The Board Issue ipmbaFall 2013 news Newsletter of the International Association IPMBA: Promoting and Advocating Education and Organization for Public Safety Bicyclists. Vol. 22, No. 4 It’s Here! Enforcement by Maureen Becker Enforce with Mutual Respect Director PMBA is thrilled to announce that the long-awaited, newly by Kirby Beck, PCI #002T/EMSCI #017T designed website has arrived! It will take frequent visitors to Coon Rapids (MN) Police Department (Retired) the previous site a little time to get oriented to the layout and merica’s roads were first paved in the late 1800’s to find their favorite resources, but it is safe to say that all after extensive lobbying by bicyclists, then known will agree that IPMBA has taken a quantum leap forward in website as “wheelmen.” Horse-drawn wagons and early technology. motorcars could function on the rutted dirt roads of the era. As this newsletter goes to press, the site has been live for But cyclists, balanced on their large-wheeled penny- approximately two weeks. During this time, members have farthings, had a difficult time functioning on the uneven remarked on some of the features that have most impressed them; a surfaces. At that time, were often the fastest few of these are highlighted below. on the road. Membership/Memorial Page: This page is a tribute to public As motorcar use increased, motorists found equitable, non- safety cyclists who have lost their lives while on bicycle duty as well motorized use of the street to be a hindrance. While never as IPMBA members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. (Officer codified, these perceptions regarding road use gradually Down Memorial Page graciously provided the came to be understood and accepted. information; National EMS Memorial Service is not aware of any ROAD USE PERCEPTIONS line-of-duty deaths involving bike medics.) Roads are for motor vehicles: In fact, roads are still for Membership/Newsletter: This page contains scans and summaries moving people, and motor vehicles are but one type of of every issue of IPMBA News ever published. It is a reminder of the conveyance by which people move. importance of institutional history and learning from the past. Slow vehicles are unsafe: Most enforcement officers know News/Blog: This page will be used to post news stories about public that speed kills; however, a perception has developed that safety cyclists as well as updates from IPMBA. The categorized vehicles that are slower than other traffic create a hazard; in articles will remain in a searchable archive for future reference. truth, slower is still safer. A “comment” function is available to invite interaction. (Continued on page 26) Training/Find an Instructor or Class: This page features tools for searching for both instructors and classes as a supplement to the Training Calendar, to which IPMBA Instructors can submit their inside course listings using an online form. Prospective students should use both tools as not all IPMBA Instructors submit their classes to the Corporate Members...... 17 calendar, although they are welcome to do so at no charge. Industry ...... 17-21 Resources/Product Reviews: While the website has always Industry Relations Committee ...... 19 contained product reviews, they are now categorized and dated. Fenix Lighting...... 20 Tifosi Veloce Sunglasses...... 21 Resources/Funding: While there are still no funding sources Instructor Corner ...... 22—23 specifically for bikes, there are many opportunities for results- Issue Focus: The Board Issue ...... 5—16 oriented funding. This page offers articles and websites for Bicycle Response Team Training for EMS ...... 10 government, corporate, non-profit, and other resources related to Bikes in Schools ...... 14 fundraising. Every Moment Counts ...... 5 Four Simple Tools ...... 12 This space does not suffice to list all of the resources and tools now IPMBA Training Enhances Mutual Aid ...... 6 available, so please take some time to browse around the site using To Be or Not to Be...... 7 the device of your choice*. US State Department Speakers & Specialists ...... 8 IPMBA thanks the web development team of Mary Ellen Slater, Vulnerability on Bike Patrol...... 13 Elizabeth Kiker, and Rob Zverina for helping transform a grand What’s Next? Are YOU Ready?...... 15 vision into reality. Member News...... 24 President’s Column ...... 2 *Please note that if you use an older browser (e.g., Internet Explorer 8.0 or earlier), notIPMBA all of the NEWS, features VOL. will display 22, NO.as designed. 4 1 President’s Column The Tactical Value of Being Nice hose who become bike officers I often use this humorous saying by an unknown author: are often the more gregarious “Be nice to everyone, and have a plan to kill them”, but members of their agencies and then I offer this as a philosophy for career survival: have a tendency to be more For those whom we encounter who do not have outgoing and open to cordial public murderous intent, being nice, at least at the start of a relations-oriented contacts. They tend contact, can set the tone for the remainder of the contact. to become more well-known in their They are more likely to be open to our message and less communities and are often well- likely to complain about our attitude afterwards. regarded by the citizens they serve. For those that are more likely to have violent intentions, a There is no real mystery to this cordial, relaxed phenomenon. Positive encounters with attitude may delay or Being able to go from citizens promote improved community relationships, just even deter a cordial to lethal without as repeated negative encounters can have the opposite confrontation. a pause is a learned, effect. We all know officers who generate angry Portraying relaxed trainedtrained skillskill responses as soon as they open their mouths. These often confidence may make lead to citizen complaints, resisting arrest incidents and them unsure and uncertain about our intentions and plenty of distrust on both sides. abilities. This can also buy us the time we need for Considering these obvious examples of making a tough backup to arrive while we cordially converse, rather than job even tougher, I’m suggesting that we look down that command and confront. easier path even farther. Let’s consider going beyond a All of this “niceness”, however, must not dull our cordial version of “professional” citizen contact and awareness of danger and cause us to be unprepared. examine the consequences of actually being nice as often Being able to go from cordial to lethal without a pause is as we can. a learned, trained skill that requires attention and practice. As a veteran law enforcement instructor of use of force, I call this “tactical niceness” and urge you all to stay safe with and without weapons, my student officers are often by being nice when you can…and exercising lawful surprised to hear me talk about “being nice” to those we violence when you must. encounter in the course of our daily patrols.

BECOME AN IPMBA INSTRUCTOR ipmba news

Newsletter of the INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE 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 1,300 of your fellow public Website: www.ipmba.org Bernie Hogancamp safety bicyclists by becoming an IPMBA Instructor. IPMBA President Maureen Becker all 410-744-2400 or email [email protected] for an instructor application Executive Director; Managing Editor C packet. In the simplest of terms, to become an Instructor, you must meet the Jennifer Horan Design and Layout criteria outlined in the packet, apply to IPMBA headquarters, be approved, then

register for and attend one of the Instructor Courses. Copyright 2013 © International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). Upcoming courses: Reproduction without permission is prohibited. May 16-20, 2014, Tampa FL The International Police Mountain Bike Association promotes the use of bikes for public safety, provides resources and networking opportunities, More 2014 courses to be announced! and offers the best, most complete training for Check out www.ipmba.org for more information. public safety cyclists. IPMBA Membership is $55.00 per year. “I applaud IPMBA for upholding a strong standard for participating in the IC.” Interested in submitting an article? Interested in advertising in IPMBA News? “This is the best instructor course I have ever been involved in.” Email [email protected] for information. “Challenging and rewarding...a hard-earned certificate!”

2 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 3 4 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 PMBA’s governing board is comprised of nine individuals who volunteer their time and experience to ensure that IPMBA maintains its status as the premier organization for public safety cyclists. These dedicated instructors have been asked to come out from behind the scenes and share information about topics near and dear to their hearts. Asked only to write an article about the public safety -related topic of their choice, they selected subjects that are as varied and interesting as the board members themselves! Read on! Pages 5-16. Every Moment Counts by Tony Holte, PCI #1035/EMSCI #279 Typically, I stayed within a 10-square could take my patrol bike off my squad Saint Paul (MN) Police Department IPMBA Membership Coordinator block area, which enabled a quick and canvas the area in a non-traditional response time to assist other officers – or perhaps very traditional – when necessary. When I wasn’t way. Because the bike isn’t limited to hether you are a brand-new bike answering 911 calls, I was able to often-busy streets, I was able to hit the patrol officer, trying to create a explore the neighborhoods. sidewalks and alleyways quickly, bike team, or have years of saddle I discovered shortcuts that I had passed quietly and effectively. And guess time, you’ve likely run into similar by hundreds of times. I engaged face- what? It worked! roadblocks. In talking with bike to-face with residents whom I would So please, don’t let a lack of officers on officers from around the world, I’ve typically only have encountered during your shift be a reason not to ride. Take detected a common theme in nearly a call for service. They pointed out every moment in your shift and use it to every conversation: “We don’t have a various activities and individuals for me your advantage. Get to know your area, full-time bike patrol unit. I know we to investigate (I love nosy neighbors… get face-to-face with the people you could make a huge difference for our at work). I had a blast, racing kids up serve and let them know you’re out department, but we can’t get funding and down the block, helping them adjust there. Have some fun…and catch some until we prove our value. How can I do their seats, pumping up their tires, that, when I only get to ride when there bad guys while you’re at it! talking about my are enough of us on the street?” role as a police The facts have already been laid out for officer and us by our predecessors: getting officers getting their out of their and face-to-face with helmets strapped civilians has a huge impact, whether on correctly. they are on bikes or not. So I posed the I was able to question to myself, “how can I spend project a positive more time with the community I serve?” image for young The few times a month I got to ride children who wasn’t having the impact I knew it might otherwise could, so I went to my Sergeant and have a negative explained my intent. I would drive my impression of the squad with my patrol bike racked on police. This was the back during all of my shifts. It took beneficial not a bit of convincing, not only of my only for the Sergeant, but of other officers as well, youth in the area, but I was granted permission to do but for their it. Now I had to prove myself! Tony is assigned to the Downtown Beat Bike parents as well. All these opportunities Patrol for the Saint Paul Police Department in I seized every opportunity to park my could have been easily missed had I just Minnesota. He has been riding bike patrol in squad car and get out and ride. I parked been rolling around in my squad car. since 1996 and became an IPMBA Instructor in heavily trafficked areas (strip malls, in 2007. He is currently serving as Finally, I was able to respond to certain gas stations, crime-ridden street corners, membership coordinator on the IPMBA board calls for service from a different etc.), which allowed my squad to deter and can be reached at perspective. Once in the area of a call [email protected]. some crime with its presence alone. in progress with a suspect at large, I

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 5

IPMBA Training Enhances Mutual Aid

by Bob Hatcher, PCI #629/EMSCI #103 between us and the larger group. One of our direction, a mistake that would have Delaware (OH) Police Department the two was yelling “Don’t walk by my ended in tragedy. Due to the stealth and IPMBA Vice President house again.” As we got closer, still speed of our bikes, we were able to move unnoticed by any of the pedestrians, the in quickly, before the subject was aware hio University (OU) in Athens, person who was yelling drew a gun and of our presence, and gain control of a Ohio, is known as one of the top pointed it at the group. He called out, “If dangerous situation with minimal risk to party schools in the nation. One you come by my house again, I’ll shoot major event that contributes to the ourselves and the student. you.” I whispered the obvious, “He’s got University’s reputation is their annual a gun.” The larger group Halloween Party, which attracts between ran down a set of stairs to 20,000 and 30,000 party-goers each year. Athens Police and OU Police have only escape. 25–30 officers each, so managing a party Without having to discuss this size would be impossible without the a plan, our team of bike help of police officers from other officers reacted to the agencies. With the outside assistance dangerous situation. We requested by the Athens and OU Police took advantage of the Departments, the law enforcement speed and quiet operation presence during the annual party numbers of our bicycles, more than 125 officers. dismounting only when we were close enough to In 2012, the Delaware Police Department take action. I drew my sent three bicycle patrol officers and a weapon and covered the supervisor to Athens to assist with subject as Frith moved security for the party. Delaware saw this closer, executing an as an opportunity to offer assistance to OU impressive tackle over a in return for the support they have given table. While Frith worked during Delaware’s bike patrol school. It to subdue the subject, I was also an excellent training venue focused on the weapon in through which Delaware police officers his hand. I holstered my could gain experience in crowd Good Guy-Bad Guy Costume Accessory Kit by AirSoft. weapon and grabbed the management techniques and patrolling a Perhaps the most impressive detail of this subject’s weapon hand. While I large event on bicycle. story is that our team consisted of three controlled his gun hand, Frith pinned the officers from three different departments, Upon arrival, our three bike officers were subject to the ground. Bookman moved in with different experiences and assigned to teams with OU and Lancaster to take the weapon, and the subject was departmental training on which to draw. (OH) Police Department bicycle officers. handcuffed without further incident. I was assigned to a team that included OU What we had in common was our IPMBA As we looked a bit closer, we realized that Officer Kevin Frith and Lancaster PD training. Because IPMBA’s curriculum is the semi-automatic handgun was a Officer Noah Bookman. After a briefing the same, whether it is being taught in realistic-looking toy. The subject and swearing-in by the city of Athens, we central Ohio or in any other part of the apologized repeatedly, explaining that he started patrol. Our assignment was to world, we were able to work as a team was dressed as a character from “Starsky patrol the campus and off-campus housing from the first moments of our patrol and Hutch” for Halloween. He said he areas. While the organized party takes duties. IPMBA training gave us the skills was just “messing with” the group ahead place downtown, many private parties, to respond to this incident using the bikes of him. The subject had been drinking initiated by students, occur in the off- to our advantage, and a mutual and his inebriated condition had clearly campus housing. Throughout the chilly, understanding which enabled us to interfered with his . He was damp night, we responded to numerous respond quickly and effectively to a very calls for service as well as engaged in self- taken into custody. dangerous situation, bringing it to an end initiated activity related to occurrences An argument could be made for without anyone being hurt. witnessed during patrol. dismounting, finding cover, and calling Robert is an officer for the city of Delaware in out to the drunken college student who With fifteen minutes left in the detail, Ohio. He currently serves as a member of the was holding the gun. My fear was that if Frith, Bookman and I were riding down a department’s bike patrol and is the lead bike we had called out to him, he might have hill. We saw a group of students ahead of instructor and bike mechanic. He holds the turned, toy gun in hand, toward us, position of Vice President on the IPMBA us. Two other people were pointing what appeared to be a weapon in Board. He can be reached at [email protected].

6 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 To Be or NOT to Be is Truly the Question!

by Tom Harris, EMSCI #030T/PCI #861T The cycling experience level for class test ride to see if they possess basic East Baton Rouge (LA) EMS attendees ranged from regular cycling cycling skills and the physical ability to be IPMBA Conference Coordinator (including daily) to not having been on a on the bike team. After clearing these ver the past few months I have had bicycle at all in 20-plus years. This hurdles, they attend a 32-hour IPMBA the opportunity to conduct IPMBA obviously reflected greatly on the EMS Cyclist Course for certification at no Police Cyclist Courses for several participant’s overall performance and cost to the member and are then placed different agencies in the Baton Rouge enthusiasm during the class. Those who with a senior member of the team for a area. I’ve taught everyone from state rode on a regular basis and wanted to be period of time to ensure they are agencies to university police departments on a team were enthusiastic and comfortable with functioning in that preparing for LSU and Southern performed very well during the class. environment. This process sets them up University football, fall festivals, and the Those who were basically ordered to be at for success, not failure. Mardi Gras season. One of the things I the class tended to do only what was Bike teams can be an excellent public required and just enough to pass the like to inquire about during these classes relations tool, and the EBR EMS team course in order to fulfill their obligations is how and why each person came to be truly is. Putting someone on a team who to and remain in good standing with their both in the class and on their individual does not want to be there, or as a department’s bike team. Their responses departments. condition of their employment, or without proved to be very interesting and I have been in charge of the bike team at imposing any criteria, could be something that I thought would be worth East Baton Rouge Parish EMS since 1996. detrimental to the individual members, the sharing. I am sure there will be some of The current application process has entire team, and/or the public. you who can relate to the reasons that evolved over the years. In the early days, It is my opinion, both from experience and follow. we were just glad to get the numbers up to this informal survey, that there should at help out with all the events the team was Answers to how they come they joined the least be some sort of application and/or tasked to cover. After a few hard lessons bike team ranged from “This is what I screening process for future bike team in life it became clear to us that attracting always wanted to do”, to “I was members. Not all agencies/teams may quality members does more and goes ‘voluntold’”, and “I am the rookie and the have the luxury or desire to do so, but I department needed to send someone to further for the team than playing the truly believe that if a person wants to be class.” One of the most concerning was, numbers game. on a team – SWAT, HAZMAT, CR or “It is a condition of my employment.” In order to apply to for a position on our bike – he or she will be willing to go the Somewhat taken aback by some of these bike team, a candidate must be a extra mile to make the team. responses, I explained that Baton Rouge paramedic off probation, and in good This is a much wiser investment for the EMS conducts a competitive application standing with the department (no department. Careful personnel selection process for those who WANT to be on the disciplinary actions in the past six creates an environment that fosters bike team. This conversation made me months). Prospective members must also positive public relations, maintains the wonder what other agencies in the public complete an application, including a letter quality of the team, and creates a great safety cycling world do to get members. detailing why they would like to become a work environment. Putting someone on member and what they can bring to the the team just to fill a spot can do quite the team, and a opposite. letter from their current Which will YOU choose? supervisor Tom is the Special Operation Supervisor for outlining their East Baton Rouge Parish EMS and also a current Deputy with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s standing, Office. Tom supervises a 24 member bike team paramedic and a 20 member Special Operations Tactical skills, and Medic Team. He has been an IPMBA member general attitude since 1996, an instructor since 1999, and an Instructor Trainer since 2009. Tom has served towards the on the IPMBA Board of Directors since 2010 public. and is currently the Conference Coordinator. Then He can be reached at [email protected]. prospective members go for a general Photo courtesy East Baton Rouge EMS. IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 7

IPMBA Joins the US State Department’s Speaker and Specialist Program

by Craig Lepkowski, PCI #1180/EMSCI #272 public-private partnerships.” The program and the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru. Lake Forest (IL) Police Department “promotes approximately one thousand in- Ultimately, an internet-based conference IPMBA Secretary country or virtual conversations with was scheduled between the three entities. n early April, I received a cryptic email foreign professionals, academia, civil There were about 25 attendees. I was not from Maureen at the IPMBA society and youth annually. Participants are introduced to all of them, but I saw police headquarters: “you may get an email or leaders in their fields and provide a range of personnel in uniform and government call from Jody with the U.S. State opinions on U.S. culture, and foreign policy Department. They are building a database officials in suits and business attire. The priorities through lectures, workshops, Coordinator, Bruno Portillo, explained in of persons willing and able to assist them in seminars, articles, and/or blogs.” guiding other countries through the process advance that they represented the of creating and sustaining bicycle units….” Basically, the State Department had Metropolitan Municipality of Lima, which initiatives in some South American serves a population of eight million and At first, all I read was “the State countries that were seeking information on coordinates with 42 district municipalities. Department may be calling you to build developing police bicycle patrol units to The attendees included high-ranking police their database” and I figured the game was address numerous issues facing their and government officials, and non- up – I’d been accused of doing something respective departments or municipalities. governmental and private stakeholders as a kid growing up overseas and it had I was referred to the State Department IIP linked to sustainable mobility. Their interest finally caught up with me! Then I re-read because I am an IPMBA instructor and was in improving and increasing cycling the email in its entirety and understood that Board Member who speaks Spanish. As I and walking modes of transportation and I the State Department had reached out to gained an understanding of the scope of the was one presenter of many during the day IPMBA as an expert organization in police program and the possible travel and time who would address different aspects. If cycling with the intention of creating a commitment involved, I made sure to there was a technical term I did not database of personnel who could be used to present it to my police chief for approval understand, the Coordinator spoke perfect educate foreign countries on the topic. before I agreed to pledge my energies to the English and would translate or define the federal government. word in Spanish for me. I would then While I address the group with a response. awaited the I gave a general overview of the pros and approval from cons of a police bike unit and described the my chief, I issues involved in starting and funding a complied with bike unit. I referred the audience to the the requests for IPMBA website, promoted the video and a resume, The Complete Guide to Public Safety condensed Cycling, and suggested they hold a course biography, or two to train officers and then possibly work and home send some for Instructor training. contact I answered questions about police cycling information, in Lake Forest, and they tested my my “name as it knowledge on police cycling in bigger appears on departments and cities. [my] passport” Police Trainingin Lima. Photo Maureen by Becker. and “any One issue we faced was the internet Surprisingly, within a few minutes of restrictions that an embassy should know connection and quality to allow me to reading the email from Maureen, I received prior to travel”. When my chief did grant perform a virtual PowerPoint® presentation a call from a representative of the U.S. State approval, the IIP representative arranged for between my location and a meeting room in Department’s Speaker and Specialist me to speak with a representative from an Lima. Another issue involved re-creating a Program, part of the Bureau of International unknown South American country by presentation and ensuring the Spanish Information Programs (IIP), who explained phone so he could gauge the level and translations were accurate and pertinent. the program: “The Bureau of International quality of my Spanish aptitude. The internet connection was the biggest Programs Talent Management and hurdle to overcome. The final solution Partnerships Office supports the Apparently, I passed the initial verbal involved Skyping over the internet and testing because the next few months were Department’s foreign policy initiatives by using the PowerPoint® to accompany the recruiting American experts and creating filled with countless emails between my city IT department, the State Department, (Continued on page 9) 8 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 (Speaker Program continued from page 8) video. Unfortunately the internet speed in Lima was very spotty at times, and I ended up having to verbalize my side of the presentation while their Documentation, Research and Cooperation Coordinator typed questions from the crowd. The event took about 45 minutes, but could have been shorter had it not been for the technical issues. Even with the technical difficulties and a few language struggles on my part, I believe the presentation was widely useful and appreciated by the participants. Mr. Portillo followed up afterwards to commend me on the presentation and information I shared, and we facilitated the purchase of the The Complete Guide to Public Safety Cycling and the Fundamental Skills video. Afterwards, the State Department contacted me to advise that the presentation was a success and to address the $200 honorarium they owed me (my department) that had not been processed for some reason. In my opinion, the experience was a positive in many ways: I was able to practice my Spanish and share my love for police biking with a foreign entity; IPMBA may gain more international recognition; IPMBA and the Lake Forest Police Department will hopefully benefit from a developing relationship with the State Department; and I may get to visit Lima as an IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor someday. Commander Craig Lepkowski is an If you are interested in serving as a subject matter expert for the administrative supervisor for the Lake formation of police and/or EMS bike units, please send the Forest (IL) Police Department. He is an IPMBA Police and EMS Cyclist following information to [email protected], with IIP in the Instructor and oversees the subject line: name, instructor number(s), department name, department’s part-time bike unit. number of years on bike duty, role/rank within the bike unit, Craig was recently elected to the IPMBA Board and serves as the email address, phone number, and languages spoken and/or Secretary. He enjoys biking as often as specific countries/regions of interest. Instructor certification is possible with his children and fiancée. preferred but not required. IPMBA certification is required. He can be reached at [email protected].

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 9

Bicycle Response Team Training Now Available to EMS

by Wren Nealy, EMSCI #154/PCI #860 Seattle Police BRRT unit during the May sirens activated. The group formed and Cypress Creek (TX) EMS Day Riot earlier this year. proceeded to ride through the smoke, IPMBA EMS Coordinator negotiating the obstacles that had been laid s your EMS Coordinator, I want to I was first introduced to BRRT at the 2007 discuss an exciting new conference by the opportunity for our EMS Cyclist late, great, Mike members. For the past two years, Goetz. As I I have had the pleasure of working with a listened to Mike team to revamp the IPMBA Bicycle describe the course, Response Team (BRT) Course. The I was instantly course is rooted in the LAPD Bicycle hooked. As a Rapid Response Team (BRRT) founded tactical medic for for the 2000 Democratic National Cypress Creek Convention, in large part by then-IPMBA EMS, I had worked board member Don Hudson. Mike Goetz, several events in lead bike instructor for Seattle Police at the support of our State time, followed LAPD’s model, bringing Police riot team so the BRRT tactics to Seattle. Hudson and I was instantly his LAPD cohorts introduced the training intrigued with how to IPMBA during the 2002 IPMBA this could be Conference in Ogden, Utah, and it has accomplished on a been a frequent topic at the IPMBA bike. The next A traditional Mobile Field Force—Saint Paul, MN Conference ever since. day I went out to meet Mike and his class to observe the out in their path. Then Mike gave the The concept is simple: use police bike field training exercise. Mike explained signal to start throwing. The team units, trained in Mobile Field Force tactics, that the class members would approach in regrouped and rode out of the simulated to help manage and ultimately control formation and, based on the scenario, dangerous environment. The exercise was large crowds. On bikes, the officers can would change formations, don gas masks, a success. I asked Mike what would help guide/control the movement of the and ride in formation while negotiating the happen if one of the officers was injured, crowd by using a combination of moving various obstacles that awaited them. and he pointed out the bike medic sitting and static formations. They can also on the sidelines. Although this was good rapidly respond to assist foot officers I still remember his enthusiasm as he for the training class, this wasn’t an option making arrests, as demonstrated by the handed me several tennis balls and said, for a real incident. “You’re not just going to watch, you’re going to have to At the 2010 conference in Chesterfield- earn your keep”. Saint Louis, I decided to take the course. This was only an option to me because I I joined several am also a police cyclist. Two officers from others who had Saint Paul Police Department had stepped volunteered to into the role of instructors. In addition to throw tennis balls their IPMBA BRT training, Officers Jason at the students as Bain and Tony Holte had real-world they rode through experiences to pull from, having trained the obstacles in a hundreds of officers and participated in cloud of smoke, numerous incidents surrounding the which is used to various demonstrations during the 2008 simulate CS gas. Republican National Convention. The students made I instantly saw the need to incorporate their approach and medics into this program using the same masked up, the model as tactical medics working in smoke was support of SWAT teams. Jason and Tony deployed and the (Continued on page 11) Seattle Police BRRT Unit during the May Day Riot early 2013.

10 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 (Bicycle Response continued from page 10) threatening hemorrhage. Once behind I wish to thank Maureen Becker, Jason both agreed. The riding skill was not cover, a BRT Medic is likely to perform Bain, Tom Harris, Bernie Hogancamp, above that of an IPMBA-trained EMS gross decontamination from unknown Tony Holte, and Mike Wear for their roles cyclist, and with some minor tweaks, the fluid/chemical agent exposures and treat in making this a reality. It is just one officers could provide some protection for patients for chemical agent exposure, example of the many different the medics. trauma from blunt force and specialty opportunities that are available to EMS This model provides immediate access to impact munitions. Cyclists. “Point of Wounding Care”. Think about The BRT model incorporating medics was So challenge yourself to something new it. The BRT unit is designed to work in piloted at CCEMS in 2012 and put to the and exciting. Join us in Tampa in May low- to medium-risk crowd control test at the nation’s fourth largest Saint 2014 and learn how to bring good Patrick’s Day medicine to bad places. Parade. It The BRT, Instructor, EMSC, and EMSCII worked far better Courses are eligible for CECBEMS credit than anything through a partnership between IPMBA else we have and Cypress Creek EMS. used in the past and showed us Wren is the Director of Special Operations for how effective the Cypress Creek EMS, managing the tactical and bike can be in bike medic programs. He is a tactical paramedic, PHTLS/TCCC Instructor, and crowd director of the Tactical Operational Medical management. Support training program. He is also a It was only fitting reserve Lt/Asst. SWAT Commander for the that the first Waller County Sheriff’s Office and founded the official IPMBA department’s first bike patrol team. He is an EMS and Police Cyclist Instructor and serves BRT (named as EMS Coordinator on the IPMBA Board. He changed to

Photo courtesy Creek Cypress EMS can be reached at [email protected]. EMS on bikes engage in crowd management during parade. Bicycle Response Team) course environments, serving as a very mobile available to EMS Cyclists was offered in and agile Quick Reaction Force. Because 2013 at the Baton Rouge conference; the they are not wearing typical riot gear, they place where this journey began. Four are replaced by a traditional Mobile Field medics from across the country Force when the crowd demeanor participated in the first offering to EMS escalates. Departments across the country Cyclists. It was easy for them to discuss have added this skill set to their bike how they could make use of the riding teams to successfully manage everything formations at typical mass gathering from overzealous sports fans to major events to facilitate movements through the political events. crowd. They were trained in the use of It only makes sense that these officers gas masks (APR’s), chemical agents, and have access to medical care, without shown extraction techniques, often delay. A conventional EMS response will utilized by tactical medics. They result in delayed patient care since EMS performed in scenarios that required them will stage (not go in) until police can to conduct officer and civilian rescues as secure the incident location. By the time well as treat of a member of their team. EMS make their way to the patient or One of the best parts of this class are the police move the patient out to EMS, exercises conducted with live role players valuable time is lost. This directly and, yes, you guessed it, the role players parallels tactical medicine, in the sense throw tennis balls. that only critical life-saving interventions All of the participants agreed that it is are performed in this hostile environment. important for EMS Cyclists to have this It is very similar to Care Under Fire, a type of training to enhance their skill sets phase of Tactical Combat Casualty Care and prepare them to work in that (TCCC) which is the and law environment to support their law enforcement standard for combat enforcement counterparts. medicine. A priority is placed on extractions to cover and controlling life-

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 11

Four Simple Tools

by Marc Zingarelli, EMSCI #179/SCI #002 out on key training. Replacement cartridges can be found in Circleville (OH) Fire Department bulk for as little as 75 cents each. IPMBA Secretary Many of us don’t have an abundance of traffic cones for ver the years I’ve learned some tricks training, and finding storage for 100 or more cones can be a from experience and other instructors problem, too. Thankfully the chief didn’t bat an eye when I that have become indispensible when I gave him the bill for 100 soccer cones. As a bonus, they’re instruct a class and during our team stacked on top of my filing cabinet! One of the other benefits of trainings. They’re really simple and inexpensive soccer cones is that I can fit 25 or so in my rack bag. We can set and take little to no effort to find. them up wherever we are operating or incorporate them into existing obstacles. Instructors can even set up a box or two to When I first started doing bike patrol, I was keep the class entertained when a student gets a flat or has a shocked that people would throw their inner mechanical or there are other delays. tubes away whenever they got a flat. I was used to buying my own tubes and couldn’t imagine Finally, invest in a can of marking paint. I laid out all of the throwing away five dollars when the tube could cone courses on our back lot and marked the pavement. Now easily be repaired for less than a dollar. when we want to train, it’s a matter of putting cones on a spot. Naturally I started taking them off their hands and repairing If your chief doesn’t want red, yellow or orange spots on his them, and before long I had a crate full of spare tubes. There asphalt, use black paint. This is also a time-saver if you use the always seems to be that one bike in a class or at an event that same venue — you only have to set your course once. Most of keeps getting flats. Suddenly, I had a solution that had cost me these paints wear off, so you’ll have to renew the markings pennies. occasionally. And if you can’t use paint then sidewalk chalk can work for a day or two. Speaking of flats, if you have ever had to use one of those little hand pumps to inflate your bike tire, you’ve probably already Captain Marc Zingarelli is the EMS Coordinator for the Circleville bought a CO2 inflator. If you haven’t, you’re missing out. If Fire Department and the founder of their EMS bike team. He currently you are an instructor, keeping a bag of cartridges and an inflator serves as treasurer on the IPMBA Board and can be reached at on hand can shorten repair times for a student who is missing [email protected].

12 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 Vulnerability on Bike Patrol

by Bernie Hogancamp, PCI #498 The key here is to remember that the most expedient way to Homewood (IL) Police Department (Retired) defeat the attack is to defeat the attacker. The level of violence IPMBA President of our defensive tactics must be sufficient to overcome the s enthusiastic supporters of bike patrol, we are often danger posed by the attack. An attempt to disarm an officer predisposed to focus on the many advantages that represents a very high level of immediate danger and our strikes patrolling on a bike has to offer over other patrol should focus on targets that will quickly cause the attacker to methods. In order to make bike patrol as safe as we can, it is forget about taking the gun. Head and body targets that affect also important to look at some obvious vulnerability. While not vision and breathing are examples of such targets. surrounded by the protective cocoon of a motor , we must take extra care to be aware of available cover as we pedal through our neighborhoods. It is essential to note that our patrol path is likely to put us in closer proximity to dangerous people more often than if we were in a vehicle. The stealthy, unexpected nature of bike patrol can perhaps offset this risk to some degree, but not so much that we can safely ignore it. Once we have worked to improve our awareness of available cover while on bike patrol, we can now look to the next concern: anticipation and preparation for the unexpected violent encounter. I am a big proponent of Brian Willis and his W.I.N. (What’s Important Now) philosophy (www.winningmindtraining.com) that helps us to focus on the moment that we face the danger and what needs to be done to succeed. The fact that we are on a

bike when the violence occurs is just one feature of the Boxrud. Gail Courtesy Photo environment of the event. There remain only two rational responses: escape from the danger or overcome the attacker. Promptly and successfully escaping from the danger is dependent upon myriad factors involving the nature of the attack and the environment in which it occurs. Since these are impossible to reliably predict, let’s focus on the simpler path, We have been fortunate to have several fine KravMaga overcoming the attacker. instructors from Krav Maga Minneapolis (Murray Prust of The first task is to change focus from the bike to the attacker. Saint Paul Police, Dante Pastrano, and Gail Boxrud) This may sound simple, but our startle response may initially demonstrating and teaching defensive skills like these at our cause us to focus our concern on loss of balance and fear of conferences in Saint Paul and Baton Rouge. They regret that falling from the bike. The danger posed by the offender behind they will not be in Tampa as they will be in Israel for the attack needs to be the center of our attention rather than recertification, but we hope to have them return to future avoiding or preparing to fall. The moment we are aware of the conferences. attack, we must forget about the bike and deal with the attack. In the meantime, if you remember that the priorities of With both of our hands on the handlebars, our body leaned responding to an attack are the same whether you are on a bike forward, and our attention generally to the front, we are or off, you will be a safer and more prepared bike officer. particularly vulnerable to gun grab attempts. Our first response Bernie Hogancamp retired as a sergeant from the Homewood (IL) to a gun grab should be no different than if we were not on the Police Department after serving more than 30 years. He currently is a bike; use the strong hand to briefly hold the gun in the holster. part-time officer on several departments as a trainer and he teaches If we are using dual retention (or better) duty holsters (as well all around the Chicago region for both the regional training we should), this strong hand hold should prevent the gun from organization and Northwestern College. He is in his second term on leaving the holster long enough for the next response…to the IPMBA board and currently serves as the president. He can be defeat the attack. reached at [email protected].

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 13

Bikes in Schools by James Englert, PCI #1081 As an SRO, a big part of the job is building Other considerations include making sure Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriffs Office relationships with students in your school. you have the appropriate gear and training IPMBA Industry Liaison The bike is ideal for that. for using a bike in a school. In addition to Some students who may not your regular gear, you should carry a school talk to you in the school radio (if you use one) and contact numbers might be more likely to talk for key personnel, like the principal and to you outside, in a different counselors. environment and in your Also, consider how your patrol will be

Photo courtesy Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office Office Sheriffs County Arapahoe courtesy Photo less-formal bike uniform. different on a bike as opposed to in a car. I understand some SROs For example, you will likely be alone while have to stay inside their on bike patrol at the school. While the schools all day and rarely Police Cyclist Course emphasizes two- leave the building. officer contacts, the majority of contacts at However, the majority of a school will be single-officer contacts. On SROs are responsible for medium and high-risk contacts, use the bike not only the building, but to your advantage until your cover arrives also the surrounding by putting it between you and the person campus and sometimes you are contacting. adjacent areas. Even if am all about bikes. If I could ride If you are one of those SROs who only you patrol just that area, the bike is a great my bike to work every day and ride rides your bike during summer, consider tool because you can patrol more efficiently it at work every day I would be using them at the school all year long. If happy. Unfortunately, life and work and be more mobile and visible then when you are an instructor, encourage your SRO get in the way, so I have to settle for riding you are on foot. Because a lot of school students to use their bikes in their schools, campuses are not fully accessible by car, to work a couple days a week and riding my and ask them what you can do to enhance the bike is a more flexible and viable tool. bike at work as a School Resource Officer their ability to operate safely in a school It’s even better if you are able to actually (SRO) whenever I can. Bikes are great environment. tools for use in schools. ride the bike in the school. This article only barely covers the use of In my workshop, I offered some In July, I was accepted to do a workshop bikes in schools. There are many suggestions on starting a bike patrol in the called Effectively Using Bikes in Schools at advantages for bike patrol and using the school environment. Some of my the NASRO Conference (National bikes at schools. If you have ideas about suggestions were to propose it to the school Association of School Resource Officers) in other advantages of bikes in schools, Orlando, Florida. For an hour and half, I administration, explaining the advantages school-specific tactics, or other tools to talked about how great bikes are and what a of bike patrol around the school and how it carry in the school, please send them my benefits both the school and the department. tremendous resource they for schools. If way. If you have some good stories Outline the times of day during which the you’re reading this, I doubt I need to involving bikes at schools, I’d really like to bike could be best utilized. Examples of convince you what a great tool a bike can hear those as well. be. such times include the morning, when the students are arriving; lunch time, when the If you want to learn more, please come to I also helped staff the IPMBA booth at the students are outside or off campus; and the 2014 IPMBA Conference, May 21-23, show, which gave me an opportunity to talk after school, when students are leaving. 2014, in Tampa, and attend my workshop. to SROs from all around the country. Many Of course, you will need to get your James Englert is a School Resource Office in said they had been to an IPMBA Police Centennial CO. He is training to become an Cyclist Course, but the majority of those department’s approval as well by discussing with your supervisors how bikes can benefit instructor with NASRO (National Association of said that while they ride bikes on duty, the School Resource Officers). He was certified as the department as well as the schools. A big do so only during summer. an IPMBA Instructor in 2008 and currently part of the process is also getting support serves as the Industry Liaison on the IPMBA I asked why. Some said their supervisors from the community, including the business board. He can be reached at didn’t want the bikes at the school. Many owners and residents around the school. [email protected]. said they have the option to have bikes at Consider programs like Safe Routes to their schools but hadn’t considered using School to enhance your proposal and as a them during the school year. As we talked, way to get the community and younger many discovered ways they could use bikes students involved. in their schools and began to agree it was a good idea. 14 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 What’s Next? Are YOU Ready? by Michael Wear, PCI #516T/EMSCI #059T Metropolitan (DC) Police Department IPMBA Education Director ublic safety cyclists report to work ready to manage unexpected events and situations encountered while performing their sworn duty. From the earliest days of your respective training institution, instructors have preached the message “Be Prepared” (Boy Scouts of America). As the years pass, it becomes more and more clear that this motto must become part of every public safety cyclist’s mantra. My team is a bike-mounted burglary tact team. They were on their assigned beats on Monday, September 16, 2013, when the call for “Sound of Gun Shots” came over the radio. As soon as Sgt. Jeff Newbold, (another bike patrol sergeant) and I exited the station and got onto the road, we could see a flood of emergency vehicles pouring toward the Navy Yard. The call was for Police cyclists have been in the world’s eye. Did you see them? Navy Yard, September 16, 2013. “Active Shooter.” had we not been on bike. When you look teams to supplement their manpower and at the photos from the incident, you see work seamlessly together. Bicycles and We were on bike and the road was heavy many, many emergency vehicles. Tucked BRTs are increasingly integrated into with traffic, so we alternated using the deep in the scene and on the perimeter are Mobile Field Forces (MFF) and Civil sidewalks and the gridlocked road, but we the police cyclists doing their jobs in the Disturbance Units (CDU) around the kept moving. The gates into the Navy world’s eye. country and throughout the world. Yard were on lockdown. Weaving through the maze of cars, I could see one Incidents like this help dispel the myth that That the bicycle is an effective tool for of the gates was just starting to open as I bikes are only useful for community crowd management and control was reached the front of the line of cars. I had outreach, community policing, special proven early in 2000 by LAPD during the only been 1½ -2 miles away from the events, and the like. They prove that this Democratic National Convention and by Navy Yard; my team was further out. is not the case! Philadelphia Police Department during the Republican National Convention. The As we approached, Sgt. Newbold saw a The bicycle has become mainstream in concept of BRT has grown considerably in huge problem. No emergency vehicles most branches of public safety, and has the last decade. could get onto the base! He scooped my quickly gained ground in tactical team up and quickly set up traffic control operations. The Bicycle Response Team Perhaps the seeds of success were lying points to allow for clear passage. Arriving (BRT) is a rapidly growing discipline in and waiting for the opportunity to grow EMS and Tactical Teams needed to get both police and EMS bicycle operations. from the concept of multiple assets in one into proper position to begin operations. The BRT missions are expanding and squad. The Metropolitan Police Shortly after my team, he made his way in evolving as a new priority for public safety Department in Washington DC had an to take a team into the building. operations. Many Special Operations/ early model that dates back to July 4, Events Divisions and Units have dedicated 1995, when a CDU incorporated the use of I had managed to get out in front of the teams of public safety cyclists assigned or a combined squad of bicycles and 250cc cars responding inside. Many of us are detailed on a regular basis to cover motorcycles. No doubt there were many Active Shooter trained and the current functions ranging from small block parties other agencies that had used bicycles with philosophy is to form a team and go in. to major protests. crowd management and control, but few Many of us went in that day, and on that were as organized or visible as the LAPD day, the bike team did their job. We Bicycle response teams are not just for team in 2000. would not have made it to the Navy Yard large agencies. Smaller agencies have and on to the scene as quickly as we did created joint operational bicycle response (Continued on page 16)

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 15

(Are You Ready? Continued from page 15) idea stemmed from the success of MFF The BRT has developed into more than a While the concept was still rare, IPMBA and CDU that utilized combined assets of one-time event response and has helped recognized the potential of Bicycle foot patrol officers, motorcycle units, propel police cycling far beyond a mere Response Teams and invited the LAPD mounted patrol, and other vehicles. public relations activity. It has infused instructor cadre to conduct the first Bicycle Hence the IPMBA BRT model, while itself into the long-time traditions of Rapid Response Team (BRRT) Training at focused on the bicycle officer, promotes Mobile Field Force and Tactical Teams. the 2002 IPMBA Conference in Odgen, both interoperability and the ability to act The potential applications for specially Utah. It was attended by a group of police independently. trained Bicycle Response Team members officers from forward-thinking agencies In addition, the IPMBA BRT model is not are limited only by our imaginations, which saw the potential for their own limited to MFF and CDU operations. experience and commitment to excellence. communities. These individuals returned Because the concept allows for embedded to their agencies and developed similar Mike Wear is a 21-year veteran of the team positions with specialized training to Metropolitan Police Department, Washington programs to supplement their existing work as part of the squad, the techniques MFF and CDU. In the meantime, IPMBA DC. He joined the MPD mountain bike unit in can be adapted to other types of tactical 1992 and in 1997 became the first city-wide has continued to offer BRT training at the teams, such as burglary/robbery bicycle mountain bike coordinator and training conferences while working towards a tactical teams, protective service details, supervisor. He was certified as an IPMBA standardized curriculum and concept that traffic enforcement, and active shooter Police Cyclist in 1998, an instructor in 2001, meets the needs of various types of teams. They can even include EMS and an instructor trainer in 2008. He is agencies. personnel (see Bicycle Response Team currently serving as Education Director on the IPMBA Board and can be reached at One of the more recent concepts in Bicycle Training, Now Available to EMS, [email protected]. Response Teams is to incorporate them elsewhere in this issue). into teams with additional assets. This Photo Courtesy LAPD LAPD Courtesy Photo

DNC 2000 Central Division Bicycle Rapid Response Team

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16 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013

orporate Members iFORCE Bicycles and Trail Rail have renewed their commitment to IPMBA for another year. iFORCE joined the program in 2009, and Trail Rail joined in 2012. We appreciate their continued support, not only as Corporate Members, but also as conference exhibitors and participants in the IPMBA Product Purchase Program. We look forward to seeing them and their fellow Corporate Members at the 2014 IPMBA Conference in Tampa, Florida. Support our Corporate Members!

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Welcome RAND Brands AND Brands, a USA based Both products blend an eco-friendly competitive shooters, bicycle enthusiasts, nanotechnology company, has vegetable oil base with a rare combination competitive racers — as well as in the lab, developed a series of lubricants of nanoparticles, including the powerful where they show the lowest coefficient of including RAND CLP™ for firearms and element boron, which pulls heat from friction available on the market RAND MOMENTUM™ for cycling. metal, keeping the firearm or bicycle chain today. The results and testimonials are simply amazing! RAND Brands These products supply long-lasting effects cooler with less friction when in use. treating and preventing inevitable wear Founder, Mark Simonetti (retired), a technology is the breakthrough all-in-one and tear rather than providing a temporary former Army Ranger, police firearms cleaner, lubricant and protectant. fix. RAND products provide ultra- instructor and IPMBA-trained officer, was Rand Brands has joined IPMBA and is effective lubrication keeping metal parts given the task of creating a better, reliable offering a 15% off discount code when on any firearm and bicycle moving firearm lubricant after guns had jammed in ordered via randbrands.com. Simply use smoothly and operating effectively. precarious situations. In the ensuing six the discount code “IPMBA15” upon years, Mark, along with top scientists and RAND products are: checkout. chemists around the world, perfected  Green, eco-friendly, non-toxic and For additional and ordering information a nanotechnology formula into an odorless about RAND Brands products, Please visit incredible, multipurpose friction modifier,  Anti-corrosive in all weather conditions: the website at randbrands.com or email which has been designed and altered to be dry, moist, mountainous or on the road [email protected]. fit for any metals: from automobiles and  Repellent of dirt, sand, carbon, dust, trucks to household appliances, bicycles grime and moisture and of course, firearms.  Revolutionary in their long-lasting lubrication properties (a little goes a RAND products have been tested by long way) experts in the field — police/SWAT military, hunters, recreational and IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 17 Industry PRODUCT PURCHASE PROGRAM New PPP Listing! CLEAN BOTTLE Product: Clean Bottle Water Bottle Visit http://ipmba.org/membership/product-purchase-program Cost to Members: 25% off all products for a complete list of companies participating in Contact Name: Scott Cole IPMBA’s Product Purchase Program. Phone: 650-427-0628 Have your member number handy! Email: [email protected] Website: www.cleanbottle.com Notes: Online: Email [email protected] for discount code.

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NEEDS YOU! Please remember IPMBA in your year-end giving. Your support helps us develop world-class training and resources I support IPMBA’s efforts to keep world-class public for public safety cyclists. safety cyclist training accessible and affordable. When it comes to police, EMS, and security cycling, IPMBA’s My tax-deductible contribution is enclosed: got your back! $100 $75 $50 $25 $ ______

— We Thank — Name ______

Gary Baylor, Lebanon City (PA) Police (Retired) Membership Number ______Christopher Davala, Maryland State Police Dwight Edwards, Cabell County (WV) EMS Address ______Robert Ferguson, Howard County (MD) Fire/Rescue ______Mike Fults, Spa Resort Casino (CA) Security Email ______William Gabrielski, Orange County (FL) Sheriffs Office Phone Number (______)______Amount of contribution: $______Brian Gillman, Cypress Creek (TX) EMS Alex Gorme, Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department  My check is enclosed (payable to Police on Bikes, Inc.). Margaret Hopkins, Elmhurst (IL) Police  Charge my MC/Visa: Department Michael Langdon, Brisbane Police, Queensland AU ______| ______| ______| ______Alan Sigafoos, Penndel (PA) Police EXP ___/___ CVV Code: ______Al Simpson, Pompano Beach (FL) Police (Retired) Ken Stowe,18 Cameron University (OK) Public Safety Mail to: InternationalINTERNATIONAL Police Mountain POLICE Bike MOUNTAIN Association BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 Tony Valdes, Miami-Dade (FL) Police (Retired) 583 Frederick Rd., Suite 5B, Baltimore MD 21228 The 2013-2014 Industry Relations Committee Industry

Congratulations and thanks to the members of the 2013-2014 IPMBA Industry Relations Committee. Under the leadership of Industry Liaison James Englert, the individuals pictured below will conduct field tests, test products, research the new product scene, and write articles for your enlightenment and enjoyment. They are a dedicated group of cyclists, both on- and off-duty, and they are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you. The mission of the Industry Relations Committee is to develop positive working relationships with public safety cycling-related industry professionals, advance the development of products and technologies that will assist the Public Safety Cyclist, and educate the IPMBA membership on products that will have positive impact on their daily duties. If you have any suggestions for product tests and/or research, email James at [email protected].

Englert Fults Collett Ochs

O’Roake Britton Dunivin Hernandez

Chairperson: Pat Hernandez, PCI #834/EMSCI #161 Mitch Trujillo, PCI # 244T/EMSCI #248T Albuquerque Police Department, Boulder Police Department, Boulder CO James Englert, PCI #1081 Albuquerque NM First Bike: An abused Huffy Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office, First Bike: Schwinn Scrambler BMX Favorite Place to Ride: Hmm, too many to Centennial CO Favorite Place to Ride: Off-duty - Angel choose from; there is no shortage of epic First Bike: Red Line Fire Mountain Bike Park; On-duty - riding around here. Favorite Place to Ride: Buffalo Creek Downtown Albuquerque Wilderness, 45 miles outside of Denver Jared Williams, PCI #1214 Susie Ochs, PCI #1183 Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma WA Members: Lake Saint Louis Police Department, First Bike: Road Bike - Lemond Nevada City; Jeff Britton, PCI #1205 Lake Saint Louis MO Mountain Bike - Klein Palomino Central Point Police Department, First Bike: Raleigh BMX Favorite Place to Ride: Banner Forest, Kitsap Central Point OR Favorite Place to Ride: Any of the St. County WA; the UW-Tacoma staircase Charles County Parks. First Bike: Schwinn Stingray Matthew Worm, PCI #946/EMSCI #276 Favorite Place to Ride: Lake Tahoe NV; Charles O’Roake, PCI #1201 Omaha Police Department, Omaha NE Ashland OR; Whistler BC Federal Reserve Bank Police, Houston TX First Bike: Huffy dirt bike; first “real” bike: Rob Collett, EMSCI #263 First bike: A little red K-Mart bike I got on Bianchi Grizzly Poudre Valley Hospital EMS, Fort Collins CO my 5th birthday. The first two weeks I could Favorite Place to Ride: Any of the local First Bike: He-Man 16” kid’s bike only ride it on our enclosed front porch trails Favorite Place to Ride: Timber Trail, Lory because I woke up with chicken pox. State Park/Burro Pass, Moab UT Favorite Place to Ride: Big Bend State Park in South Texas; locally, Memorial Park in Robert Dunivin, EMSCI # 205 downtown Houston TX Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles CA First Bike: Schwinn StingRay, Sean Regan, EMSCI #267 fire engine red. Lynchburg Fire Department, Favorite Place to Ride: Jet Propulsion Lynchburg VA Laboratory Grounds, Pasadena CA First Bike: Schwinn High Sierra Michael Fults Favorite Place to Ride: Spa Resort and Casino Palm Springs, Falling Creek Trail System, Palm Springs CA Bedford VA First Bike: GT Outback Trujillo Favorite Place to Ride: Perimeter Road Worm Regan around the Rose Bowl, Pasadena CA Williams

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 19 Industry Fenix Lighting:

by Jared Williams, PCI #1214 AF02 Flashlight Bike Mount and PD30 Flashlight Tacoma (WA) Police Department Industry Relations Committee

recently tested two products from AF02 Flashlight Bike Mount including the Fenix PD30. I tested the Fenix Lighting: the PD30 Fenix recently released an updated mount with the PD30 during an IPMBA flashlight and the AF02 mount. version of the AF02 flashlight bicycle Police Cyclist course. I don’t know about PD30 Flashlight handlebar mount. After a quick call to other instructors, but here in Tacoma, we love our stairs. We went up and down Technical details: The PD 30 is an LED my local Fenix dealer (Surplus Ammo & countless stairs during the course, and the light powered by two 3V Lithium CR123 Arms in Tacoma), I had one in my hands mount stayed put the entire time. I was batteries, which is fairly standard for within a week. able to squeeze (barely) my primary duty most tactical flashlights. The body is flashlight into it as well, though it was constructed of high-quality aircraft grade larger than the 28mm limit of the mount. aluminum. It is compact and very bright. Even with the larger light, the mount It is simple to use and has multiple light stayed where I wanted it. features, including 220-lumen high output, five-lumen low output, several in- While the mount is durable, it is also a bit between lumen outputs, strobe, and an on the bulky side. It takes up a fair SOS signal setting. The flashlight has a amount of handlebar space, which on a rubberized tail-cap, and is sealed from the patrol bike is often already at a premium. elements with internal O-rings. I would like to see a quick-release type feature instead of the thumb-screws, but The current model is now the PD32. that’s just a personal preference. Fenix is preparing to release the newest version, the PD35, which boasts a However, at the price of just $20, it’s whopping 860 lumens and runs on 3V really hard to complain about these minor CR123 batteries. This review is about the details. version I own, the PD30. Retail prices I will continue to use this light mount on for the current model (PD32) are in the my patrol bike, and I’ll probably even $80 range. take it out on some night rides on my I have owned a Fenix PD30 flashlight for personal mountain bike to see how it several years, and use it as a backup light holds up on rough trails. on duty. It has come in handy on several Fenix Lighting, headquartered in occasions when my primary light went Shenzen, , distributes their products dead. It provides very sufficient light, through numerous US dealers. Although even for dark building searches. I have they aren’t “Made in the ”, also used it several times on camping they are still a quality product worth Technical details: The mount features a trips. It is small enough to slip into my considering. Although I look for U.S.- rotating 360 degree design, making it pocket, yet powerful enough for me to made products, I don’t discount products adjustable to any angle; high quality see where I’m going on dark of any origin if they are high quality. If rubber mats to provide shock resistance campgrounds. you aren’t familiar with Fenix, you owe it and slip-resistance; and it fits flashlights to yourself to at least check them out at My thoughts: The water-tight seal has with a diameter of 18mm-28mm. proven itself on multiple occasions. I http://www.fenixlighting.com, or visit My thoughts: This mount is hard to beat have accidently put this light through a your local Fenix dealer. for the price, particularly if you already washing machine cycle on two separate Jared has been with the Tacoma Police have a good-quality flashlight that will fit occasions after forgetting to remove it Department for nine years, all on patrol. the diameter range. The mount is made from my uniform pocket. My PD30 I has Prior to police work, he was a professional of durable plastic, and contains rubber a smooth body, but the new R5 appears to bicycle mechanic at a local bike shop. He is grips on both the handlebar mount and currently assigned part-time to the TPD’s have a better gripping surface and a the flashlight mount. The two halves Bicycle Rapid Response Team (BRRT). He brighter output of 257 lumens. swivel a full 360 degrees, which is great joined IPMBA in 2007, and earned his Overall, the construction is sleek but for fine-tuning where the light is pointing. instructor certification in 2010. He is in durable, and I would put this light up Both sides use thumb-screws for charge of the upkeep and maintenance of his department’s bicycle fleet, and has a hand in against any other well-known tactical tightening. light brand. In addition, I found the selecting equipment. He is a self-described I was able to easily mount this light to PD30 to be brighter than any bicycle- “gear junky” and is always willing to test and several different bars, including both evaluate the “latest and greatest” to see if any specific light our department currently 27.2mm and 31.8mm diameter bars. The benefit can be had. He posts reviews at has on any of our bicycles, and far less mount held securely on both size of bars. www.facebook.com/PiggiesOnWheels and can expensive to boot. I tested a few different flashlights, be reached at [email protected].

20 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 Tifosi Veloce Sunglasses Industry by Jeff Britton, PCI #1205 important. For these activities, ear and nose pieces have a no-slip fit Central Point (OR) Police Department Industry Relations Committee sunglasses need three key features: and are both adjustable for quality of optics; fit/comfort; and customizable fit.

durability. I have worn these glasses for about a s a bike patrol officer, supervisor Tifosi Veloce month and I can easily say they are and IPMBA Instructor, I am now my favorite glasses for bike riding constantly trying to find eye I had the opportunity to work directly and everyday patrol use. The protection that looks professional, with Erin Dahlquist, Director of adjustable ear pieces have allowed me meets IPMBA standards for impact Marketing of Tifosi Optics. After I to mold them to my head so that they resistance, and has interchangeable explained our bike patrol needs for eye are comfortable while wearing my lenses that filter UVA rays. We try to protection, she recommended the helmet without pinching my outfit our bike officers with the same Veloce model. temple, and they make and model of sunglasses for The Veloce have uniformity, but finding a good pair of comes with limited sunglasses can be tough sometimes interchangeable slip. despite the wide selection, in part due lenses that are to our limited budget. described by The lenses also seem to repel water and sweat better than any In the past, our team has tried Tifosi Optics as other pair of glasses I have worn. inexpensive, interchangeable lens “de-centered Some members of our bike team have glasses from chain bike stores. They shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that also had the opportunity to try them worked fine, but the quality was sub- virtually eliminate distortion, give out and they agreed that they are par, and they broke easily. On the sharp peripheral vision, and offer outstanding and professional glasses, other end of the spectrum, there are the 100% protection from harmful UVA/ perfect for bike patrol. glasses in the $150 to $250 range that UVB rays, bugs, rocks, or whatever are just too expensive to outfit a bike comes your way.” Lens installation/ I have ridden single-track trails and team and for most officers to afford to removal is fast and easy. The lenses dropped them a few times and have purchase on their own. tints that come with the Veloce are seen no scratches from the impact with smoke, clear, and AC (All Conditions) the ground. I haven’t noticed any This is where Tifosi Optics has found Red. The lenses on the Veloce also weaknesses with these glasses and with the perfect balance between have vents that help with air flow a suggested retail price of $60 to $80, affordability, quality, and design. which limits or eliminates fogging. you get a lifetime warranty, a hard- Tifosi markets its sunglasses for the The frame material is nylon with high shell storage case, and a microfiber outdoor enthusiast, especially those bending strength and high resistance to cleaning bag, making them a great involved in cycling, golf, tennis and chemical and UV damage. The rubber bang-for-the-buck package. other sports for which sharp vision is Visit www.tifosioptics.com for more 24th Annual IPMBA details and to find a local retailer. 24th Annual IPMBA Lt. Jeff Britton is an IPMBA Instructor and Conference and Expo bike patrol supervisor with the Central Point Conference and Expo Police department in Central Point Oregon. Jeff is a 24-year veteran of the force and has been a bike patrol officer for the last 10 years. He currently serves on the IPMBA Industry Relations Committee. He can be reached at [email protected].

www.ipmba.org 410-744-2400 [email protected] Extraordinary training for public safety cyclists

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 21 Instructor Corner Wanted: Education Committee Members

IPMBA is currently seeking motivated instructors IPMBA EDUCATION COMMITTEE to serve on the IPMBA Education Committee Mission: The mission of the Education Committee is Committee members must be active, certified IPMBA Instructors. to develop effective policies, programs, and guidelines for the training of public safety cyclists. Its primary The committee needs highly motivated members who are willing to work on purpose is to provide information and tools to properly projects throughout the year. prepare police, EMS and security personnel for mountain bike duty. The committee shall be comprised of representatives from all branches of public safety cycling in order to ensure all have a voice in IPMBA’s training Goals & Objectives: The goals of the Education development process. Committee are to develop world class training materials, set standards, and establish policies The committee will strive for instructional and experiential diversity. pertaining to bicycle training for public safety A maximum of three certified IPMBA instructors representing any one personnel. These objectives are attained through: discipline will be invited to join the committee. Disciplines include, but are Establishing a diverse committee: Recruit committee not limited to: federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and sheriffs members who represent a cross-section of the many departments; public, private, fire-based, and third service EMS; proprietary types of agencies served by IPMBA. and contractual security providers; and search and rescue teams. Listening to the IPMBA membership: Provide a Selected members will serve a one-year term. mechanism by which IPMBA members may communicate their training needs, which are driven by IPMBA Instructors interested in serving on the Education Committee may the challenges they face in the field. apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to [email protected]. Hard Maintaining awareness of the environment: Recognize copies will not be accepted. that the environment in which bike personnel operate is Please include the following information in your letter and resume: constantly changing and be prepared to adapt programs and policies to ensure the continued effectiveness of 1. Agency name and type bike personnel. 2. Branch of public safety 3. Agency size Developing training policies and materials through committee: Solicit the input of each committee 4. Number of bike-trained personnel member in order to ensure that the diverse needs of the 5. Your public safety cycling experience membership are met. Assign responsibility for projects 6. Your public safety cycling instructional experience to one committee member, who is then responsible for 7. Your involvement in IPMBA activities and events soliciting input from the other members, preparing a 8. Other public safety/instructor certifications draft, and submitting it to the committee for approval. 9. Why you would be an asset to the IPMBA Education Committee Disseminating the information: Using IPMBA established communication channels, provide IPMBA Questions about the Education Committee can be directed to Education members with tools and information that will Director Michael Wear at [email protected]. positively impact their ability to perform their duties.

IPMBA Board Openings Announcement Three seats on the IPMBA Board of Directors will be up for election/re-election at the 2014 IPMBA Conference in Tampa, Florida. This is the official notice for those who may be interested in serving on the IPMBA Board. In order to be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors, you must hold current, active certification as an IPMBA Instructor. According to the IPMBA By-Laws, Article 111, Section 5: Board Candidate, any qualified member can become a candidate for the Board of Directors by: a. Submitting a letter of interest to the Executive Director after the official notice and no later than 45 days prior to the first day of the Annual IPMBA Conference (last day to submit letter and resume will be April 2, 2014). b. A resume or C.V. (curriculum vitae) must accompany the letter of interest. If a resume or C.V. is not submitted, the candi- date’s name will be deleted from the list of potential candidates. If you are interested in serving on the IPMBA Board, you may submit your letter of interest and resume to the Executive Director at any time before April 2, 2014. Please email your letter of interest and resume to [email protected]. Hard copies will not be accepted. You will be expected to address the board during its pre-conference meeting in May; exact date and time to be determined. If you have questions about board member responsibilities, please contact Maureen at 410-744-2400 or [email protected] or any current board member. Contact information for current board members can be found at http://ipmba.org/about/ipmba/board-and-staff.

22 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 Completing the Course Record and Roster Instructor Corner

t the conclusion of each For the Course Roster: To view this sheet in landscape IPMBA Course, the lead List all students who started, (horizontal) mode, which makes instructor (or designee) must regardless of whether they it much easier to complete: complete and submit both the finished or passed.  Click “View” on the toolbar. Course Record (the page on which  Do not cross out people who  Click “Rotate View” and you list the course dates, location, did not pass or complete the select “Clockwise” instructors, aides, etc.), and the class. Course Roster (the page on which  Do not exclude people who Submit the required paperwork you list the students and their did not pass or complete the (course record and roster, information). class. evaluations, waivers/liability Fill in the written test scores. releases, incident report forms if For the Course Record:  If someone did not take the applicable, certification applications List yourself and your co- written test, enter “DNF”. if submitting on behalf of the instructors, including instructor Fill out practical test scores. students) as soon as possible after numbers.  If someone failed the the course, preferably within two List aides (non-IPMBA practical test, enter “F”. weeks. instructors who assisted); these  If someone withdrew at any do not count towards the time and did not take the In case of loss or damage, keep one student:instructor ratio of 10:1. practical test, enter “DNF”. copy for yourself and one for your Fill in the number who started Fill in the students’ contact department in addition to submitting the class in the “Number information legibly, preferably one copy to IPMBA. Enrolled” section and the using the tab-through feature on number who passed the class in the course roster. We use this to Thank you! the “Number Passed” section. invite them to join as certified  76% is the minimum members and communicate passing grade on the written upcoming training opportunities. test.

Congratulations, New Instructors! August 19, 23, 2013, Indianapolis, Indiana

Ron Blumenberg, Evanston Police Department, Evanston IL; Adam Chappell, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indianapolis IN; Matthew Cover, Pennsylvania State University Police, University Park PA; Martin Day, Fairfield City Police, Fairfield OH; Mike Dunn, Riley County Police Dept., Manhattan KS; Russell H. Echols, Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta GA; Robert Fekkes, Speedway Police Department, Speedway IN; Adrian Foust, Delaware Police Department, Delaware OH; David Gempler, Whitewater Police Dept., Whitewater WI; Charles Hamilton, State College Police, State College PA; William Kennedy, Butler University Police Department, Indianapolis IN; Thomas Kopczyk, Oshkosh Police Department, Oshkosh WI; Jeremy Lindauer, Fishers Police Department, Fishers IN; Seth Scobee, Riley County Police Department, Manhattan KS; Ryan D. Skaggs, Indiana University Police Department, Bloomington IN; Steven Smith, Paducah Police Department, Paducah KY; Craig Matthew Sutter, Western Kentucky University Police, Bowling Green KY; Antwan Suttle, Memphis Police Department, Memphis TN; Fredrick Worthy, Memphis Police Department, Memphis TN. Photo courtesy Al Simpson.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 23 Member News Retirement News Michael Anderson Charlie Irvine Throughout his career, Jason remained On October 6, 2013, In October 2013, dedicated to the principles of community Lt. Michael Anderson Charlie Irvine oriented policing. He continued riding on retired from the Saint completed 25 years of patrol even as chief, using his bicycle to Louis Metropolitan service with the connect with adults and youths alike. The (MO) Police Metropolitan Police bicycle officers continue to enjoy the Department after 41 Force in London, respect and support of the citizens of years of service. Mike England. Charlie Bethlehem as a result of Jason’s actions began patrolling by attended one of the and those of his fellow bike officers. bike in 1992 and was earliest IPMBA Police Jason is currently employed as an attorney certified as an IPMBA Cyclist Courses specializing in civil litigation at the law Police Cyclist in February 1997. He was conducted in London, in March 2004. He firm of Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & subsequently certified as PCI #273 in traveled to San Antonio for the 2004 Rambo in Bethlehem PA. IPMBA wishes 1998 and EMSCI #022 in 2000. He has IPMBA Conference and to attend the Jason the best of luck in his new career. shared his belief in the enthusiasm for IPMBA Instructor Course. He was Photo by Dean Hawkey police cycling and belief in the IPMBA certified as both a PCI and an EMSCI program with hundreds of officers during the event. throughout the years and has mentored a Charlie was one of the founding members M. Craig Wainman number of other instructors. of the UK-based Public Safety Cycling On behalf of Mike stated, “I have greatly enjoyed my organization and was on the organizing IPMBA, I offer association with the organization, the committee for the UK Public Safety hearty highlight for me being the 2010 Cycling Seminars held in London in congratulations conference held in Saint Louis/ 2006-2007. He was one of the recipients to Craig Chesterfield MO. I will continue in the of the 2005 999 London Cycling Awards, Wainman, PCI organization because I believe in the sponsored by Transport for London. #258, as he cause and will always act as a proponent During the build-up to the London retires from the of police cycling.” Olympics, he was assigned to provide Freeport (IL) IPMBA thanks Mike for his years of security for several Olympic venues, and Police support and wishes him a long and happy, he had the great pleasure of providing Department. He retires after 25 years of police service, the last 20 with Freeport cycling-filled retirement. protection for the Olympic Village and its and the first five with Sherwood. Craig Photo by Dennis Hufford athlete-residents during the Games, and has a few autographs to prove it. IPMBA was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist

thanks Charlie for his pioneering role with in 1996 and as an IPMBA Instructor in London’s cycle team and wishes him 1998. He has trained hundreds of officers Kevin Gibbons over the years, always remaining faithful many happy retirement years. IPMBA member Kevin Gibbons has to IPMBA’s curriculum, as he promised in retired from the Murrysville (PA) Police Photo courtesy Charlie Irvine his initial application. He has exemplified Department. Kevin joined IPMBA after the spirit of bike patrol since his initial completing the IPMBA Police Cyclist Jason Schiffer certification, even riding during the harsh Course in April 2001 and has since winter months. In August 2013, Jason remained a loyal member. For the past Schiffer retired from the On a personal note, I am deeply grateful three years, Kevin has participated in the Bethlehem (PA) Police to Craig for taking me under his wing as a Special Olympics Law Enforcement new PCI more than a decade ago and Torch Run, helping pass the torch 150 Department after 20 years of service, including two as setting me on the right path as a new miles from Pittsburgh to State College. Chief of Police. instructor. Kevin was quoted in the Tribune-Review Jason was certified as an Welcome to the ranks of the honorably as saying, “This is one of the greatest retired, thank you for your service and things you can do as a police officer IPMBA Police Cyclist in may your next adventure surpass your because you give back to the community”, June 1999, as PCI #483 in 2001, and as EMSCI #302 last! which clearly reflected his commitment to in 2013. Jason attended many IPMBA Submitted by IPMBA President community policing and police cycling. conferences and amassed an impressive Bernie Hogancamp IPMBA thanks Kevin for his years of collection of first-place medals (and a few Photo courtesy Craig Wainman support and wishes him all the best for his second-place ones) for his individual and retirement years. team performance in the annual mountain bike competition.

24 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 25 Cover Story unexpectedly passing slower traffic on the not mean as close as possible to the right- right. When cyclists are forced to ride on hand curb or edge of the roadway. (Continued from page 1) the edge of the roadway, conflicts arise at Moreover, it is up to each cyclist to decide The “right of speed”: Many people intersections and driveways – the most where he/she believes is safest. After all, believe that you can’t use the road if you common location of bicycle/motorist the cyclist not only has the least can’t “keep up.” If a heavily loaded truck crashes. There the cyclist’s position protection, but also is passed with the is unable to accelerate from an conflicts with turning cars – thru cyclists highest speed differential. intersection or up a hill, most motorists are to the right of right-turning vehicles Many list specific reasons why understand and merely tolerate it or pass it and are often screened from the view of cyclists need to ride farther left within a when they are able. Yet if the vehicle is a drivers who are turning left. lane. These include avoiding , intolerance and outrage develops Bicycle paths are safest for cyclists: hazards, preparing for a left turn, passing in some drivers. As with all slow-moving Since paths fall outside the scope of another vehicle, and avoiding objects such vehicles, bikes must use the right lane traffic laws, behavior on them is as parked cars, pedestrians and animals. unless they are preparing for a left turn, unregulated, unpredictable and The most significant reason given is a but despite common misconceptions, they unenforceable. Conflicts and crashes “substandard width lane”, within which a still have a right to the roadway. increase at intersections. Unlike roads, cyclist and motorist cannot pass safely paths don’t always go everywhere side-by-side. This last reason is the most people need or want to go. misunderstood, largely because it applies to the majority of traffic lanes on today’s Cyclists riding in the middle of the roadways – making the exception the rule. traffic lane will impede traffic: Anywhere bicyclists choose to ride in Where “impeding” laws exist, nearly all clearly state that only drivers of such a lane is legal. motor vehicles can illegally impede. More experienced cyclists choose to In the six states where the law does “control the lane.” By using a large not specifically exclude non- portion of the lane, cyclists send a clear motorized vehicles, it provides for message to motorists that they must the reasonable speed of the vehicle change lanes to pass when safe and legal in question, thus accommodating to do so. Cyclists legally controlling a farm tractors, horse carriages and narrow lane cannot by definition “impede Images courtesy CyclingSavvy. bicycles. Why is it cyclists are being traffic” even though they are moving cited for “impeding” when they are substantially slower than surrounding It’s safest for bicyclists to stay out of the actually driving defensively and in a traffic. It is important to remember that a way: This myth has sadly contributed to manner reasonable for their vehicle? traffic lane is a public utility there for the the majority of crashes and near-misses purpose of moving people, not merely cyclists experience. Hugging the edge of THE LAW vehicles. the road is actually dangerous for a In every state, bicycles are either defined number of reasons. Most traffic lanes are in statutes as vehicles or cyclists are given SUBSTANDARD WIDTH LANES too narrow to safely accommodate a the same rights and responsibilities as It may shock many to learn that a 12-foot motor vehicle and cyclist side by side. other vehicle drivers. Cyclists have the wide lane is considered a “substandard Cyclists who keep right so motorists can right to use most roadways, which means width” for the purpose of these statutes. pass them without changing lanes actually the fog line to the centerline. The term Federal roadway design standards suggest encourage close passes and side-swipes. “roadway” does not include the shoulder. a cyclist needs a minimum of four feet of Cyclists who ride farther left and control In many non-snow states, shoulders may operating space. The typical cyclist is the lane report no such problems. be non-existent or too narrow to be roughly 30 inches wide, but requires some Motorists pass them in an adjacent lane. rideable. While most states forbid lateral “wobble” space. Even four-wheel If they have to slow down and wait for an bicycles on freeways, some western states vehicles don’t track a perfectly straight opportunity to pass, that’s OK. Empirical – with vast open space and fewer roads – line. Realistically, many cyclists need shows that any delays motorists allow cyclists to ride the shoulder of five feet or more of space to operate experience waiting to pass are usually 30 controlled access highways. Only New safely, due to the type of bike and seconds or less. York, Hawaii and Alaska mandate accessories and/or the cyclist’s experience Bike lanes make cycling safer: In fact, shoulder use if it is safely usable. level. bike lanes were created because of the Most states require cyclists to ride “as far All states require safe passing clearance myth listed above and the desire for a to the right (FTR) as practicable to the between vehicles of any type. Some separate space. Bike lanes force cyclists right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.” require a three-foot minimum clearance to ride on the edge, sometimes even in the This sentence is often misunderstood. for passing bicyclists. While nearly “door zone” of parked cars, where they impossible to enforce unless a cyclist is might be directly hit or startled into For purposes of the language, struck, it does give the motorist a general swerving in front of traffic. Channeling “practicable” means as close the right idea that they need to move over. With bicyclists to the right of other traffic edge as is safe and reasonable under encourages them to be unpredictable – existing or probable conditions. It does (Continued on page 27)

26 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 (Continued from page 26) By law, cyclists always have the right of first- the three-foot minimum, the cyclist’s operating come, first-served in the lane that they are Cover Story space, and the passing space, have already occupying. Vehicles can’t legally intrude into accounted for more than half of a 12-foot lane. their path, or pass them, unless it is safe to do The Case for Bicycle so. Most right-of-way conflicts occur at Most passenger cars are roughly six feet wide, Enforcement intersections. There, motorists pull out or with mirrors adding another foot. As we’d expect, a car takes up more than half of a 12- make turns across the path of cyclists. Bicycling in the United States and many other countries is on foot lane, too. The problem is that many Violations also occur when a motorist passes the rise. The number of motorists don’t realize how wide their cars are, a cyclist just prior to turning right and then bicycle-motor vehicle conflicts or how close the right side is to something they turns across the cyclist’s path. This can are passing. This is why it is safest for a happen if the cyclist is riding too far right or is increasing as well. bicyclist to control the lane in a way that sends is in a , sidewalk or path. These A combination of factors is a clear message that overtaking motorists must right-of-way violations account for many needed to help reduce these pass them in an adjacent lane. This action by collisions between motorists and bicyclists. conflicts: education, the bicyclist prevents crashes. Officers should be watchful to cite these engineering, encouragement, violators and understand them when working Today’s traffic includes a high percentage of and enforcement. large vehicles, like pickups and SUVs, that are crashes. While all of these are even wider than conventional passenger cars. CONCLUSION important, IPMBA Police Cyclists are uniquely WHAT LAWS SHOULD YOU Seeing and treating cyclists as an expected positioned to make an impact ENFORCE? and respected part of traffic will undoubtedly in the area of enforcement. be a new idea for many police officers and Traffic laws reflect the rules of safe and Many of our members can – their administrators. Some have even and do – engage in both predictable movement. These apply to cyclists exhibited a bias against cyclists in traffic. as they do to motorists. Traffic controls such education and enforcement That’s likely the result of conditioning that efforts. However, many of as stop signs and traffic signals certainly apply. cyclists are neither a traditional or legal part So do destination lanes such as turn-only lanes. their fellow officers do not of the traffic mix. Both of those assumptions possess the knowledge or Use of headlights, and, in many states, are historically and legally wrong. taillights, is required at night. incentive to do the same. While educators have a lot of work to teach Cyclists are required to travel the same For the benefit of both IPMBA cyclists young and old to ride lawfully and members and their colleagues, direction as traffic, yet many cyclists are responsibly, it is the role of law enforcement commonly seen riding facing traffic. Due to its the new IPMBA website to reinforce those lessons with appropriate features a page dedicated to unpredictable nature, this is a leading cause of enforcement and mutual respect. motorist/bicycle crashes. Wrong way cycling bicycle advocacy, education, is dangerous and illegal behavior in all 50 Kirby Beck is retired after 28 years with the and enforcement. On this states. Coon Rapids, Minn. Police. He is a certified page, visitors can read a IPMBA police cyclist instructor trainer. He is variety of articles pertaining to The major violations which cyclist should be an expert witness in bicycle crash cases. He this subject. stopped and ticketed for are: can be reached at They can also link to the Riding against traffic [email protected]. Bicycle Enforcement playlist Failure to yield right of way at stop or © 2013 Law and Order. This article appeared on IPMBA’s YouTube yield signs in the July 2013 issue of Law and Order channel (IPMBAVid), which Running red lights magazine, www.lawandordermag.com. contains training videos posted Riding without required nighttime lighting by Portland Police, San We need to stop cyclists for disobeying traffic Francisco Bicycle Coalition in controls. Many cyclists ride through red lights partnership with the San because they have no fear of being ticketed. Francisco Police, Chicago This obvious lawlessness by some cyclists Police, and the latest addition further increases the animosity felt by many from Maryland State Police motorists. If the police won’t enforce traffic (narrated by IPMBA’s own laws for bicyclists, who will? Isn’t that part of John Brandt). Also included is the police role in enhancing traffic safety and the classic “The Law is for promoting voluntary compliance with the law? All”, in which IPMBA founding father Kirby Beck The major violations by motorists that makes the original case for endanger bicyclists are: enforcing bicycle law. Failure to yield right of way To access these resources and Unsafe passing more, visit http://ipmba.org/ Harassment or assault resources/bike-education- Inattentive or impaired driving enforcement.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 22, NO. 4 27

The Board Issue

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24th IPMBA CONFERENCE May 16-23, 2014 28 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Fall 2013 Tampa, Florida ~ www.ipmba.org ~ [email protected] ~ 410-744-2400