Phone: 515-288-3360 Dirt Rag/Bicycle Times Phone: 724-431-2276 Website: www.athenagtx.com Product: Dirt Rag and Bicycle Times Website: www.iforcebikes.com Phone: 800-762-7617 x110 Jones & Bartlett Learning Bike Tac Designs Website: www.dirtragmag.com Product: Ed ucatio na l Mater ia ls, Co mp le te Product: Bike Sirens, Bikes, Accessories Guide to Public Safety Cycling Phone: 541-218-3489 DutySmith Phone: 800-832-0034 Website: www.biketac.com Product: Speed Set Duty Gear Website: www.jblearning.com Phone: 541-870-4646 Brake Director Website: www.dutysmith.com Mocean Product: One-Hand Power Braking System Product: Technical Bike Patrol Uniforms Phone: 206-285-6518 Electric Police Bike Phone: 949-646-1701/877-662-3680 Website: www.brakedirector.com/police.htm Product: Electric Police/EMS Bikes Website: www.mocean.net Phone: 724-321-5257 Police Bike Store Bycycle, Inc. Website: www.electricpolicebike.com Product: Complete line of police bikes & Product: Alternative Saddle accessories Phone: 877-397-2165/503-452-1361 ELHN Badge & Emblem Design Phone: 973-366-5868 Website: www.bycycleinc.com Product: Custom Police Badges, Emblems, Pins, Website: www.policebikestore.com Coins Cane Creek Cycling Components Phone: 203-364-8644/800-316-3001 R & B Fabrications Product: Suspension Website: www.elhnbadge.com Product: Panniers & Safety Vests Phone: 800-234-2725 Phone: 800-553-1911 Website: www.canecreek.com Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles Website: www.rbfab.com Product: Bicycles Safariland Cateye Electronics Phone: 760-788-7500 Product: Body Armor, Duty Gear, Firearms Product: Computers, Heart Rate Monitors, Website: www.ellsworthbikes.com Accessories Lighting Systems, Safety Lights Phone: 909-923-7300 x 33735/800-347-1200 Phone: 800-522-8393 Elsevier/JEMS Communications Website: www.safariland.com Website: www.cateye.com Product: Journal of Emergency Medical Services; EMS Today Cycle Siren Phone: 800-266-5367/619-699-6267 Product: Bicycles & Accessories Product: Light & Siren System Website: www.jems.com Phone: 920-478-2191 x12427 Phone: 877-477-4736 Website: www.trekbikes.com Website: www.cyclesiren.com Ergo the Seat Volcanic Bicycles Product: Ergonomic Bike Seat Product: Custom Police Bicycles CycleAware Phone: 425-270-3548 Phone: 360-943-8613 Product: Bicycle Safety Products Website: www.thecomfortseat.com Website: www.volcanicbikes.com Phone: 831-333-9135 Website: www.cycleaware.com

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 17

Supplier Listing

Ergon USA Louis Garneau Olympic Uniforms/J. Marcel Product: Ergonomic Grips, Backpacks, Tools, Pedals Product: Bike Uniforms & Custom Apparel Product: Uniforms Phone: 323-428-3495 Phone: 800-448-1984/802-334-5885 Phone: 206-722-1412/888-722-9222 Website: www.ergon-bike.com Website: www.louisgarneau.us Website: www.olyuniforms.com

ESS Eyewear LouKa Tactical Training LLC Openhouse Products Product: Protective Eyewear Product: Firearms Training Video Product: Emergency Services Bags and Related Phone: 208-726-4072 Phone: 734-260-2975 Products Website: www.esseyepro.com Website: www.loukatactical.com Phone: +44 (0) 151 647 4044 Website: www.openhouseproducts.com First Aid Supplies Plus Mad March Racing Product: Bike Supplies & Accessories; First Aid Supplies; AEDs Product: Mountain Bike Camps and Coaching Patrol Bike Systems Phone: 703-449-5438 Phone: 805-570-3330 Product: Bikes & Accessories, Uniforms Website: www.firstaidsuppliesplus.com Website: www.madmarchracing.com Phone: 800-208-2032/651-773-8763 Website: www.patrolbike.com First Line Technology Madison Bicycle Shop Product: PhaseCore Personal Cooling Products Product: Complete Line of Bikes, Uniforms & Patrol Cycle LLC Phone: 703-955-7510 x 140 Accessories Product: Patrol Cycle Shoe Website: www.firstlinetech.com Phone: 973-377-6616 Phone: 800-208-2032/651-773-8763 Website: www.madisonbicycleshop.com Website: www.patrolcycle.com, Fox Racing Shox www.patrolbike.com Product: Fox Racing Shox MTB Suspension Maklite Phone: 800-FOX-SHOX Product: Illuminated Safety Products Point 6 Website: www.foxracingshox.com Phone: 800-888-5427/773-276-7500 Product: Merino Wool Socks Website: www.librasafety.com Phone: 877-949-9665 Gargoyles Eyewear Website: www.point6.com Product: Eyewear Phone: 215-327-5206 Product: Bicycles for Public Safety Use Polar Electro Inc. Website: www.gargoyleseyewear.com Phone: 415-382-6000 x102/800-222-7557 Product: Polar Heart Rate Monitors Website: www.marinbikes.com Phone: 877-630-9924 Gatorz Eyewear Website: www.polarusa.com Product: Eyewear (Polarized, Photochromic, Maxit Designs Defender Series Lens) Product: Performance Headwear Police Magazine Phone: 800-767-4287 Phone: 800-556-2948/916-489-1023 Product: Police Magazine Website: www.gatorz.com Website: www.maxit- inc.com, www.headgator.com Phone: 310-533-2498 Website: www.policemag.com GSM Outdoors Mirrycle Corp. Product: Outdoor Product: Bicycle Bells (Incredibell), Mirrors Prestacycle Phone: 760-207-8078/877-269-8490 Phone: 303-442-3212 Product: Air Compressors, Tools Website: www.epicstealthcam.com Website: www.mirrycle.com Phone: 518-288-5000 Website: www.prestacycle.com Haix North Ame rica Montague Bikes Corporation Product: Footwear Product: Folding Bikes ProGold Lubricants/ABC Compounding Phone: 859-281-0111/866-344-4249 Phone: 800-736-5348 x 204/617-491-7200 Product: Lubes Website: www.haix.com Website: www.montaguebikes.com Phone: 888-519-0324/404-766-3990 Website: www.progoldmfr.com Hold Fast or Die Mountain Racing Products Product: Pedal Retention Product: Power Grips, Straps/Pedals, White Bros. Promark Int'l Inc. Phone: 917-903-4743/443-708-2561 Forks, Kreitler Rollers, Tamer Suspension Seatposts Product: Law Enforcement Equipment Website: www.holdfastordie.com Phone: 970-241-3518 Phone: 800-645-4443 Website: www.mountainracingproducts.com Website: www.publicsafetymall.com Iosso Products Product: Lubes MyPoliceStuff.com Promotive.com Phone: 888-747-4332 Product: Police jewelry, custom products, challenge Product: Outdoor-Bike-Action Sports Gear Website: www.iosso.com coins, dog tags, and more! Phone: 801-456-6921/877-420-2766 Phone: 336-416-1913 Website: www.promotive.com/lawenforcement Kenda USA Website: www.mypolicestuff.com Product: Tires, Tubes, & Accessories Redman Training Gear Phone: 614-729-7881/866-536-3287 NuGo Nutrition Product: Defensive Tactics Training Gear Website: www.kendatire.com Product: Nutrition/Energy Bars Phone: 800-865-7840/772-388-9892 Phone: 888-421-2032 Website: www.redmangear.com Lift & Storage Systems, Inc. Website: www.nugonutrition.com Product: Automatic Bike Lift Storage Systems Revision Military Phone: 800-825-4777/651-777-1554 Product: Eyewear Website: www.liftnstore.com Phone: 802-879-7002/800-383-6049 Website: www.revisioneyewear.com

The information has been provided by the participating companies and is subject to change without notice. Inclusion in this list does not indicate endorsement by IPMBA, nor does it indicate the company’s sponsorship of IPMBA.

18 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 IPMBA Board Supplier Listing PRESIDENT David Hildebrand PCI #404T/EMSCI #118T Rudy Project Eyewear Tactical Wear Online United Uniform Denton Police Department Product: Helmets, Sunglasses Product: Under Armour, Camelbak, Product: Uniforms Phone: 888-860-7597/949-272-2457 Benchmade, MOCEAN, public safety Phone: 909-381-2682/800-299-5281 Denton, Texas Website: www.rudyprojectusa.com supply Website: www.uumfg.com [email protected] Phone: 717-666-2348 SAFETEC Website: Velo Press VICE PRESIDENT Product: First Aid, Infection Control www.tacticalwearonline.com Product: Cycling Books, Videos, Bernie Hogancamp Products Gear, Clothing PCI #498 Phone: 716-895-1822/800-456-7077 Tallac Design Phone: 800-234-8356 Website: www.safetec.com Product: Cage Holding Systems, Website: www.velogear.com Homewood Police Department (Retired) Frame Bags, Mounting Devices Homewood, Illinois Simunition® Phone: 831-331-9828 VMI Logistics, LLC [email protected] Product: Simunition® Website: www.tallacdesign.com Product: Bike seats, Wipperman Phone: 863-712-2902 chains, Connexion links, tires, etc. SECRETARY Website: www.simunition.com Terry Precision Cycling Phone: 800-422-2104/970-472-0125 Robert Hatcher Product: Bikes & Accessories Website: www.cantitoeroad.com SockGuy Phone: 802-861-7615/800-289-8379 PCI #629/EMSCI #103 Product: Socks, Arm Warmers Website: www.terrybicycles.com WTB Delaware Police Department Phone: 760-804-1344 Product: Bikes & Accessories Delaware, Website: www.sockguy.com Timex Watch Corporation Phone: 415-389-5040/800-975-2453 [email protected] Product: Watches, Heart Rate Website: www.wtb.com Spenco Ironman Cycling Gloves Monitors TREASURER Product: Ironman Cycling Gloves Phone: 215-327-5206 Zeal Optics Phone: 215-327-5206 Website: www.timex.com Product: Sport Eyewear and Goggles Kurt Feavel Website: www.spencogloves.com Phone: 303-449-9322/888-454-9325 PCI #539 Trikke Tech, Inc. Website: www.zealoptics.com U. of Wisconsin-Madison Stat Packs Product: Trikke Patrol Vehicle Police Department (Retired) Product: EMS Backpacks, Vests, Phone: 805-693-0800 Zensah Madison, Wisconsin Equipment Carriers Website: www.trikke.com/patrol Product: Compre ss io n Gar me nts [email protected] Phone: 435-627-2265 Phone: 305-935-4619/877-614-5076 Website: www.statpacksstore.com TrueView Video Website: www.zensah.com Product: Tactical Video Eyewear EDUCATION DIRECTOR Street Crimes Seminars Phone: 972-489-6872 ZeroGoo Mitch Trujillo Product: Street Crimes Seminar Website: www.trueviewvideo.net Product: Hydration S ystem Dryer and PCI #244T/EMSCI #248T Phone: 800-275-4915/773-594-0945 Accessories Boulder Police Department Website: www.streetcrimes.com Twofish Unlimited Phone: 402-202-3505 Boulder, Colorado Product: Specialty fasteners for bottle Website: www.zerogoo.com [email protected] Swagman cages, pumps, locks, batteries, etc. Product: Bicycle Racks Phone: 510-527-5273 Zoic Clothing Phone: 800-469-7924/250-490-7924 Website: www.twofish.biz Product: Cycling Apparel CONFERENCE COORDINATOR Website: www.swagman.net Phone: 858-259-7020/877-484-ZOIC Tom Harris Ultimate Test Labs Website: www.zoic.com PCI #861T/EMSCI #030T Swiftwick Product: Mobile Measures of Human East Baton Rouge Parish EMS/ Product: High Performance Socks Performance Livingston Parish Sheriff's Department Phone: 615-370-8611/800-895-5858 Phone: 708-647-2800 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Website: www.swiftwick.com Website: www.ultimatestlab.com [email protected] United Bicycle Supply Product: Bicycle Tools and Parts PUBLIC INDUSTRY LIAISON Phone: 541-482-1750 Charlie Summers Website: PCI #512 www.unitedbicyclesupply.com Illinois State University Police Department Normal, Illinois [email protected]

EMS COORDINATOR Marc Zingarelli EMSCI #179/SCI#002 Circleville Fire Department Circleville, Ohio [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Position Open

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 19 Instructor Corner What Cyclists Need to Learn About Trucks By Kirby Beck, PCI #002T/EMSCI #017T Do not linger next to a truck on any side, in any lane. If you Coon Rapids (MN) Police Department (retired) are riding near the same speed, slow down until you are behind the truck. (This is taught to motorcyclists, but it applies to all aving been involved in bicycle safety education for over 30 years, I have seen most of the materials and programs out vehicle drivers.) there for teaching both children and adults how to cycle safely. If a truck passes you, slow down and let it get ahead of you Working now as a bike safety consultant looking at bike crash ASAP. If you are approaching an intersection, merge to the left cases for attorneys, I’ve discovered a glaring hole in our and ride near the center line to avoid the moving blind spot. traditional cyclist education programs. I’ve worked on several If you are in a bike lane and passing stopped traffic, do not cases in which cyclists were run down and killed by 18-wheel pass a truck unless you can be clear of it before approaching tractor-trailers that turned in front of them. The cyclists didn’t any intersections or driveways and before traffic begins know what to expect or how to deal with them. It seems the moving again. (This is a situation in which bike lanes offer a problem may get worse with the increasing false sense of security that can get a cyclist numbers of bike lanes and their (often false) killed.) promise of safety. Or, just don’t pass a truck on the right at all. While dealing with trucks may seem easy And be cautious when passing on the left, too.” enough for people used to functioning in traffic, when it comes to riding a bike, it As Keri’s article notes, the biggest dangers occur really isn’t. I’m aware of only one program, when passing on the right side of a truck. This is CyclingSavvy (the cyclist education program precisely where bike lanes are located. Bike of the Florida Bicycle Association) that lanes too often make cyclists, especially the specifically addresses the dangers associated untrained or inexperienced, believe that they with cycling near large trucks. IPMBA have safe passage; that they can pass traffic, even training doesn’t specifically cover it, and at intersections and driveways; and that motorists neither does the League training from which will stay out of their way. They may also believe our program is largely derived. they can’t leave the bike lane. These beliefs can be a shortcut to the morgue or nursing home, Tractor-trailers may have blind spots that particularly if it involves a truck. make it difficult for the driver to see cyclists near them. In addition, 18-wheelers turn The real danger happens once the cyclist is just differently than other vehicles, especially past the apex of the corner – I will call this the while making right turns. They often make a point of no return. Once inside this point of no “buttonhook” turn wherein they drive past the return, the space will be quickly filled by the lane into which they are turning, and then turn truck and trailer, leaving the cyclist with little tightly and “buttonhook” to the right, back time to react and nowhere to go. If caught in this into their proper lane. Such turns help them point of no return, the cyclist’s only option is minimize the trailer’s off-tracking onto the ride as quickly as possible ahead of the truck and curb on tight turns. Cyclists might think they close to the curb. You have literally a split aren’t turning after all and begin to ride past second to make that decision, perform a perfect them. quick turn, and get out of there. It’s not even a legitimate option! Your best bet to save your life I will quote Keri Caffrey’s excellent piece is to anticipate the danger, assume you are not from the CyclingSavvy website, which also seen, and then avoid it completely. features some good videos. Those of you who regularly bike where there are bike lanes and “Cyclists hit by turning trucks is a repeating news story which large trucks need to share this information with your cycling highlights the most serious deficiency in our system — education friends and associates. Those of you who are IPMBA Instructors of cyclists. Sometimes these crashes are caused by the truck need to add this to your discussions about riding in traffic. While driver passing a cyclist prior to turning right, but very often they our goal is to teach people to cycle safely, predictably and are caused by the cyclist passing the truck on the right. In both comfortably in traffic, we also need to warn them about the direst cases, the cyclist has the power to avoid the crash. of dangers, and 18-wheelers are right at the top of that list. Here’s how YOU can prevent this from happening to you: The full text of Keri’s article can be found at: http:// Do not stop at an intersection on the right side of a truck. If commuteorlando.com/wordpress/2008/11/30/what-cyclists-need- you have already stopped in a bike lane and a big rig pulls up to-know-about-trucks/. next to you, don’t assume the driver has seen you. Get off your Kirby is one of IPMBA’s founding members and an author of both the bike and move it to safety (your life is worth the inconvenience). Complete Guide to Police Cycling and the Complete Guide to Public It is better to stop in the middle of the general traffic lane if you Safety Cycling. He can be reached at [email protected]. arrive first. (In many cases it is safer to stop in the line of traffic than to pass the queue.) Graphic Courtesy Florida Bicycle Association/CyclingSavvy (www.cyclingsavvy.com). 20 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 Instructor Corner Advance Call for Instructors and Workshop Proposals

he 23nd Annual IPMBA Conference will be held April 27-May 4, 2013, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Pre-conference courses will be scheduled April 27-May 1, 2013, and the conference workshops will take place May 2-4, 2013. If you are an active, IPMBA-certified instructor and are interested in teaching at the conference or pre-conference, you must submit a Call for Instructors and Workshops form, which will be posted online and available from the IPMBA office shortly after the 2012 IPMBA Conference. You will be asked to outline your bicycling, work, and teaching experience, including non-bicycling-related expertise and/or instructor certifications. Instructors will be selected for the pre-conference training courses as well as the core conference workshops. It’s easy – just follow these steps!

STEP ONE: Contact IPMBA HQ at [email protected] or 410-744-2400. Ask for a Call for Instructors and Workshops form (available after the 2012 conference). STEP TWO: Select a Topic. Share those creative in-service training ideas. STEP THREE: Write your Proposal. Follow the guidelines carefully. STEP FOUR: Submit your proposal to IPMBA HQ by June 30, 2012. STEP FIVE: You will be notified of the Education Committee’s decision in early fall. Note: Even if your workshop has been offered at past conferences, you must still submit the form. Past inclusion does not guarantee future acceptance. If you wish to teach at the conference or pre-conference you must submit a form, even if you have done so in the past. No exceptions!

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 21 Member News Pedal Patrol: Eric Struss Retires after 21 Years

By Matt Fritz, Staff Writer Struss said a man carrying stolen car He studied law enforcement and LaPorte (IL) Herald-Argus radios once nearly ran into him on A criminalistics at Vincennes University, Street. The man wound up with a pair of then became a jail officer for the La Porte he man fled on foot – Sgt. Eric handcuffs instead. Another time he was County Sheriff’s Department in 1989. In Struss right behind him on bike. able to ride up next to a person rolling 1990, he moved on to the juvenile services The man couldn’t escape so he marijuana cigarettes in the park. The man division before being offered a patrol broke down the door of a nearby didn’t suspect he was an officer until it position at the city police department in house and ran inside. was too late. 1991. The sergeant chased him upstairs and past More exciting was a time he road In 2004, he gained a bike patrol instructor a table surrounded by a family eating alongside an escaped convict from license from San Antonio, Texas, and has dinner. Michigan, who was casually walking by a since trained the department’s men Then the man did the unexpected: He local business. When the criminal finally himself. During this time he also wrote the jumped out the window and landed belly realized Struss was a policeman, Struss department’s standard operating first on the ground below. was already off his bike and tackling him. procedure for the program. “He did a ,” “I liked the whole stealth To become a bike patrolman, officers take Struss said, ...on a bike, you’re aspect to it where you a week-long course for their certification, recounting the could sneak around,” he which includes maneuvering, riding up incident, which took more mobile, but said, “and you’d stay fit. stairs, chasing people, handling tight place about a half I’d do anywhere from 30 quarter conflicts and balancing on their dozen years ago. “He you are still to 50 miles a night.” bikes. was determined not to There were also the They are then fitted for a bike, which get caught.” approachable by humorous stories, like they’re allowed to take home so they can And he got up without citizens. You can when a man tossed a get as much practice using it as they can. a scratch, only to be fountain drink at Struss “I want them to be fit,” Struss said. “I apprehended by hear what is going when he was riding by, want them to be responsive to their calls. another officer thinking he was just an They’re no use to anybody if they get waiting outside. on at night, you ordinary cyclist. He were there and they’re all worn out.” It was an amazing can hear a window terrified when Struss But Struss takes his love of biking beyond event for Struss, and turned around and his the department. He raced semi-pro highlighted the break or someone uniform became visible. downhill for five years, and competed in benefits of having a He got a ticket for his events throughout Michigan and even into bike patrol for the scream... antics. Canada. police department. He But Struss said the He even ranked 14th of 55 in the cross approached the man benefits go beyond silently, and was able country bike portion of the 2001 World stealth and speed. He said residents love Police and Fire Games in Indianapolis. to pursue him faster than if he was seeing officers on bikes, and are more “I’ve always loved bikes,” he said. “I running. ready to talk to them than officers in their raced BMX when I was a kid. I’ve always “It has just a great stealth thing,” he said. cars. It also lets the department help the loved working on them, building them.” “People just don’t expect you to be on a community with bike safety programs for bike, even though you’re in a fully marked churches, schools and youth groups. This Now 44, he plans to continue mountain uniform.” is important for the department’s public biking in his free time as he becomes a Struss officially retired from the La Porte image. railroad special agent, a position requiring him to investigate railroad accidents and Police Department last week, a place “As opposed to being on foot patrol, on a thefts in Illinois and Indiana. where he’s served for almost 21 years. bike you’re more mobile,” he said, “but During this time he started what some you still are approachable by citizens. You He said he won’t be able to ride his bike at initially thought was a useless endeavor, can hear what’s going on at night, you can work anymore. the bike patrol, a program which now hear a window break or someone scream. “That’s the part I’m going to miss,” he boasts eight members. You’re out of that car, but you’re still said, “and I’m going to miss the It began in 1994 when he and another mobile and you can respond to scenes camaraderie with the bike guys and officer gained bike patrol certification quickly.” training them.” from the police department in South Bend. Born and raised in La Porte, he said he This article appeared in the January 9, 2012, Then he bought his own equipment and wanted to be an officer ever since he saw edition of the LaPorte Herald-Argus. began patrolling the streets, sometimes in one speak at his school when he was 13. 100 degree heat, because his superiors “I know it’s cliche,” he said, “but I always didn’t think he could do it. wanted to help people. I thought it would But he persevered, and became be a good profession. You could really try responsible for some surprising to make a difference in people’s lives.” apprehensions. 22 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 Louisiana Legislature Recognizes Police Bikes Member News By Mike Jimenez, Staff Attorney Lafourche Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:

bout two years ago, Sgt. Todd Prevost, IPMBA PCI #650, and Reserve- Section 1. R.S. 32:1(1), 24, 194, and 329(F) are hereby amended Deputy Paul Lefort, certified IPMBA Police Cyclist, asked me which and reenacted to read as follows. Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Louisiana laws authorized bike officers to perform their duties. After some preliminary research, I discovered that while nothing prevented us from §1. Definitions When used in this Chapter, the following words and phrases utilizing bikes, the bikes weren’t specifically treated as “authorized emergency have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, unless the vehicles”. context clearly indicates a different meaning: (1) “Authorized emergency vehicle” means a vehicle of a fire The guys mentioned that other states have enacted laws to protect law department, a vehicle of the weights and standards police force, a enforcement bike use. After some brainstorming, I approached Lafourche Parish police vehicle or bicycle, a privately owned vehicle belonging to Sheriff Craig Webre about pushing legislative changes to ensure bike patrol members of an organized volunteer fire department or fire would be fully authorized (and protected) via statute. Being a strong proponent district when so designated or authorized by the fire chief of that of our bike patrol, he was 100% in favor of the idea and tasked me with finding a fire department or fire district, an industrial-owned vehicle assigned to members of a fire department or fire district when so sponsor and drafting the proposed changes/modifications to existing law. designated or authorized by the fire chief of that fire department As it happened, the 2010 Louisiana Legislative Session was a “fiscal only” or fire district, a vehicle parked or stopped by elevator repair or construction personnel while responding to an elevator session, wherein only a limited number of non-fiscal matters can be emergency, such ambulances and emergency medical response considered. Despite my new awareness of the need for this legislation, there was vehicles certified by the Department of Health and Hospitals that little hope of anything being passed. We tried, but we weren’t successful. are operated by certified ambulance services, and emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations In early 2011, I began our “legislative push” by contacting all of our local as are designated or authorized by the secretary of the legislators. Lafourche Representative Jerry “Truck” Gisclair was immediately Department of Transportation and Development or by the chief impressed with our ideas and asked that I draft a proposal. I did some formal of police of any incorporated municipality. For purposes of this research on existing laws and made various suggestions as to what should be Section, elevator repair shall be limited to those elevators that move people. modified so that police bikes could be considered “authorized emergency vehicles”. Instead of proposing a whole “new law”, I thought it best to propose §24. Emergency vehicles; exceptions A. The driver or rider of an authorized emergency vehicle, when an extension of “existing law” (and jurisprudence) to include police bikes. This responding to an emergency call, or when in the pursuit of an is a very important distinction. If our legislation passed, bike patrols throughout actual or suspected violator of the law, or when responding to, the state would be able to immediately take advantage of long-standing case law but not upon returning from, a fire alarm, may exercise the that gives “authorized emergency vehicles” various exemptions in times of privileges set forth in this Section, but subject to the conditions herein stated. emergencies (which, in Louisiana, includes apprehension of suspects and to B. The driver or rider of an authorized emergency vehicle may prevent crime). This was more advantageous than creating an entirely new do any of the following: statute which might then be open to judicial interpretation/application. (1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this Chapter; (2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after Once I gave Representative Gisclair my suggestions, he agreed to sponsor the slowing down or stopping as may be necessary for safe bill. After a few very minor tweaks from the legislator’s in-house drafters, our operation;. bill was ready to be pre-filed before the 2011 Legislative Session. It was then (3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not that we contacted the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, IPMBA, and others to help endanger life or property;. (4) Disregard regulations governing the direction of movement garner support and to explain what we hoped this bill would accomplish. or turning in specified directions. Ultimately, between our testimony before the Legislature and the many calls of C. The exceptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle or bicycle is making support from other agencies (and IPMBA members; thanks a million), our bill use of audible or visual signals, including the use of a peace sailed through two Committees and both Chambers of the Legislature with no officer cycle rider’s whistle, sufficient to warn motorists of their opposition. There were a few questions as to why the modifications were approach, except that a police vehicle need not be equipped with needed; many legislators assumed that bike patrol was already protected. or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle. D. The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver or rider Once it was approved by the Legislature, Governor Jindal signed it into law; it of an authorized vehicle from the duty to drive or ride with due immediately became known as Act 98 of the 2011 Louisiana Regular regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions Session. The effective date for the Act was August 15, 2011. protect the driver or rider from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others. A copy of the reengrossed Act appears in the sidebar. We modified four existing §194. Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles laws so that they state, very clearly, that police bikes are considered “authorized Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway of this state shall emergency vehicles”…police bikes have the same privileges/responsibilities as be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all the duties other “emergency vehicles” when it comes to direction-of-travel, etc…and applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this Chapter, except as to reasonable exemptions (from lighting requirements) exist for police bikes. special regulations in this Part, including special regulations applying to peace officers utilizing bicycles in furtherance of We are very proud of this legislation. It will further secure/validate arrests made their official duties, and except as to those provisions of this by bike officers and help minimize our civil liability should an accident occur. Chapter which by their very nature can have no application. §329. Bicycles; front lamps; side/rear reflectors; rear lamps Mike Jimenez, Jr., is the Staff Attorney for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office in F. This Section shall not apply to bicycles while engaged in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He can be reached at 985-449-4446 or [email protected]. sanctioned competition races or to bicycles while utilized by Todd Prevost is IPMBA PCI #650, certified in 2002. He can be reached at 985-855-4867 peace officers in furtherance of their official duties. or [email protected]. For a short, informative article about the legislation, visit http://tinyurl.com/LABikePatrolBill. IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 23 Member News — IPMBA Remembers — Sergeant Michael Boehm, United States Park Police End of Watch: Friday, December 16, 2011 Sergeant Michael Boehm suffered a fatal heart attack while responding to a call involving a person who had jumped from the Bridge in Washington, DC. The person was found critically injured on the C&O Canal towpath underneath the bridge near 34th Street.

Sergeant Boehm collapsed moments after responding to the scene. He was immediately transported to Georgetown University Hospital where he passed away. The person who He is fondly jumped from the bridge also died. remembered as a Sergeant Boehm was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the United States Park Police for 19 years. He is survived by his wife and son. great person, Michael was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist in 1994, while stationed at the Golden Gate National Recreational Area in San Francisco. His certifying instructor was Joe Martin, PCI officer, and father. #006. He attended the 1997 IPMBA Conference in Nashville and the H&K Survival Skills for the Mountain Bike Officer course in June 1997. He was certified as IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor #381 in December 1999, while assigned to the US Park Police Central District Bike Patrol in Washington DC. Although he taught his last IPMBA course in April 2001, he remained active in the bicycle program and enjoyed riding both on- and off-duty. He is fondly remembered by a former student, Jack Edington, PCI #587, as a great person, officer, and father. Approximately two dozen bike officers from Metropolitan Police (DC), US Park Police, and Montgomery County Police (MD) participated in a tribute ride as part of the memorial services on December 28, 2011.

IPMBA NEEDS YOU IPMBA thanks the following members and friends for their generous support during these challenging economic times. With their support – and yours – we can help keep world-class public safety cycling training accessible and affordable. Mike Anderson, St. Louis Metro (MO) PD Charles Calvin, Maryland National Capital Park Police Jamie Cheatem, UMBC (MD) PD Christopher Davala, Maryland State Police I support IPMBA’s efforts to keep world-class public Dwight Edwards, Cabell County (WV) EMS safety cyclist training accessible and affordable. Kurt Feavel, University of Wisconsin at Madison PD (ret.) Al Friedland, Moline (IL) PD My tax-deductible contribution is enclosed: $100 $75 $50 $25 $ ______Artie Gonzales, Topeka (KS) PD (ret.) Paul Hermans, Peoria (IL) Police Dept. Name ______William Laramee, Amherst (MA) PD Membership Number ______Dave Lennon, Conshohocken (PA) PD Gary McLaughlin, Sacramento (CA) Address ______PD (ret.) ______Kenneth Mullen, Illinois State Police Email ______Albert Santiago, Rochester (NY) PD Phone Number (______)______Amount of contribution: $______Ron Schlegel, Allentown (PA) PD Frank Shaw, Bremerton (WA) PD My check is enclosed (payable to Police on Bikes, Inc.). Rob Sibilio, Framingham (MA) PD Charge my MC/Visa: ______| ______| ______| ______Shannon Walker, Bedford (VA) PD EXP ___/___ Mail to: International Police Mountain Bike Association 583 Frederick Rd., Suite 5B, Baltimore MD 21228 24 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012

Cycle Response Unit Journeys to New York News from the UK

by As hley Sweetland The International Bicycle Festival have their HQ in central St John Ambulance, Manhattan, and it was there that we met with our clients the next , England day. When I saw the email asking for St John That afternoon, we were introduced to the chief marshal for the Ambulance Cycle Response Units to bike ride element of the event. Then, in plain clothes, and with me participate in an event in New York, I must on a Brompton and Nuno on a Fixey, we cycled around New York confess, a large smile spread across my to get accustomed with the route. This included visiting the Rugby face. But then my head began to fill with Ralph Lauren store, which would be the events base, and the New questions about the practicalities. We only York Police Department. had a week to prepare. Where to start? The event itself was now upon us. We cycled from our hotel in It soon became evident that the first thing Brooklyn across the famous Brooklyn Bridge and navigated safely we needed was a clear and well-considered to the Rugby Ralph Lauren store. We were made incredibly plan. welcome and enjoyed a long, but successful day of cycling with The background was positive. Our client — The Tweed Run LLP around 350 people in three separate rides during the course of the — had stated that this would be a fully funded visit. St John day. In total that day, we cycled 50 miles. The event coincided Ambulance London District CRU have been supporting their with the launch of a new range of Rugby Ralph Lauren tweed London events since 2008. We would be part of their event team clothing, with significant success in sales reported at the end of the supporting the launch of a new range by Rugby Ralph Lauren, who event. covered all the costs of our participation. We formed a great working relationship with the New York Police But the practicalities were challenging and the next few days were Department officers who were assigned to the event — so much certainly character building. so that one of the officers provided our transport back to the airport a few days later. It was fascinating to hear how events are Whilst ensuring the necessary internal approvals were secured, we managed in New York. This is done almost exclusively by state set about assembling the kit we would need for the event. This (public sector) providers. Limited inter-agency cooperation is an included specialist boxes, tools and wheel bags because the bikes operational concern. would have to be dismantled for the flights. Hotels and flights were arranged (and paid for directly) by our Later that afternoon we visited the Central Park Medical Unit, had client. Whilst we would have a couple of extra days after the a tour of the new Precinct Building and visited the New York Fire event, our attention was focused on ensuring we could get the kit Department. safely across the Atlantic — and back again. That evening we enjoyed a few hours with a Chief Ambulance Officer and her team in the NYFD EMS Division 51 Battalion We worked with London District Headquarters, National where we had a tour of their premises and vehicles, and exchanged Headquarters and the Order of St John’s international office to stories and mementos. ensure all the necessary insurances, permissions and risk assessments were in place. Our plans also took into account the Two moving features of both our visit to the Fire Department and existing operational demands on CRU, which included a 15 strong the EMS Division were their walls of remembrance, prominent deployment to the Royal Parks Half Marathon the weekend before reminders of the terrorist attacks on New York, as well as other the trip, which tightened the window available to dismantle the conflicts and tragic accidents. bikes and do final weight checks to three days. Later that evening we got out of uniform and attended the after- We also ensured our client was fully briefed throughout the event celebrations. process. In the two days following the event, Nuno and I visited the United Both Nuno and I hold International Police Mountain Bike Nations Headquarters, where an exhibition included some Associatio n certification, so we were confident we could interact innovations in how bicycles have been used in Africa — to aid with our counterparts effectively as needed. However, we did need travel of goods to remote villages and even as a phone charger! to adapt our SOPs to meet US standards. It was a brilliant trip...but we’ll be back “across the pond” in the After some serious negotiations with Heathrow we managed to get next issue of IPMBA News! all the equipment packaged, with the weight distributed in

accordance with cargo regulations. We parked our Support Vehicle at Heathrow Airport Ambulance RANDOM FACTS & FIGURES station through the good offices of their London Ambulance Our total equipment weight transported was 150kg. Service CRU co-ordinator for that site, and flew across the The customised bike boxes were sourced from . Atlantic. We cycled more than 50 operational miles in New York. One of our first tasks when we arrived at our hotel was to assemble One casualty was treated with a very minor issue. We travelled more than 7,500 air miles. the bikes. It was then that we discovered the front rota (disc) on my bike had been damaged in transit. Thankfully, our client found More than 6 hours were spent packing, building, re-packing and re-assembly of CRUs involved. us a bicycle mechanic who helped us source a replacement the Tea and scones for the event were flown in from Bristol by Rugby following day! Ralph Lauren.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 25 Cover Story Use of Force: The Impact of Your Bike (Continued from page 1) distance on bike, Officer Fista issues verbal commands, but the from the simple reason that a police officer was involved. suspect refuses to comply, instead turning to confront the officer. When an officer uses force, the interest level shoots to the top of Officer Fista perceives that an impact weapon will be required for the scale and the department swoops in to seek answers. this take down, but not deadly force. Depending on the incident, training records are pulled, policies What can Officer Fista do within his current policy and use of examined and the officer’s performance history meticulously force doctrine? analyzed. Officer Fista decides to utilize a sliding/hooking motion of the Police agencies reasonably must assess the liability and rear wheel to purposefully strike the suspect with his bike. consequences of the actions of their personnel. A department has Now, you get into Officer Fista’s saddle and see how your a responsibility to the officer, the law enforcement jurisdictional policy rides the following obstacles. authority, and the public. When an officer uses force, an attempt will be made to determine if the officer “Officer, when were you certified to use used the appropriate amount of force for the police bicycle as a weapon?” the situation and if the actions were “Officer, when did you last qualify with the justified. There lies the problem: what is police bicycle as a weapon?” the appropriate amount of force in a given situation? Most, if not all, agencies “Officer, did you intentionally use a specific provide extensive training in the “Big technique in which you were trained to Three” liabilities: firearms, vehicle skills, take down the suspect?” and use of force. Few law enforcement How did you and your department do? practitioners would argue that use of force These questions may complicate the is not a major liability, and it would be justification of Officer Fista’s actions if he difficult to find a recognized police has not received adequate or sanctioned agency that lacks a use of force policy or training. This brief scenario cannot answer doctrine, supported by training. all the questions running through your head, Canton v. Harris, 489 US 378 (1989), is but the intent of this exercise is to provoke clearly the benchmark case setting legal thought. A police officer will react to a precedence pertaining to “failure to train”. given situation based on training, Given the findings and the disposition of experience and ability. The key to this the case, professional law enforcement scenario is the training. agencies in the United States can no Officer Fista chose to impact the suspect longer fail to provide required training or with a police bicycle, which can be a provide training of diminished quality. reasonable action. Many officers will rise The requirements now articulate exactly to the defense of Officer Fista, arguing, “He how to adequately prepare, conduct, and had no choice but to strike him with the document training for police personnel. bike. He didn’t have time to do anything else”. In a case of Departments can and should take measures to insulate themselves deadly force, this defense would be viable, given the supporting against failure-to-train lawsuits. Administrators must ensure their condition of a life-saving measure, when no other trained option training programs are current and effective, demand that training was available for deployment. However, in this scenario, the be incorporated into the department’s yearly calendar and intent is to present a situation in which an impact weapon is the thoroughly document all training. An effective training program most likely force option. Only by removing “any form of can be the difference between dismissal of a suit and a serious defense, device or tactic” and presenting the specific need for an judgment against an agency. (McNamara, 2006) impact weapon can the officer justify the actions. Right? The scenario is designed to identify whether the action taken was Let’s put this to the test in a simple “JRA” (Just Riding Along) or was not a “trained response”. The IPMBA Police Cyclist scenario involving a certified police cyclist: Course includes a similar movement, the power – or hook – slide. However, when taught by IPMBA, the skill is not a weapon JRA, Officer Fista and Officer Cuffs observe a young male strike. It is specifically used to stop quickly and/or turn 180 suspect snatch a purse from an elderly woman who falls to the degrees. Variations of this skill often involve sliding or hooking ground, visibly injured. Officer Fista follows the prescribed the rear wheel, and potentially utilizing it to strike an object or protocol: broadcast the team’s location, request medical aid, suspect. These include such bike-strike movements as “bike declare the type of incident, and lookout the suspect’s fighting” (strikes with various parts of the bike), “wheelie- description with direction of travel. Officer Cuffs responds up” (strikes with the front wheel), “barrier/herding” (forcibly directly to the victim to render medical attention. The suspect directing the bike into a suspect), and “Ghost Rider” (propelling spots Officer Fista and the pursuit is on. Officer Fista follows, the bike unmanned into a suspect). broadcasting his movements and quickly moving in on the suspect due to his mechanical advantage. While closing the (Continued on page 27)

26 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Winter 2012 Use of Force: The Impact of Your Bike Cover Story (Continued from page 26) Many departments have a prescribed method/format for It should be noted that Officer Fista chose his movement and reporting use of force involving firearms, baton, OC spray or action as a weapon strike and, for the best outcome, should have less than lethal. Bicycle applications can be included as an had training and/or certification prior to actual deployment. action, response, strike, strike zone and or specifically with the Does your agency train description of a weapon utilized in given situation. Department bike officers on the use of policies will vary dramatically from coast to coast, but the need the bicycle as an impact for documented training is across the board. weapon? When faced with Back to Officers Fista and Cuffs a confrontation, can you There are several possible outcomes for Officer Fista and Cuffs. articulate your actions The predictions for the final outcome of a real-life situation are within the scope of your difficult at best and litigation is likely. The fact is that law training and departmental enforcement officers are required to use force, their actions will requirements? Many have consequences, and the requirements for justification must agencies accept training be met. The examination of the bicycle within any force and certification by outside continuum provides for a broad scope of discretion and opinion. organizations. Prior to the When faced with the liability for individual actions or deployment of a new departmental financial responsibilities, will you and your technique, you must ensure department clear this obstacle, crash and burn, or simply use approval to use it. The some landing techniques? time to answer the above questions is before, not Works Cited after, an incident. What is Department of Justice (1999, October). https://www.ncjrs.gov/ or will be required of the pdfiles1/nij/176330-1.pdf. Retrieved December 5, 2011. individual officer in the McNamara (2006) from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdfiles1/ form of continuing nij/176330-1.pdf: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdfiles1/nij/176330- education, skills training, qualification, or renewal of 1.pdf. certification? Menton, C. (2008, May 28). Associate Professor. (M. A. Wear, To best defend an officer’s actions, the use of force should be Interviewer). clearly defined. The movement and its proper execution should Mike Wear is a 21-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department, be covered in a written outline or other format that meets the Washington DC. He joined the MPD mountain bike unit in 1992 and in departmental requirement for documentation and training. The 1997 became the first city-wide mountain bike coordinator and training use and deployment of specific techniques for force must meet supervisor. He was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist in 1998, an the agency’s current policy or departmental doctrine. instructor in 2001, and an instructor trainer in 2008. He can be reached at [email protected]. Photos courtesy Chuck Sanders, Metropolitan Police Department (DC).

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 21, NO. 1 27

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