IPMBA Members

Spring 2007

ipmbaNewsletter of the International Police newsMountain Bike Association

IPMBA: Promoting and Advocating Education and Organization for Public Safety Bicyclists. Vol. 16, No. 2

Without our Members … Bicycle Crash Investigation

… IPMBA Wouldn’t Exist Part 1 of 2 by Maureen Becker by Kirby Beck, PCI #002T Executive Director Coon Rapids PD (MN) retired IPMBA promotes the use of bikes for public safety, provides f a bicycle crash results in a death or serious injury, resources and networking opportunities, and offers the best, assume that the incident will result in a lawsuit. Many most complete training for public safety cyclists. I people on both sides of the case will read your reports and examine the results of your investigation. They will have Several years ago, IPMBA began using the above statement for many opportunities to critique your work. marketing purposes. It sums up the essence of IPMBA so well that the Board recently discussed adopting it as IPMBA’s official After reviewing a number of crash reports by officers and crash reconstruction experts, it is apparent that many mission statement. Like all good mission statements, it succinctly describes IPMBA’s reason for existing. important factors involved in bicycling are either unknown or unconsidered and quite often undocumented by crash All three aspects of the mission statement are equally important, investigation professionals. but for a moment, focus on one word: resources. IPMBA offers The state of the art in specialized bicycle crash investigation many resources, including this publication, the website, and and reconstruction is rudimentary at best. Focused training in various member benefits, including the Product Purchase bicycle crash investigation is rare, if it exists at all. In virtually Program. These, however, are not IPMBA’s most important every state, bicycles have most of the same rights and resources. responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. Many officers

IPMBA’s most important resources are its don’t seem to know, or care, that they do. Training in bicycle IPMBA members. IPMBA members drive the traffic law is virtually non-existent in police academies and members have mission. crash investigation courses. done their best IPMBA promotes the use of bikes by public too ensure that safety. Through conducting presentations, (Continued on page 30) our training representing IPMBA at industry events, and programs have authoring articles in national magazines, IPMBA members work to raise awareness of inside … evolved and expanded. the essential role bikes can play within law Board List...... 26 enforcement, EMS, and private security. Instructor Corner ...... 26-28 IPMBA provides resources and networking opportunities. IPMBA Corporate Members...... 18 Issue Focus: IPMBA Members ...... 5-13 IPMBA members participate in the creation of resources; without our members, we would have far fewer resources to Bike School Goes the Carnival ...... 9 offer. Over the past year or so, numerous members have been Denver Health Paramedics ...... 7 part of the process of creating the new Complete Guide – Good Fortune ...... 5 writing, reviewing, and contributing photographs. Members High Honours ...... 5 IPMBA Member Statistics ...... 13 contribute most of the articles and product reviews that appear in IPMBA Remembers Tom Devlin ...... 12 IPMBA News and on our website. They participate in Lessons Learned ...... 8 discussions that encourage an exchange of ideas and ever- Letter to IPMBA ...... 6 expanding network of contacts. Man Drops from Veterans Bridge ...... 10 IPMBA offers the best, most complete training for public safety On the Road with Off-Duty LEOs ...... 11 cyclists. In the years since IPMBA’s founding, the nature of West Mercia Constabulary Trains 50th ...... 11 public safety has changed. IPMBA members have done their News from the UK...... 23-24 best to ensure that our training programs have likewise evolved President’s Column ...... 2 and expanded. Members also volunteer their time and expertise Product Purchase Program ...... 19-22 to ensure that attendees of the annual IPMBA conference gain Product Reviews Brooks Saddles ...... 16 new skills and are inspired by innovative ideas. National Bike Registry ...... 15 This issue of IPMBA News celebrates the most important Rainlegs...... 17 IPMBAresource NEWS, IPMBA VOL. has: 16, YOU! NO. 2 Segway...... 16 1

President’s Column Here Comes Summer

It’s that time of year when many bike cycling a better, safer, and more fun place to work. teams are coming out of hibernation. After I hope you can pick up something that could work for a long winter, it feels good to get back on your agency too. the bike and remember that cycling is one The new Complete Guide to Public Safety Cycling, of the best reasons for being involved in Second Edition, will soon be completed and available public safety. Keep in mind that just as for purchase. We are working as quickly as possible to your butt needs some time in the saddle to finish the publishing process so you can purchase your get back in shape, your bike also own copy of the book. We are needs some TLC before you spend We have members in excited to be able to offer you a eight hours a day on it. Clean and almost a dozen full-color, completely updated lubricate your ride before you start version of the only book for public logging your miles for the year. Doing countries, safety cyclists, by public safety this now could help you find small cyclists. While there have been problems before they develop into big representing more many authors working on this ones that could end up causing a than 1300 police, project, I would be remiss if I catastrophic accident. Remember, a didn’t say that this book wouldn’t little maintenance can prevent major EMS, and security be possible without the hard work issues down the road. agencies. done by our Executive Director, One of the greatest strengths of our Maureen Becker, and the fine organization is our membership. We are a great publishing firm of Jones and Bartlett. The entire organization with a diverse group of individuals. We IPMBA board looks forward to having our new book have members in almost a dozen countries, representing available to you this summer. more than 1300 police, EMS, and security agencies. Enjoy the warm weather and help keep your With this wealth of knowledge and experience, IPMBA communities safe. has a wealth of resources from which to draw. This edition of IPMBA News contains many articles about our members, their agencies, and great ideas that they have come up with to make our world of public safety Jim Bowell

BE AN IPMBA INSTRUCTOR! ipmba news Want to become an IPMBA-Certified Instructor? Newsletter of the INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION 583 Frederick Road, Suite 5B Baltimore, MD 21228 PH: 410-744-2400 ~ FX: 410-744-5504 all 410-744-2400 or email [email protected] to E-mail: [email protected] obtain an instructor application packet. In the Web site: www.ipmba.org C Jim Bowell simplest of terms, to become an Instructor, you must IPMBA President Maureen Becker meet the criteria outlined in the packet, apply to Executive Director; Managing Editor Jennifer Horan IPMBA headquarters, be approved, then register for Design and Layout

Copyright 2007 © International Police Mountain Bike and attend one of the Instructor Courses. Association (IPMBA). Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Check out www.ipmba.org for information The International Police Mountain Bike Association is a non-profit educational organization providing resources, on the upcoming instructor courses in networking opportunities, and training for public safety bicyclists. Minneapolis, MN (July 16-20); Fredericksburg, Interested in submitting an article? Interested in advertising in IPMBA News? VA (Oct. 15-19); London, England (Dates TBD) Call Maureen (410-744-2400) for information.

2 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 3 Instructor Corner

4 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007

embers are the foundation upon which IPMBA is built.

They are also the focus of this issue — so that we can learn Focus: You M from and be inspired by their success. In this issue we hear from friends in the US and the UK, and we remember a fallen comrade. Please remember IPMBA throughout the year and send in your stories! Pages 5-13. High Honours Good Fortune

Recognition for the man who introduced EMS on bikes to England Police cycling can change your life!

om Lynch, founder of the by Jere “Buddie” Clark, former PCI #344 London Ambulance Service Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department

Cycle Response Unit, has T funny thing happened on the way to the United been named a Member of the Kingdom to participate in the first-ever Police Unity Order of the British Empire Tour cycling memorial ride. I began to think about (MBE). A what police cycling has done for me. As you might surmise I Tom was the first person in the had plenty of time to reflect on my cycling history while country to come up with the idea flying from Newark N.J. to Birmingham, England. Some of responding to ambulance 999 would say that calls by bike, and carried out a being from trial in the summer of 2000 in the Tennessee West End. makes you a Following the success of the little slower project, a team of riders started working in Central London than the in 2002 and the initiative has since gone from strength to average bear… strength, with staff working on the team able to cancel But, for nearly half of the ambulances that are also dispatched to whatever calls – freeing them up to respond to other patients in the reason area. (probably the Bikes are also now based at Heathrow Airport – believed to altitude) it had be the first team of its kind at a European airport – and in his never struck current role as Cycle Response Unit Coordinator, Tom also me until then oversaw the introduction of a new cycle team to respond to …and it struck Lee Brierly, Buddie Clark, the Chaplain, and Kristen Chipoletti

calls in the City of London. me like a post at the base of the Robert Peel statue in Tamworth, UK, “Taco Bell”! at the start the 2006 UK Police Unity Tour. Tom has worked for the Service for 12 years and before setting up the Cycle Response Unit worked as an emergency I realized just how fortunate I was to have been a part of medical technician in southwest London. “Police on Bikes.” It was like a movie flashback … I remembered being close to burnout and the dreaded “Retired He said: “It is indeed an honour to receive such an award as on Duty.” That was 1996. That’s when I truly received a both my BMX and ambulance career have been very blessing by being exposed to a new wave of policing … enjoyable and have provided great success along the way Police on Bikes. I bought into the police on bikes and since I was 11 years old. community policing ideals hook, line, and sinker! I believed “I will gratefully accept the MBE as I believe cycling and then, as I do now, that police on bikes is the best double- sport have a great deal to offer society in many ways and edged sword available. On one side you have the community have tried to use my knowledge, skills and experience to policing edge and on the other edge, proactive enforcement. start the life-saving ambulance cycle units in the UK for Now, more than 10 years later, after having transferred out better public safety. I have had great support from my of bikes and into the Vice Division, I look back on my family, friends and work colleagues over the years who have (Continued on page 6) always stood by me, (Continued on page 6)

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 5

IPMBA MEMBERS High Honours

(Continued from page 5) DBE); Commander (CBE); Officer (OBE); and Member (MBE). Only the two highest and without them none of my ideas would Letter to IPMBA ranks entail admission into knighthood have become reality.” allowing the recipient to use the title Dear IPMBA, Tom was awarded the MBE for services to ‘Sir’ (male) or ‘Dame’ (female) before his or Bicycle moto-cross (BMX) racing and the her name. Sadly at this time I am London Ambulance Service’s cycling unit. Other MBEs include musicians such as the requesting that you The Most Excellent Order of the British remove my name from Beatles, Eddi Reader, and Procol Harum Empire is a British order of chivalry founder Gary Brooker; athletes, including IPMBA’s list of established on 4 June 1917 by King George tennis player Evonne Goolagong, long- instructors and to V. The Order includes five classes in civil distance runner Paula Radcliffe, and boxer remove any classes that and military divisions. In decreasing order Barry McGuigan; authors Peter Fleming and I had posted. of seniority, these are: Knight Grand Cross Justin Cartwright; and Chef Jamie Oliver, to Unfortunately, I have or Dame Grand Cross (GBE); Knight name a few. A more complete list can be Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or been diagnosed with a found on Wikipedia.com. degenerative arthritic condition that has understand that all of the people mentioned affected my ability to Good Fortune above were and are the cream of the crop in ride a bicycle for police cycling. (Continued from page 5) anything other than a Being a police officer, and IPMBA member few minutes at a time. cycling career and salute those people and and Instructor, has really changed my life. I places that being a police cyclist have I have had a great time can honestly say if it wasn’t for police on allowed me to meet and see. During my bikes I would have left police work years being an instructor for police cycling career, I attended bike ago. With the downgrading of police bike IPMBA and have met conferences in Nashville, TN, Chicago, IL, units in the middle Tennessee area and the many amazing people in Tacoma, WA, Ogden, UT, and Charleston, lack of federal grants, it appears that the days the six or so years that I WV. Because of police cycling, I’ve also of police on bikes are numbered in have been teaching. ridden the American Diabetes Association’s Tennessee. I hope they aren’t, because just Tour De Cure, the Multiple Sclerosis like the bicycle wheel and history, it will Before I joined IPMBA, Association’s MS-150, and the Police Unity I never would have come back around. History will repeat itself. Tour. I just hope I’m still around when it happens. thought that I had the Then the list of the who’s who in police confidence to actually If you know of some good officers that are cycling … Al Simpson, Kirby Beck, Mike reaching that burnout part of their career, get up in front of a Goetz, Monte May, Nick Gatlin, T.J. suggest to them they might want to check out group of total strangers Richardson, Gary McLaughlin, Rob police cycling. It made a difference in my and teach something Schneider, Kathy Vonk, Lou Ann Hamblin, life, and I believe it will for them. John Bourque and my partner for many of like police cycling, but In closing, if you are lucky enough to get the past 10 years on bikes, Chris Bryant. I you folks at IPMBA paid to ride a bicycle on patrol everyday, or know there are plenty of others but these are even part-time, you might not realize it now, made it very easy for the people who to me stood out in the crowd but you have the coolest job in law me and for that you and I looked up to for direction as an enforcement! have my most sincere IPMBA cycling instructor. I saw the fire and thanks. the passion in their eyes for police and EMS Thank you to each and every one of you for cycling. I also cannot forget Maureen your service and dedication to the job and Sincerely, Becker’s encouragement and support. police cycling. Please continue to carry the torch. Sgt Bryan Roman I was able to rub shoulders with the owners IPMBA PCI #448 and reps of companies such as Bratwear, I hope to see you on the road or trail. Mount Holyoke College Trek, Fuji, Olympic Uniforms, and Bell Good Bye…. Dept. of Public Safety Cycling Helmets. Jere Clark is a former IPMBA Instructor and The pinnacle was being able to take a class member. He is currently a detective in the vice unit South Hadley, Mass. instructed by Hans “No-Way” Rey in of the Nashville PD and an avid supporter of the Police Unity Tour. He can be reached at Chicago, IL. You might say, “what’s the big [email protected]. deal, they put their pants on just like us…” which is true. But looking back, I now

6 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 The Denver Health Paramedic Division All Terrain Medical Unit IPMBA MEMBERS by Kyle Roodberg, EMSCI #196 bikes have excellent response The first fleet of new bicycles Should a patient require Denver Health Paramedic (CO) times to medical emergencies was put in service for coverage transport, an ambulance can be he Denver All Terrain at all events. Paramedics on of the week-long World Youth dispatched to the team. Golf Medical Unit’s foot or in golf carts are no Day event in August of 1993. carts are often used to take T (A.T.M.U.) inception was match for the bicycles. This event, which drew 3/4 of patients to a triage area or to a in 1990, though the team’s Initially, bikes were either the a million people to Downtown waiting ambulance. In a typical debut was the 1991 Denver personal property of the Denver, culminated with Pope year we cover about one Grand Prix Auto Race. members, or bicycles John Paul II saying Mass for hundred events with our bike

Because of the track impounded by the Denver 350,000 pilgrims at Cherry team. Creek State Park in nearby configuration, a large part of Police Department. In 1993, Members are physically tested Arapahoe County. The bikes the downtown would be Maxim Bicycles of Boulder once a year as a requirement to performed flawlessly when the without ambulance coverage donated 16 custom-built Stowe maintain their member status. mass site became a mass- when the race track was “hot”. cross-bikes. These bicycles Over the past fourteen years The Denver Paramedic were built with larger wheels casualty incident. The Division would need to have and higher gears for speed, as bike team responded 1991 Denver Air Show crews within these areas. they were rarely used off-road. across the county line Vehicle access inside this area We are currently using a fleet to Cherry Creek was impossible. The A.T.M.U. of 12 Schwinn Moab-3 Reservoir, where the assignment was to cover the bicycles purchased in the conventional EMS inside of the perimeter as well spring of 1999. These bicycles responders were as spectators in the stands have proven to be better suited overwhelmed. Ten outside. for our use, which sometimes team members rode over the rough prairie The team’s success was involves riding down flights of for 24 hours without immediate. A 911 call for chest stairs with full equipment incident. Because of pain was initiated from a high- loads. the A.T.M.U., the Denver this test consisted of an off- rise inside the perimeter. The All bicycles are ALS Paramedic Division accounted road time trial on a course just A.T.M.U. team was dispatched resources. They are equipped for well over 50% of the under one mile in length and and arrived at the building in with rear Blackburn racks, REI thousands of patient contacts with an elevation gain of 950 1-2 minutes. The team entered trunk packs and Arkel-OD made that weekend. World feet. We had a thirty minute the building through open panniers. Viewpoint headlights Youth Day was a fantastic time limit for completion and doors and entered an open supplemented with Cateye learning experience, and has walking was not permissible. elevator. The surprise of the removable five LED lights are helped us to refine the role of Members would attempt this bystanders on the 9th floor, as used for night duty. A rear red the A.T.M.U. as the team on their personal bikes. This the team exited the elevator on LED strobe is mounted to each evolved. We are constantly year we moved our time trial bikes, said it all. They arrived trunk pack. Conterra Patrol III studying potential uses for the course to a flat paved area with at the side of the patient, who Aid “waist packs” are worn. team in daily operations, as the distance being three miles was having an acute M.I., and Safety equipment includes well as complex event in length and finishing with a began Advanced Life Support Giro bicycle helmets with retro coverage. carry of the loaded bike up a treatment. The patient was reflective decals. Uniforms are flight of stairs. A completion then transported over a bridge custom-made light polo shirts The A.T.M.U. members time of twelve minutes and by golf cart to an ambulance and cycling shorts. Each generally work in pairs at sixteen seconds was imposed. waiting outside the bicycle carries a events. However, if call This time trial is attempted on perimeter. The surprise of variety of volume increases, teams may fully loaded bike team bikes. split up. The bikes are most From that call equipment This new course has proven to effective staying on the forward, the the bystanders including a be a better test of what perimeter of large crowds. The A.T.M.U. has Heartstream physical abilities would on the 9th floor, strategy is to cover the largest excelled in AED with actually be required to perform distance of a response on the complex special manual override, a the job. as the team perimeter of a crowd, then event medical small oxygen cylinder, access the patient through the All new members who coverage. The team exited the emergency medications, crowd as you get closer. The successfully complete the time covers sporting IV solutions, and bikes can be called in to back trial have been required to events such as the elevator on intubation up a busy first aid room or be complete an agility course. Colorado Rockies equipment. All bikes, said it all. dispatched to cover a busy This course was designed to and the Denver of our bikes area. From almost any work on slow, tight Broncos games, concerts, are set up identically for location, the bicycles still maneuvering drills. This parades, and festivals, and paramedic use and all of our provide a quick response to typically took three hours to provides patrol along Denver’s maintenance has been done “in th most areas of any event. (Continued on page 8) pedestrian 16 Street Mall. The house” for the past ten years.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 7 IPMBA MEMBERS Lessons Learned: Thanks, Ski & Bike Shop!

by Jeff Burgess, IPMBA member experiences over the past few Grand Forks (ND) Police Department years with the program. I still At first I started to write a have a hard time believing lengthy article on lessons that I got paid by the learned as a coordinator for a department to ride a bike and part time (“mild” winters limit would often say that when I riding) bike program. My hung up my bike at the end of initial thoughts included a shift. information on equipment, Out of all my experiences, the selecting officers, motivating most essential information them to ride, dealing with the that I can pass on is the administration, training, importance of developing a uniforms and other issues. I relationship with your local wanted to pass on what I had bike shop. The Ski and Bike learned over the last eight Shop were supporters of our years to others in charge of bike program from the start bike programs, but I soon and have proved invaluable realized that I just wanted to over the years. They provided share one experience. bike maintenance, bikes (at Jeff Burgess with members of the Ski & Bike Shop. I recently stepped down from just above cost), expert to learn that we had similar our way of saying “thanks” for bike patrol. I started the advice, employees for training scenarios, equipment, great issues to deal with and that all of their hard work and service, bike repair instruction there are a lot of part-time bike support. Even though I’ve Even though I’ve for bike officers, donations programs across the country. hung up my police bike for the hung up my police for bike officer trading For me, the assistance given by last time, I still count on the cards and just about anything the bike shop helped bike shop for service for my bike for the last we asked of them. I’ve heard tremendously with the start up personal bike and I often stop that a small business can and success of the program. in to just talk to Pat, Monty, time, I still count on make a niche in the market Over the years, we recognized Terry, Dave and others whom based on their quality of the shop employees with I’ve come to appreciate. the bike shop for service. If so, the guys at the department recognition awards, Thanks, Ski and Bike Shop. shop have earned their and I also gave them t-shirts, Lesson learned. service for my sodas and hockey tickets doctorate degree in business. Jeff Burgess is a former bike personal bike purchased out of my pocket. officer and coordinator of the I was fortunate to attend an We started a “Bikes and Grand Forks Police Department program from scratch (two IPMBA Conference in 2003 Burgers” day for shop Bike Unit. His advice is valuable bikes and $5,000) in 1998 and and spoke with some other employees. Bike officers – a good bike shop can be a bike built it to 16 officers and nine part-time program would select a summer day and unit’s best friend! bikes. I had a lot of fun and coordinators. It was interesting grill lunch for the employees as

All Terrain Medical Unit benefited from this and the training will prove valuable as public accolades. From the course increased our team the Democratic National perspective of the paramedics, (Continued from page 7) camaraderie. Our goal is to Convention will be in Denver the diversity in work complete. Last year we have all thirty of our members in 2008, and we anticipate assignments that the bike team received administrative become IPMBA EMS Cyclist many opportunities to deploy creates for employees approval to begin training to certified. The best way for us the A.T.M.U. during the events promotes increased job IPMBA standards and to reach this goal will be to surrounding the Convention. satisfaction and morale. certifications. We were lucky have two “in house” IPMBA To this end, Marc Scherschel Kyle is a captain with the Denver to have Kirby Beck fly in and certified EMS Cyclist and I were certified as IPMBA Paramedic Division of the Denver put on an EMS Cyclist Course instructors. With two Instructors at the conference in Health Medical Center. He was for us in December 2006. We instructors we will be Baton Rouge. certified as an IPMBA EMS had eight longstanding adequately staffed to make Cyclist in 2006 and an IPMBA The A.T.M.U. generates members of our bike team sure all of our members are EMS Cyclist Instructor in April quality public relations for the attend. This course taught each IPMBA EMS Cyclist certified 2007. He can be reached at Denver Health Paramedic of us new skills and provided as well as teaching EMS bike [email protected]. Division. This high-profile very useful didactic team members from outside team has attracted a lot of information. All attendees agencies. This higher level of positive media coverage, and 8 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 Bike School Goes to the Carnival IPMBA MEMBERS A Fun Time had by All...Except the Criminals

by Paul Conner, PCI #627 removed from the grounds. The department was aware of works the perimeter and Anne Arundel County (MD) Police With the current set-up, the the high criminal activity, and surrounding neighborhoods, Department disorderly subject is removed wanted to keep the class size combating the drug dealing, n a cold December by the foot patrol officers on to 12, a 6-to-1 student/ drug use, alcohol violations, morning, my the inside, and then just goes instructor ratio that would help and fighting that occurs as partner Matt around to the other side of the ensure that we could keep the people park and walk to the Sledgeski (PCI carnival and reenters freely. students within eyesight in carnival. Generally our unit O case things went bad. Also, the doesn’t ride into the carnival #634) and I were gearing up As the cold morning air hit us for our morning ride when my like a truck, I looked at Matt, administration wanted only grounds, except when the mind began wandering to “How ’bout the fence again?” officers from our department officers inside need help and to to ensure each officer had clear the grounds when the warmer months, the sun, the “Forget it, they won’t do it,” arrest powers and a radio. carnival closes. beach, wearing shorts, Matt said, referring to the After that was worked out, we stopping by the sno-cone stand Improvement Association, Friday came, and all the sent out the notice department- near the B&A trail, and the which organizes the carnival students reported early so we wide. The schedule would be carnival, the CARNIVAL! and has been against the fence could go over tactics with the 0900-1700 for the first two I had forgotten how bad the since we suggested it. bike, and the class was given days, followed by two nights, scenarios while Matt and I, annual Glen Burnie Carnival It hit me at the trailhead. 1700-0100 hours. taking turns as the bad guy, was last summer: the gang “Bike School,” I shouted. activity, the .357 magnum The class filled quickly, and made them chase us down Matt looked at me, “It just before we knew it, the first day without giving up the taken off a mental subject, the might work,” he said. 27 narcotics and weapons had arrived. Matt and I, always mechanical advantage. Then arrests, the fights in which we For the next two weeks, we nervous before a class starts, we gave them the review for were outnumbered, the three brainstormed all the different got our materials and walked the test and excused them for shots fired on the last night options in combining an over to the classroom where dinner. The carnival had just and the mass chaos that IPMBA Police Cyclist course the students were waiting. started, but we knew from followed. I had forgotten, but with the carnival. Our goal The first two days flew by, experience that we weren’t now we needed to think about was to have the class patrol the with the students already needed until dark, when the this year’s carnival; it wasn’t perimeter of the carnival on safe, and we needed to do the night ride, which would something about it. accomplish two objectives. First, it would be a great The Glen Burnie Carnival is show of force, hopefully located between Baltimore and setting the tone for the We discussed our best approach to keep Annapolis, MD. It attracts remaining seven nights of numerous families but also the carnival. Secondly, it the element of surprise … and had all three attracts rival neighborhood would give the students teens whose mission is to some of the best patrol riding in handcuffs before they ever knew we cause trouble, along with every they’ll ever experience. other criminal in a 25-mile were the police. radius. For years, Matt and I I asked myself, “why just one night?” IPMBA has have suggested that the families went home, and the never told us that we couldn’t passing the skill courses, and organizer put up a fence and thugs, wanna-be thugs, punks, do a double night ride. It was completing all the classroom charge an admission fee. We and gangs came out to start perfect – we would have 15+ work. At the end of the second explained that an entry gate, day, we told the students what trouble. with an officer standing close police cyclists on the ground on Friday and Saturday nights was to follow. They were to We reconvened at sunset and by, would help prevent the report the next night in full geared up. Matt and I have likelihood of weapons being and set the tone for the rest of the week. bike patrol uniform, and be always split the class on past carried into the carnival and ready for chaos. Matt and I night rides for a few reasons. It We got the ball rolling quickly would also prevent people shared past carnival stories, doesn’t make sense to have to address any liability/ leaving freely to retrieve a and informed them of our that many police in one area manpower issues the weapon once trouble has responsibilities while on when you could be a lot more department might have, to occurred. We also explained patrol. They were pumped up productive if you split the class avoid last-minute changes, and that if attendees had to pay a when they left for the day. to cover more ground. And to allow officers plenty of fee to enter, they would be yeah, Matt and I also have a more likely to control their notice for their vacation The department staffs foot patrol officers inside the behavior so they wouldn’t be scheduling. (Continued on page 10) grounds, while the bike patrol

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 9 IPMBA MEMBERS Man Drops From Veterans Bridge, Lifted Up In Basket Chattanooga Times Free Press a 32-year-old man lying on the department’s Urban Search and The extent of his injuries was not Posted January 23, 2007 ground. Rescue (USAR) team responded to immediately known. man dropped some 40-50 Officer Wagnon said the victim the scene and immediately began His name is being withheld A feet off the Veterans Bridge was conscious, but moaning in setting up the rescue ropes, pulleys pending efforts to notify any late Tuesday afternoon and was pain and asking for someone to and stoke’s basket. relatives. rescued by being lifted up in a call 9-1-1. Chattanooga firefighters Within 50 minutes, the firefighters The victim “appears” to have basket. and an ambulance with Hamilton lifted the victim up to a waiting fallen 40 to 50 feet from the Chattanooga firefighters were County EMS arrived on the scene, ambulance on Veteran’s Bridge. bridge. The victim told Officer called to Veteran’s Bridge around but the steep terrain prevented the “We’ve been training for this kind Wagnon that he was looking over 5:30 p.m. to rescue the reported paramedics from moving the of technical rescue situation for the bridge’s railing and “fell over.” “high fall victim.” victim. months," said Chief Moore. "This The circumstances surrounding his Officers with the Chattanooga After conferring with the situation put those skills to the test, fall are still being investigated by Police Department’s Bike Patrol paramedics, Battalion Chief Mack and those firefighters passed with Chattanooga Police. were the first on the scene. Officer Moore determined that the best flying colors.” Jason Wagnon is an IPMBA Jason Wagnon and his partners way to get the victim to an The victim’s condition is currently member and instructor. He can be searched underneath the east side ambulance would be to lift him up being assessed in the emergency reached at [email protected]. of the bridge and eventually found to the bridge. Members of the fire room at Erlanger Medical Center.

Carnival (Continued from page 9) approached, noted the distinct when the dust cleared and the officers calling for back-up for little competition between the smell of burning marijuana, crowds were gone. Together, a gang that refused to leave groups to see who makes more opened the doors of the Yukon, we had 15 arrests waiting at and appeared to be ready to arrests (my group has never and had all three in handcuffs the station to be processed (my fight the police. As we went in lost). It makes it fun for the before they ever knew we were group had eight, still one after another, you could class, and seems to add to the the police. undefeated). Then see it in their eyes, from “F*** excitement. This year we Just as the After they left we Matt and I looked at the police”, to “let’s get outta decided to split the groups last suspect got a standing one another, and here”. It was awesome. Our again, but if things got bad we was picked thought, “We’ll be gang was bigger, and they would rejoin. For the first time, up by patrol, ovation from the here until five in the knew it. After they left we got we requested our own Matt’s group crowd of about morning submitting a standing ovation from the monitored radio channel, so had just 200 people. evidence and crowd of about 200 people. that we could freely talk from broken up a writing out all those It was another busy night, one group to another without large fight involving four men, statements of charges!” producing 12 arrests (my group district cars tying up the radio. two of whom were in custody, Knowing we were stressed, the blew his group away, 8-4), no My group set off for the and the rest of his group were entire class stepped up and injuries, and everybody went “fishing hole” to get the night in pursuit after the other two. went to the station with us, and home. In two nights our bike started off right. The “fishing Matt’s location was about eight we were all home by 2am. school produced a total of 27 hole” is a dark parking lot blocks away, and the shortest Saturday night came, and as arrests, 22 of which were for about a block away from the route was straight through the we sat in the classroom, you narcotics, and prevented mass carnival. With no working carnival. It was wall-to-wall could see it in everyone’s eyes, chaos just by their mere street lights, it is a favorite spot people, but it was still quicker they loved what happened last presence. After that kind of for the pot smokers and than going around. I just hoped night, they got it, they were training, our students can drinkers to get high in their everybody remembered their hooked on bike patrol. We handle anything that comes cars before going to the slow speed training! I didn’t spent the first hour just talking their way. Even though Matt carnival. I brought my group in want a little kid struck, but and telling stories about the and I were exhausted, looking from the side of the parking lot between their skills and the previous night’s events. back on it, it was worth every where we could stop and NiteRider sirens, we got Matt and I then handed out the minute. Now if we could only observe the lot without being through fairly quickly and tests, and once completed the find a way to keep the students noticed. Sure enough, a Yukon without incident. students were excused for next year for all eight nights of was parked on the lot, with the When we arrived at Matt’s dinner. Matt and I ate our the carnival! music blaring, and the three location, he stood there dinner while grading the tests. Paul has been a police officer for occupants were passing a lit smiling, showing me that all Everyone passed with flying 16 years; 12 with Anne Arundel object back and forth to one four of his suspects were in colors! County and four with Baltimore another. We discussed our best City. He has been on bike patrol custody, and said, “Guess When the students returned, we approach to keep the element since 1998 and became an IPMBA we’re one up.” geared up and headed out. Our of surprise, and to prevent the Instructor in 2002. He can be It was non-stop action all first action came from the driver from pulling off. We reached at [email protected]. night, until finally at midnight inside of the carnival, with 10 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 On the Road with Off-Duty LEOs IPMBA MEMBERS by Jim Pierce, PCI #885 Miami Dade School Police (FL) started my group trips with the the Nanty on my own in a kayak, but I up things that make me go ... gulp. The intention of taking a bus or two with can’t say that of the Ocoee! We all went next day, the Tanasi trails were just as 30 occupants each. I named the group with guides from the oldest rafting incredible. They have one known as I LEO Ride 1 More. I thought I would company on the river. I was skeptical at Thunderrock Express. Wow … what a fill the bus with police officers, first, but these guys are the best. They hair-raising downhill ride. No one could firefighters and other professionals, took us practically back up over the rapids stop talking about that one! including teachers and school with just phenomenal handling. On the third day, we started at the top of administrators who are into outdoor sports Oh yeah, we are a bike organization! The an area known as Ducktown, very close to such as mountain biking and whitewater trails there were as good as one could ask the NC border. I did not ride this on my rafting. for. I found a local bike shop in scouting trip, so it was totally new to But, alas, cops and firefighters work Cleveland, TN, and inquired if anyone me. I can’t remember its name, but it varying shifts, so usually I end up with would be willing to take 30 plus people worked its way around the top and down about 7 - 10 police officers and 2 to 4 and guide us on some awesome trails. I to the lake area that feeds the river and firefighters. This trip attracted four easily found a young man — quite the then back up and then down the other side firefighters and ten police officers. gentleman (still a shock to some of us in back down to the Ocoee Whitewater Fortunately, here in Miami we easily find Miami!), who said, “Let’s see...a day off Center where our bus waited to take us other sport enthusiasts of a variety of from work, biking trails...sounds like a home. Talk about a ride and a half! Some occupations who are more than willing to plan!” I assured him we would be hold your breath and hair-raising drops fill the buses that I hire, and my waiting willing to tip, and although he didn’t but WOW. No one hesitated in coming list is growing. I try to keep the price really seem interested in money, we did up with money for Zack, our great guide reasonable: $350 per person includes two make it worth his while. He thought from Scott’s Bikes in Cleveland. Zack seats per person on the bus, two nights at going up mountains where some of us attends the local university and works as a the hotel, double occupancy, and the were in awe was like a walk in the park, bike mechanic. He made our weekend! whitewater rafting. This year we went to but he was patient and marked trails at Asheville, NC, riding in the Pisgah trailheads for us while taking our faster National Forest, and twice to the riders along for a great ride at breakneck Cherokee area to ride the Tsali trails and speeds. the Nantahala River. We went to the I usually stay with the slower, newer ones Ocoee area – excellent trails, one known (I am an IPMBA instructor, after all) but as the Chil How Wee and the other Tanasi the downhill on this one had to be 5 or 6 (pronounced Tay Naw See), which is the miles, weaving its way down hill through origin of the Cherokee name for these great views... I guess! I didn’t take Tennessee. The area is beautiful, as is the my eyes off the forward trails. I thought Jim Pierce gets ready to ride the Tanasi trails. Nantahala, which means “river of noon my hands were going to stay frozen day sun.” permanently in braking position; all I Jim leads bike and adventure tours and These rivers cut gorges through the could think was “I have a family to participates in a variety of fundraising rides, Appalachians and both are dam controlled support!” Some of my group members including the Police Officers Assistance rivers. The Ocoee is 4/5’s, meaning were immigrants to the US from the Trust’s Tour de Force, which raises funds for the families of slain or deceased police pretty darn good rapids, while the Nanty country of Colombia. When it comes to officers, and the MS-150. He can be reached is more family-friendly and can be done bicycling they tell me that mountains are at [email protected]. without guides. I personally can go down the standard. It is nothing for them to go West Mercia Constabulary Trains its 50th IPMBA Student Submitted by Tim Larrad, PCI #923 West Mercia Constabulary (UK) est Mercia Constabulary are forging Constabulary IPMBA Police Cyclists are It can be seen by the comments made by W forward with their commitment to rising to the challenge with enthusiasm. trained officers that the IPMBA Police introduce qualified IPMBA Police Cyclists Since July 2006, IPMBA instructor Tim Cycle training is proving its worth. to the streets of the ‘Three Counties’, that Larrad has been busy training fellow Officers made the following comments. the force area covers. officers. The roll-out programme has th “Just thought I would send you a quick Covering a large geographical area, with meant that the 50 officer completed their email to firstly say thank you very much such a diverse cross section of rural and training recently and joined fellow IPMBA for the training course you delivered a city communities is not an easy task. Police Cyclists out on the streets. However, trained West Mercia (Continued on page 12) IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 11 IPMBA MEMBERS IPMBA Remembers Tom Devlin Tom Devlin Boston College Police Department, Massachusetts End of Watch: Friday, April 6, 2007 BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Age: 51 Tour of Duty: 21 years Badge Number: 127 INCIDENT DETAILS Cause of Death: Exposure to toxins Date of Incident: Tuesday, September 20, 1988 Weapon Used: Not available Suspect Info: At large The Boston College Police Department lost a beloved and valued member of its Mountain Bike unit on Friday, April 6, 2007. Officer Tom Devlin , a 21-year veteran of the Department, passed way after a long battle with injuries he sustained in an on- duty incident. Tom responded to a fire alarm at B.C.’s Edmonds Hall dormitory in September 1988. While helping to evacuate students, he suffered severe lung damage from what was later determined to be a military grade tear gas canister. His lungs suffered further damage in May 1999 when he responded to a fire in another residence hall and was exposed to the smoke while evacuating residents. He was hospitalized again after that incident and was forced to medically retire in 2004. Tom was one of the original founding members of B.C.'s bike unit as well as an E.M.T. He also took great pride in maintaining the department''s fleet of mountain bikes. A former IPMBA member, Tom attended the 2000 IPMBA Conference in Tucson, AZ. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia and daughter Christine. Submitted by Sgt. Joe Desmond, IPMBA Member, Boston College Police Department. especially the younger ones, was able to position myself in a I caught them all at th 50 IPMBA Student who ask me dozens of way that stopped them making numerous traffic lights (Continued from page 11) questions about the bike. It is off. This resulted in four people around the town. On foot this being dealt with, and the bike couple of weeks back. As also really useful in helping would have been impossible. you know, I was not the most combat antisocial behaviour, turned out to be stolen three Not forgetting having words experienced cyclist, but the as I have been able to get days earlier. This would not course helped improve my down alley/pathways, more have been possible without with motorists, as I passed confidence and introduced than I would on foot patrol. your excellent training and the queues of traffic. You to me some really useful It’s been nice to cover a understanding on the course. ought to have seen the skills. Secondly, to let you wider area and be able to Later that evening there was an surprise on their faces when know how I have been show more of a presence in incident where two teenagers I knocked on the driver’s the area I work. ran from a colleague and I was able to follow them until they window! The mileage Once again, were too exhausted to continue. clocked up in only two days many thanks The bike made it so easy to is 40 miles; I’m looking to for the training assist in a successful pursuit. break the 100 miles in a course, I would Once again, thanks.” definitely week!” recommend it “Hi Tim. I would just like to IPMBA congratulates Tim on th to anyone thank you for your help and training his 50 student and encouragement on the cycle else.” looks forward to the next 50. training course I have just We appreciate his commitment “Hi Tim! You attended. I have taken the to IPMBA and to police cyclist wanted to know knowledge gained and put it in training. IPMBA also thanks about any to practice daily since returning Cycle Force UK for their success stories to Division. I have received a continued support. Through with the bike. good and positive reaction their successful program, all Well, within one from members of the public. West Mercia bike personnel hour of leaving PCs Sam Hall and Kristen Hall upon completing On my first day back on have been enrolled as IPMBA the station, I the IPMBA PC Course Division both myself and PC members. had been asked Coyd, both of us on bikes, Tim was certified as an IPMBA getting on; I have really to attend my local hotspot due using local knowledge and the to youths riding a scooter with Police Cyclist in 2005 and as an enjoyed being out and about versatility of the cycles IPMBA Instructor in 2006. He is on my bike and I have had no helmets. I arrived on the managed to detain a suspect in an avid cyclist and road racing many positive comments scene and was able to stop Ross Town.” enthusiast. He can be reached at these youths using the from members of the local “On Saturday, I actually [email protected]. community. It is a good techniques you showed us. managed to stop four motor conversation starter with They had no idea there were members of the public, bike officers on patrol and I cycles even with a headstart.

12 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 IPMBA Member Stats … IPMBA MEMBERS hroughout 2006, IPMBA instructors conducted more than 300 classes to ensure that approximately 2700 public safety T cyclists received the best, most complete training. 74% were Police Cyclist Courses, 13% were EMS Cyclist Courses, 10% were Security Cyclist Courses, and 3% were combined classes. Of the 2600 students who were eligible for certification, about 23% became certified members. This number is consistent with the past several years. Fourteen percent of the membership & certification applications were submitted by the instructors as part of their course records. Here are some interesting statistics derived from the 2006 IPMBA membership & certification applied for by 50-99% course records. of students: Most classes taught: 11 (John Washington); 10 (Tim Larrad); Kirby Beck, Richard Bourne, Ron Burkitt, William Cook, Chad 8 (Jamie Cheatem) Cunningham, Robert DeLaurentiis, Dwight Edwards, Jeremy Ehrlich, Jesus Garcia, Tommy Hamelink, Robert Hatcher, Chris Most students taught: 87 (John Washington); 81 (Don Erb); Higbee, David Johnson, Paxton Lively, Craig Malley, Craig 77 (Tony Valdes) Medley, Darren Nugent, Bobby Odom, Paul Perdue, Ray Ranne, Most students who applied IPMBA membership & Jason Ray, Robert Seidenkranz, Rob Shorrock, David Sitz, Rick certification: 32 (Jamie Cheatem); 30 (David Sitz); 25 (Rick Troy, Eric Vann, Erik Yamada Troy) Other 2006 Membership Facts IPMBA membership & certification applied for by 100% of t the end of 2006, IPMBA had members in every state students: except Hawaii, Montana, and Vermont. The top five Jamie Cheatem, Jason Clark, Ramon Colon, John Deering, Joe A membership states were: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Dziedzic, Trevor Fowler, Patrick Gipson, Charles James, and Maryland. Approximately 6.5% of IPMBA members lived Michael Land, Dennis Ley, Jess Leyba, Michael Mefford, outside of the United States. Countries represented, listed in Jeffrey Natysyn, Roger Nelms, John Nichols, Scott Perrin, Jon order of number of members, were: the United Kingdom, Pesesko, Todd Prevost, Chris Rivers, Bryan Roman, Jeff Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, Barbados, Belgium, Sennett, David Smith, Eric Struss, Jeff Taylor, Kathleen Vonk, Israel, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and Zimbabwe. Chris Whaley, Clarence White, Alison Wilson, Chris Wurtsmith

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 13 14 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007

Easy-To-Use Resource to Return Stolen Bikes INDUSTRY Unique ID labels and recovery service help stolen bikes get back home

SAN LEANDRO, CA – January, 2007 her with the good news. She the NBR ID label when he as well as from participating icycles are a convenient made sure to have Tyler was going through the latest police departments and bike B and fun way to get around complete his bike registration batch of bikes they had retail stores nationwide. With for students, whether cross with NBR this time. recovered. The NBR label was the low-cost service, a bicycle town to visit a friend or across ‘We were absolutely amazed the only key to identify and owner obtains an ID label, campus to the next class. that the bike was returned. We return the bike to Britt. applies it to the bike and then records the serial number and Unfortunately, high school had given up hope. Tyler rode “I didn’t want to tell my description of the bike in the and college students are the bike to a friend’s house parents that my bike got lost company’s secure database by frequent victims of bicycle because it is worth $300. You phone, by mail, or online. theft. When police recover need a bike to get from class BoomerangIt offers lost and bikes, usually they have no to class and I have been using We were found protection for portable way of returning them to the my roommate’s bike to get electronics, sports gear, keys, owners because the ownership around on campus. It is absolutely luggage, and virtually information is not on file and unfortunate that people steal everything else, just like NBR the recovered bicycles cannot bikes. I feel blessed and lucky amazed that identifies and returns bicycles. be identified. Fortunately, the that my bike is coming back to National Bike Registry me.” The finder of a bicycle, either ® the bike was (NBR ), now powered by “People just don’t expect to the police or a Good BoomerangIt®, can help returned. see their stolen bikes again Samaritan, can call 800-848- police identify bikes and and often underestimate the BIKE or access the NBR return them to the rightful value of prevention,” said website to trigger a owners – across town, or We had given Eddie Orton, president of notification to the owner. across the country. For two BoomerangIt and the National Police departments also young riders of Lafayette, CA, up hope. Bike Registry. “By taking a receive free 24/7 password- NBR meant having their couple of minutes to label and protected access to the NBR missing bikes back and putting registry to cross-reference one day in the summer, left it register their bike with NBR, biking with friends back on Britt and Tyler have taken a recovered bikes and are listed the schedule. unattended, and it on the NBR website. disappeared. Thank you so key step to protecting their In a recent success story, a much! A quick stop at the bikes and facilitating the BoomerangIt and NBR are the sound collaboration between bike shop to fix a loose chain return when the stolen bikes official bicycle registration law enforcement, a bike and get new grips returned the were recovered. This is where and recovery service of the retailer and the National Bike bike to its previous condition.’ our service can be a great National Crime Prevention Registry, a nice BMX The NBR team just adds resource to police departments Council and McGruff® the Powerline Grommet bike ‘Hooray!’ and special thanks and bike owners across the Crime Dog. For more found its way home. The bike to Hank & Frank for taking nation.” information on how to join and was recovered last month by the matter to heart and helping The unique BoomerangIt NBR become an Official Bike the Lafayette police officer along. bike registration service is Registration Station, call 800- while patrolling a residential available online at 848-BIKE, ext. 105. neighborhood. The bike had In another story, Britt Erickson, a college student at www.boomerangit.com and the NBR ID label that www.nationalbikeregistry.com, prompted the officer to call UC Davis, rode her bike to the NBR and check on it. While local convenience store just labeled, the bike was not before Christmas. She was registered but NBR turned for going to be grab something help to the bike dealer who fast, just get in and out of the had sold the bike to the owner. store, so she didn’t think of With the help of Steve Eng locking her Specialized from Hank & Frank Bicycles Rockhopper. Unfortunately, in Lafayette, NBR was able to when she came back a couple identify the bike’s owner as of minutes later her bike was Tyler Young, also from gone. Luckily for Britt, David Lafayette. Tyler’s mom was Takemoto-Weerts, the bike very happy and couldn’t coordinator with the believe it when NBR called transportation and parking service at UC Davis, noticed

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 15 INDUSTRY Brooks Saddles: Breaking the Pain Barrier

by Matt Langridge, PCI #869 accounts and testimonials from riders who to my steed. My crewmate Mark Jenkins Thames Valley Police (UK) have been using these saddles for years, was given the honour of preparing and completing rides of up to 600 kilometres. fitting the other saddle. robably one of the most important Some still use the same saddles they A Brooks saddle is a thing of beauty. The choices you will make when bought more than 20 years ago. The vast P skill of the craftsmen that produce these outfitting your bike is selecting a saddle. majority of Brooks users swear by their saddles is obvious. However, as I stated Get it right and you won’t even notice it’s saddles. The secret is that, as you use the earlier, a Brooks is a saddle to be there. Get it wrong, however, and...I don’t saddle, the leather gets ‘broken in’ and, for developed. Some riders are lucky and find need to explain how painful that mistake want of a better term, ‘made to measure’, that the saddle feels absolutely perfect can be! that is, shaped to suit the owner. Another right from the moment they park their tails benefit of the leather saddle is that it on board. Others have to work at it for a breathes. Because there is no plastic ‘bed’ while. My saddle felt firm but not or body to the saddle, it can be much uncomfortable. My first duty saw me ride cooler, reducing discomfort in the seat and 16 miles throughout the day. The chafing crotch area. and discomfort I felt with the previous I liked the sound of this, so I contacted saddle was gone. This is still early in my Brooks, explaining who I was, what I did saddle’s life, however, and I hope that the and asking if I could trial one of their comfort level will continue to improve as saddles as a patrol saddle. Andrea the saddle breaks in. I will submit updates Meneghelli responded and offered to help. on my progress as the year develops. With About six months ago, the standard fit As a result of this offer, on my arrival at both Mark and I riding on identical saddle on my Smith and Wesson Custom work on Christmas Eve 2006, I found a saddles, I hope to be able to report on his gave up the ghost. I replaced it with a package waiting for me. Inside were two impression of the saddle also as a balance. Bontrager MTB saddle from my local bike ‘Team Pro’ saddles in black leather with A Brooks may not be the saddle to suit all shop. Right from the start, this saddle was copper rivets and copper plated rails. public safety cyclists. If you share a bike, less than comfortable, and I think it has Quite appropriate, I thought! Also for instance, another saddle may be a been partially responsible for some included in the parcel were maintenance better choice but, if you have sole use of a uncomfortable chafing in some kits, which comprised of a tensioning bike, it could be the one for you. unmentionable places. spanner, a cloth and a tin of ‘Proofide’, a Brooks’s website can be found at I regularly visit an internet cycling forum polish type substance. To obtain the best www.brookssaddles.com. and have gotten to know a number of the results from a Brooks, you have to treat it other members. Quite a few of these riders right. Look after it and it will look after Matt Langridge is an IPMBA Instructor and a you. The instructions say that the saddle member of the Thames Valley Police cycle patrol have leather saddles from Brooks of steering committee. He is a keen road cyclist and is England, a company that has been should have an application of Proofide rubbed in with the cloth and then, after it committed to increasing the Police use of cycle manufacturing saddles and other patrols in the UK. He can be reached at accessories since 1866. I have read many has dried, be buffed up with the cloth. [email protected] or This I duly did and then fitted the saddle [email protected]. Segway: Next “Best” Thing? or Expensive Fad? by Capt. John Brandt, former PCI #204/EMSCI #055 University of Maryland College Park (MD) PD

s your department looking a new university. We’ve had Segways in our technology? They ought to be. We owe possession since April of 2006 and I’ve been I it to our communities to evaluate new assigned to run that program. I maintain a technology and if it helps us to do a better job, fleet of 22 bikes and 7 Segways. With that we should, if possible and practical, adopt it. said, let’s take a look at the advantages and Once uncommon, bike cops and bike medics disadvantages of the Segways. are everywhere; accepted and vitally useful. Are Segways in your future? Don’t make your decision Segway Facts yet; take a look at both their benefits and their • Not all Segways are the same; there are limitations. Depending on your needs, they different models. may or may not be rolling your way. • • The “Police” model is the “i2 Police,” The i2 goes roughly 24 miles on a charge, Before I start quoting facts and spouting my here’s a web link: www.segway.com/ depending on load and terrain. They charge opinions, let me tell you where I’m coming personaltransporter/model_i2_Police.html. from a standard 110 plug using the supplied from. I became a bike cop in 1991. I’m PCI cord (which is identical to the cord supplied If you want to get the “off road” version, you’d #204 and EMSCI #055 and I’m a 51-year-old, with your computer). want the “x2 Police”: www.segway.com/ 28-year veteran police officer at a major personal-transporter/model_x2_Police.html. (Continued on page 17)

16 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 Rainlegs: ‘Singing in the rain….legs’ INDUSTRY

by Matt Langridge, PCI #869 winter was a different story, however, and rain so again, this has not presented a Thames Valley Police (UK) I have worn my Rainlegs a number of problem. times. Most tests have been done during My set of Rainlegs is light grey in colour ne factor that discourages many my commute to and from work, which I but black Rainlegs are available as a people from more frequent cycling undertake on a drop-handlebar road bike. O custom order from the company. Owner is getting wet when it rains. Waterproof I have also worn them several times Ronald Warmerdam has indicated that a clothing is available from basic ‘rain whilst patrolling on my mountain bike. capes’ through to technologically up-to- minimum order of 2500 is required to get date breathable fabrics. These tend to I love them! Unlike waterproof trousers, black items made up, perhaps a cater very well for the upper body but, to the backs of your legs are not encased in consideration for a supplier or large date, I have yet to find waterproof trousers the garment, a factor which allows them department to explore. to breathe, reducing perspiration. On one that are comfortable and don’t make me Retailing at around £25 in the UK, they of my routes to work, an area of the road as wet from perspiration as I would be are a clever design that I would floods regularly, kerb to kerb, during from the rain. recommend you try if you are regularly moderate to heavy rainfall. On two or cycling in the rain. At the 2005 London Cycle Show, I three occasions when negotiating this discovered a company called “Rainlegs”. flood, vehicles travelling in the opposite Their product can be viewed at The product they were marketing was direction have created a ‘bow wave’ that www.rainlegs.co.uk. similar in concept to the leather chaps has soaked me from head to toe. Water worn by cattle ranchers on horseback. has seeped in through the neck of my They comprise waterproof material that jacket and through the ‘pit zips’ under my covers the front and side of the thighs and arms, allowing my upper body to get wet. knees, secured at the waist with a belt, My legs, however, have remained dry under the crotch with quick release where covered by the Rainlegs. The other buckles, and below the knee with Velcro benefit of keeping the front of the thighs straps. The whole garment can be rolled dry when cycling in winter is that they up and fastened with press studs and worn keep warmer, reducing the risk of muscle like a belt for quick deployment if caught strain injury. in a downpour, or to get out of the way when it has stopped raining. They even Due to their design, Rainlegs do not keep come with reflective patches. the whole leg dry. The front of the shin is exposed but, as the trousers or leggings I I spoke to their representative Kees wear when cycling tend to be of the fast Matt Langridge from Thames Valley police UK is a full time Cycle Patrol Officer and a Police Nilelen about Public Safety Cycling drying variety, this does not create a applications and he gave me a set to trial. Cyclist Instructor. He writes the ‘News from problem. The front of the thigh also the UK’ for IPMBA News. He can be reached Winter 2005/2006 in the UK was very becomes slightly damp with perspiration at [email protected] dry, so I did not get much opportunity to during strenuous cycling, but I have found or [email protected]. put them through their paces. This past that perspiration dries a lot quicker than

Segway • Older Segways have three speeds, Segway Myths (Continued from page 16) controlled by which key you use. The new i2 “Segways require special training to operate.” • and x2 models only have two speeds, adjusted False; anyone can operate them with a few The x2 model has bigger tires, is heavier, through the wireless infoKey controller. instructions. an inch taller, and only gets about 12 miles on • a charge. A police Segway runs around $5,000, “It takes a lot of practice to ride a Segway depending on how you equip it. I suggest well.” False; but some practice will enable • The top speed of any Segway is 12 ½ getting bids from several dealers. Here’s the you to ride more smoothly and allow you to miles per hour, regardless of slope or terrain. link to Segway’s accessories: adjust to terrain changes more intuitively. www.segway.com/products/accessories.html. • The tires are tubeless (15 psi). “Segways are unsafe; they were recalled.” • A Segway is designed so that it’s almost True & False; Segway did discover a glitch in • Segways can spin in place. When they entirely intuitive to ride. They come with an its software that caused some machines to shut do, one tire rotates forward, the other instructional video and there is no expectation off suddenly and throw their riders. The backward. that you’ll have an “instructor” there to teach problem was solved with an upgrade to their you to ride. software. The fix took less than 10 minutes • The newest models have the lean-to-steer • per machine. feature. The handlebar leans to the side to There are weight limitations. Less than input steering. The further it leans, the more 100 lbs. isn’t heavy enough for the machine to “Segways need smooth surfaces to operate.” you turn. If you get one with a fixed-vertical get proper input; more than 260 lbs. overloads False; as long as your tires maintain traction, handlebar and a twist-grip for turning, it’s an the machine’s ability to keep you upright. the Segway will operate. If you keep traction older model. (Continued on page 18)

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 17 INDUSTRY Product Guide

IPMBA proudly recognizes the following organizations for their continued support and assistance to IPMBA and the profession of public safety cycling. They have helped to ensure that we can continue our mission of providing education, training, and resources for public safety cyclists worldwide. To become a corporate member, contact Maureen at [email protected] or 410-744-2400.

Alerte Systems International Police Bike Store Bill Phillips Michael Espejo 800-728-1536 309-797-9028 [email protected] [email protected] www.alertesystems.com www.policebikestore.com Cycle-Force UK Charles Beral R & B Fabrications ++44(0)1344 862550 David Belton [email protected] 419-594-2743/800-553-1911 www.cycle-force.co.uk [email protected] www.rbfab.com Cycle Source Group Peter Carey Trek Bicycle Corporation 515-232-0277 Stefan Downing [email protected] 800-313-8735 x 4911 www.swbikes.com [email protected] www.trekbikes.com Mocean Bill Levitt Volcanic Bicycles 949-646-1701 Eric Kackley [email protected] 360-943-8613 www.mocean.net [email protected] www.volcanicbikes.com No express or implied endorsements are being made by IPMBA for any product, service, program, or organization.

(Continued from page 17) On the other hand, Segways are near ideal for I’ll finish with this statement: They’re in both wheels, they work in snow, gravel, doing what they were designed for: absolutely worth the money we spent and they sand, wet grass, etc. Moderation in transporting people. We use them for non- definitely have their niche. They can’t replace acceleration and braking are usually all that’s enforcement police transportation, increasing our bikes, but they do augment our necessary. mobility, visibility and vision at many of our transportation options. We’re still finding new special events, for use by our tactical medics in ways to use them and they are tremendously We’ve been using our Segways for almost a non-enforcement situations, and for quick, good at transporting people and equipment year. I’ve reached an opinion that they aren’t effortless transportation and shorter response anywhere within a reasonable distance. Inside easily adaptable to day-to-day “enforcement- times for our Student Police Aides as they football stadiums and basketball arenas, and at oriented policing,” but despite that, they’re work their security contracts and provide events like fairs, they’re an incredible mobility tremendously useful. They can’t exceed 12 ½ escorts for our enhancer and staffing multiplier. miles per hour, have load limitations, and can’t community. When you hey won’t replace They won’t replace bikes for cops or be ridden up and down stairs (although Tony use a Segway, you medics, but they sure are useful if you Hawks could probably prove me wrong on this T bikes for cops or don’t have to start up stay within their limitations. You’re one). The Segway weighs just over 100 medics, but they sure are your car, burn gas, probably not going to be patrolling the pounds, so it can’t easily be hauled up stairs, useful if you stay within create pollution, take streets with a Segway, but you’re sure over walls or fences, or through mud or thick up space in traffic, or their limitations going to find out that they’re useful foliage. It’s great for foot chases as long as find a place to park. They can go inside and the EMS people out there are going to your suspect is slow and stays on reasonably buildings and fit just about anywhere. When absolutely LOVE them. As long as the medic level terrain. Your average fleeing felons are you’re riding the i2, you’re about 8 inches and their equipment stay within weight faster than you and they’re eventually going to taller than you are on foot (x2 is 9.5 inches). limitations, you can pack a lot of equipment jump over something; a curb, steps, a fence, Visibility is even better than when you are on and get to your scenes quickly. They aren’t etc. You don’t really have the mechanical your bike! You can see over any crowd and designed to tow a gurney, but I’m betting advantage that a bike gives you and the speed over SUV roofs in parking lots. By the same you’ll be seeing EMS-specific gear for them, of the machine is just too limiting. Of course, token, you become far more visible to the pretty soon! if you’re chasing a perp across an airport public. Just as when public safety cycling was runway and have unlimited visibility, you’ll be John is 28-year veteran of law enforcement and is “new,” you’ll have to fend off huge numbers of able to keep him in sight and eventually run currently a captain with the University of Maryland people who walk up and engage you in them into the ground without ever breaking a Department of Public Safety. He is responsible for conversation when they see you on the sweat. maintaining a fleet of 22 bikes and seven Segways. Segway. He is a cycling enthusiast both on and off-duty. He can be reached at [email protected]. 18 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007

Industry

elcome to the IPMBA Product Purchase Program! Since its humble beginnings in 1997 with just four members, the Product Purchase Program has grown to include 80 fine W companies, including several from beyond the U.S. borders. These companies provide a wide variety of goods and services, but they share a commitment to IPMBA members. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can pay for your membership with just a few purchases! These listings have been abbreviated somewhat in order to accommodate more participants, however, the full listings can be found in the Industry & Resources section at www.ipmba.org.

ABS SPORTS BRAVE SOLDIER CANE CREEK CYCLING Product: Super Saddle Product: Ointments, Shave Gels, Lip Balms, etc. COMPONENTS Regular Cost: $99 Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Product: Suspension Seatpost Cost to Members: $89 Cost to Members: 40% off Retail Regular Cost: $149 Contact Name: Van Zevenbergen Contact Name: IPMBA Coordinator Cost to Members: $88 Phone: 609-371-1554/Fax: 609-371-1554 Phone: 888-711-BRAVE/Fax: 323-852-6604 Contact Name: Lena Warren Website: www.abs-sports.com Website: www.bravesoldier.com Phone: 800-234-2725/Fax: 828-684-1057 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.canecreek.com ALERTE SYSTEMS INT'L BROFORM.COM PRO-PURCHASE Email: [email protected] Product: "Trail-Blazer" Bike Light Kit MARKETPLACE CASCADE DESIGN Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Product: Outdoor-Bike-Action Sports Gear Product: Platypus Hydration Systems Cost to Members: 10% off 1-10 units; Regular Cost: Promotional Pricing for Industry Regular Cost: Contact for Pro-Form Pricing 15% off 11-20 units Insiders/Pros Cost to Members: Wholesale Pricing Contact Name: Bill Phillips Cost to Members: Promotional Prices on Gear; Free Contact Name: Jonathan Shapas Phone: 800-728-1536/Fax: 800-635-1536 Membership Phone: 800-527-1527/Fax: 800-583-7583 Website: www.alertesystems.com Contact Name: John Shelly Website: www.cascadedesigns.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 877-420-2766/Fax: 604-608-9279 Email: [email protected] ALL WEB MAIL ORDER Website: www.broform.com Email: [email protected] or [email protected] CHRISTINI TECHNOLOGIES Product: Electric Police Bike Product: All Wheel Drive Mountain Bikes Regular Cost: $2500 & $1900 Email full name, department name, email address, IPMBA membership number & expiration date to BroForm contact. Regular Cost: $3100-$4500+ Cost to Members: $1999 & $1600 Cost to Members: $1800 +; quantity discounts Contact Name: Robert Grippo BUDBRAKE INT'L, LLC Contact Name: Justin Kline Product: Automatic Brake System Modulator Phone: 877-570-6963/Fax: 570-504-8518 Phone: 215-351-9895/Fax: 215-351-9896 Regular Cost: $49.95 full kit; $29.95 modulator Website: www.allwebscooters.com Website: www.christini.com only. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Cost to Members: 40% off MSRP ANDUSA & CO. Contact Name: Bud Nilsson CYCLE SIREN Product: Montague Paratrooper Folding Phone: 209-712-6980/Fax: Product: Cyclesiren Trooper, Patrol & EMS mini- Bike Website: www.budbrake.com sirens Regular Cost: £550 + Delivery Email: [email protected] Regular Cost: Visit www.cyclesiren.com. Cost to Members: £475 + Delivery Cost to Members: 10% off Retail Contact Name: Chulan Weeresinghe BUSHWHACKER USA Contact Name: Greg Bohning Product: MESA Rear Rack Trunk Phone: ++(0)2082419826/Fax: ++(0)2082410999 Phone: 877-477-4736/Fax: 714-415-2006 Regular Cost: $55 Website: www.montaguebikes.co.uk Website: www.cyclesiren.com Cost to Members: $35 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Available to UK forces. Supply valid IPMBA membership number Contact Name: Jeff Sims E-mail or call with your name and IPMBA membership number. with order. Phone: 800-344-1256/Fax: 801-829-6104

BIKE WORLD Website: www.bushwhackerbags.com CYCLE SOURCE GROUP Product: Bikes & Accessories Product: Bicycles and bike accessories. Email: [email protected] Regular Cost: Contact for Product Regular Cost: Competitive Internet Sale Prices BYCYCLE, INC. List Cost to Members: Wholesale + 35% Product: Bicycle Saddle Cost to Members: 20-35% off Retail Contact Name: Mike Beatty Regular Cost: Contact or Visit Website for Pricing Contact Name: Peter Carey Phone: 800-928-5558/Fax: 210-828-3299 Cost to Members: 20% off Retail on any Product Phone: 877-533-7245/Fax: 515-232-0279 Website: www.bikeworld.com Contact Name: Jim Bombardier Website: www.swbikes.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 877-397-2165/Fax: 503-892-3544 Email: [email protected] Contact Mike Beatty at 1-800-928-5558. Website: www.bycycleinc.com CYCLOPS BICYCLE & TACTICAL BRATWEAR Email: [email protected] Product: Bike Uniforms OPERATIONS Regular Cost: Contact for Product List The Product Purchase Program was Product: Bicycle & Tactical Ops Equipment & Cost to Members: 10% off Standard Price List updated January 2007. The information has Accessories Contact Name: Sara or Sally been provided by the participating companies Regular Cost: Contact for Product List and is subject to change without notice. A Cost to Members: 10-30% off Retail Phone: 253-517-4000/Fax: 253-517-4004 Contact Name: Ashley Foster Website: www.bratwear.com company’s participation in the Product Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Purchase Program does not indicate Phone: 843-259-8368 endorsement by IPMBA, nor does it indicate Email: [email protected] IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 the company’s sponsorship of IPMBA. 19 INDUSTRY Industry

DANALCO ELECTRIK MOTION FOSTER GRANT SUNGLASSES Product: Sealskinz & Chillblocker Waterproof Product: Electric Mountain Bicycle Product: Ironman Sunglasses Socks & Gloves Regular Cost: $949 Regular Cost: $24.99-$100 MSRP Regular Cost: Contact for product list Cost to Members: 10% off Cost to Members: 40% off MSRP Cost to Members: Net Price Contact Name: Andy Koblick Contact Name: Bill Paine Contact Name: Sam Matthews Phone: 866-372-6687/Fax: 845-215-6054 Phone: 215-335-9218/Fax: 215-708-1096 Phone: 800-868-2629/Fax: 800-216-9938 Website: www.electrikmotion.com Email: [email protected] Website: www.danalco.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] FUJI AMERICA IPMBA membership number required. Product: Bikes & Accessories DE SOTO SPORT ELHN BADGE & EMBLEM DESIGN Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Product: Triathlon Clothing and Wet Suits Product: Custom Police Badges, Emblems, Pins, Cost to Members: Special Prices on Selected Models Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Coins Contact Name: Steve Harad Cost to Members: 40% off Retail Regular Cost: Varies Phone: 215-824-3854 x1111/Fax: 215-824-1051 Contact Name: Emilio De Soto II Cost to Members: 25% off Website: www.fujibikes.com Phone: 800-453-6673/Fax: 858-578-6021 Contact Name: ELHN Rep Email: [email protected] Website: www.desotosport.com Phone: 203-364-8644/Fax: 860-256-4499 ATORZ YEWEAR Email: [email protected] Website: www.elhnbadge.com G E Product: Eyewear Email: [email protected] DEMAND TECHNOLOGY, LTD. Regular Cost: $139-$159 Product: Lightrider Cycle Light Call or email design/quantity for price quote. Cost to Members: 25% off published retail rates Regular Cost: £27.50 ERGO, LLC Contact Name: Tom Harwood Cost to Members: £23.70; Case of 16: £18 each Product: "The Seat" Ergonomic Bike Seat Phone: 800-767-4287 x104/Fax: 858-748-5544 Contact Name: Gill Hawkins Regular Cost: $40 lycra/gel; $29 vinyl; $20 faux Website: www.gatorz.com Phone: (01252) 612661/Fax: (01252) 612662 leather Email: [email protected] Website: www.lightrider.co.uk Cost to Members: $30 lycra/gel; $23 vinyl; $15 faux Must contact Tom directly. Email: [email protected] leather Contact Name: Thomas White GITA SPORTING GOODS DESERT SUN Product: Giordana Apparel Phone: 425-333-6161/Fax: 425-333-6355 Product: Bike First Aid Kits Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Website: www.thecomfortseat.com Regular Cost: $20 plain; $22 printed Cost to Members: 10% off Giordana Email: [email protected] Cost to Members: 1-9 units: 10% off; 10+ units: Contact Name: Nelson Frazier 15% off EV TECH Phone: 800-FON-GITA x 319 Contact Name: Bertie Anderson Product: Bikes & Accessories for LE and EMS 800-FON-GITA x 319/Fax: 704-588-4322 Phone: 760-468-1800 Regular Cost: See website for product list. Website: www.gitabike.com Email: [email protected] Cost to Members: Contact for special pricing on all Email: [email protected] items. Include IPMBA membership number & expire date with order. On website, enter "IPMBA" in promotion code box. Contact Name: Doug Canfield O RAP ERFORMANCE D W P Phone: 972-851-9990/Fax: 972-851-9993 IMBA: INTERNATIONAL HEADWEAR Website: www.texaselectricbikes.com MOUNTAIN BICYCLING Product: Under Helmet Headbands & Bandanas Email: [email protected] ASSOCIATION Regular Cost: $9.95-$24.95 Have IPMBA membership card handy. A portion of all proceeds will Product: IMBA Membership Cost to Members: 25% off Retail be donated to IPMBA. Regular Cost: Varies; see website Contact Name: John Okon, Joseph Mach EXPOSURE/USE (ULTIMATE Cost to Members: $10 off National Mountain Bike Phone: 800-359-2514/Fax: 773-770-4201 Patrol Membership SPORTS ENGINEERING) Website: www.dowrap.com; www.sweatvac.com Contact Name: Spencer Powlison Product: Lighting Systems Email: [email protected] Regular Cost: Contact for Product Information. Phone: 888-442-IMBA x101/Fax: 303-545-9026 Online orders: type IPMBA in coupon code to receive discount. Website: www.imba.com Custom orders available. Cost to Members: Contact for Discount Details Contact Name: Jonathan Sharpe Email: [email protected] YNAMIC ICYCLES D B Phone: ++ (0) 1798 344477/Fax: ++1798 34499 Submit copy of IPMBA membership card with NMBP membership Product: Chainless Police Bikes application or renewal notice. Website: www.use1.com Regular Cost: Contact for Product List. Email: [email protected] IOSSO PRODUCTS Cost to Members: Contact for Special Pricing. Product: Cleaners & Lubes for Guns & Bikes Contact Name: Patrick Perugini EYE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Phone: 800-935-9553/Fax: 508-429-9119 Product: Protective Eyewear - Military, LE, Tactical Cost to Members: 20% off Retail Website: www.dynamicbicycles.com Regular Cost: Contact for List Prices Contact Name: Marianne Iosso Email: [email protected] Cost to Members: 30-40% off List Price Contact Name: Willy Breen Phone: 888-747-4332/Fax: 847-437-8478 ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION Website: www.iosso.com Phone: 208-726-4072/Fax: 208-726-4563 Email: [email protected] SOLUTIONS Website: www.essgoggles.com Product: Bikes & Accessories for LE and EMS Email: [email protected] KENDA USA Regular Cost: See website for product list. Product: Premium Bicycle Tires & Tubes Cost to Members: Contact for special pricing on all FINISH LINE Regular Cost: MSRP items. Product: Bicycle Care Products Cost to Members: 60% off MSRP Contact Name: Seth Leitman Regular Cost: MSRP Contact Name: Karen or Cindy Cost to Members: 50% off MSRP & Free Shipping Phone: 866-895-2238/Fax: 914-220-8396 Contact Name: David Clopton Phone: 614-866-9803/Fax: 614-866-9805 Website: www.electrictransport.net NEW Website: www.kendausa.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 631-666-7300/Fax: 631-666-7391 Email: [email protected] Website: www.finishlineusa.com Have IPMBA membership card handy. A portion of all proceeds will Contact for Order Form. be donated to IPMBA. Email: [email protected] Enter IPMBA Member number and "Apply 50% discount/free shipping" in the Comments field. 20 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 Industry INDUSTRY

KUJI SPORTS CO. LTD. MAKLITE NUGO NUTRITION Product: Helmets; Public Safety Helmets Product: Illuminated Safety Light Products Product: Nutrition/Energy Bars Regular Cost: $39.99-$159.99 Regular Cost: $10.95 (9" Strips With Velcro) Regular Cost: $1.59/bar; $23.85/box Cost to Members: $17-$50; Public Safety: $25 Cost to Members: $7.00 Cost to Members: $1.02/bar; $15.25/box Contact Name: Bill Paine Contact Name: William Maki Contact Name: Keith Rohrlick Phone: 215-335-9218/Fax: 479-254-0289 Phone: 800-888-5427/Fax: 773-276-3331 Phone: 888-421-2032/Fax: 412-781-4120 Website: www.ironmanhelmets.us Website: www.librasafety.com Website: www.nugonutrition.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Public safety: available in black or white & with choice of stickers: Call 888-421-2032 to order, and have your IPMBA membership police/EMS/Sheriff/Fire Dept/Security MARWI USA, INC. number & expiration date handy. Product: Lighting Systems LANE SUNGLASSES INC Regular Cost: $99-$399 OLYMPIC UNIFORMS/J. MARCEL Product: Protective Eyewear & Goggles Cost to Members: Contact for Discount Product: Bike Patrol Uniforms Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Contact Name: Austin Hallam Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Cost to Members: 30% off Retail for Quantity Cost to Members: 10% off Retail Prices Phone: 800-448-3876/Fax: 618-395-4711 Purchases Contact Name: Julie Cruise/Rachel Peterson Website: www.marwiusa.com Contact Name: Neal Dykstra Email: [email protected] Phone: 888-722-9222/Fax: 206-722-1521 Phone: 800-542-7850/Fax: 219-956-2112 Website: www.olyuniforms.com Website: www.lanesunglasses.com MAXIT DESIGNS Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Product: Headgator(TM)/Hothead ™/Thermal Beanie ™ OPENHOUSE PRODUCTS LEONARD CONSULTING GROUP Regular Cost: $17.50 Headgator(TM)/Hothead Product: Panniers, Cycle Bags, Lyteline Product: S&W and Fuji Bikes, Lightman Strobes, (TM); $15.4 (Beanie) High-Viz Products Duty Gear Cost to Members: $10.50 Headgator(TM)/Hothead Regular Cost: £10 - £500 Regular Cost: See Website (TM); $9.40 (Beanie) Cost to Members: 15% off Regular Prices Cost to Members: 10% off Regular Prices Contact Name: Liz Contact Name: Bruce Burns Contact Name: Mark Leonard Phone: 800-556-2948/Fax: 916-489-7031 Phone: +44 (0) 1422 824777 Phone: 501-517-5338/Fax: 501-653-2969 Website: www.maxit-inc.com, www.headgator.com Fax: +44 (0) 1422 824666 Website: www.themaskedmerchant.com, Email: [email protected] Website: www.openhouseproducts.com www.4bike-police.com 35% off other in-stock items. Visit website for information and call for Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] availability. Have IPMBA membership number handy. Provide IPMBA membership number when ordering. When ordering online, use coupon code IPMBA 10 for 10% discount. MAXXIS TIRES PARADIGM TACTICAL PRODUCTS LIFT & STORAGE SYSTEMS, INC. Product: Bike Tires & Tubes Product: FRISKER PRO Hand Worn Metal Product: Automatic Bike Lift Storage Systems Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Detector Regular Cost: $4,295 (30 bikes); $6,590 (60 bikes) Cost to Members: 50% off Retail (Pro-form) Regular Cost: $194.95 + S&H Cost to Members: $4,000 (30 bikes); $6,000 (60 bikes) Contact Name: Ben Burgis Cost to Members: $155 + S&H Contact Name: Shawn Jones Phone: 800-4MAXXIS/Fax: 770-962-7705 Contact Name: Camilla Cutler Phone: 800-825-4777/Fax: 651-777-1535 Website: www.maxxis.com Phone: 978-352-6633/Fax: 978-352-7799 Website: www.liftnstore.com Email: [email protected] Website: www.frisker.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] MOCEAN LIGHTCYCLES Product: Bike Patrol Uniforms PATROL CYCLE LLC Product: Bicycle Parts & Accessories Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Product: Patrol Cycle Shoe Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Cost to Members: 25% off Retail Regular Cost: $89.95 Cost to Members: 20-25% off Retail Contact Name: Bill Levitt Cost to Members: $79.95 Contact Name: Bob Light Phone: 877-662-3680/Fax: 949-646-1590 Contact Name: Mark Eumurian Phone: 518-420-4666 Website: www.mocean.net Phone: 800-208-2032/Fax: 651-773-8762 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.patrolcycle.com Email: [email protected] or Email for details/availability/shipping charges. MONTAGUE BIKES [email protected] LOUKA TACTICAL TRAINING LLC Product: Paratrooper Tactical Folding Mountain Product: Video: Firearms & Training Issues Bike POLICE BIKE STORE Regular Cost: $25, incl. shipping Regular Cost: $645 Product: Fuji, S&W, Lights, Sirens, Cost to Members: $23, incl. shipping Cost to Members: Free Folding Pedals & Kickstand Bags, Accessories Contact Name: Lou Ann Hamblin with Purchase Regular Cost: Contact or Check Contact Name: Dave Winding Phone: 734-697-6342 Website for Product List Website: http://home.comcast.net/~kdvonk/ Phone: 800-736-5348/Fax: 617-491-7207 Cost to Members: 10-35% off Retail LouKaLLC.html Website: www.montagueusa.com Contact Name: Michael Espejo Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 309-797-9028/Fax: 309-797-9028 Website: www.policebikestore.com MOUNTAIN RACING PRODUCTS MADISON BICYCLE SHOP Email: [email protected] Product: Bikes, Uniforms, and Accessories Product: Power Grips, White Brothers Forks, Regular Cost: See Website for Product List Kreitler Rollers PROGOLD LUBRICANTS Cost to Members: Up to 15% off; up to 12 months Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Product: ProLink Chain Lube, ProGold Lubes, EPX financing same as cash Cost to Members: 20% off Retail Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Contact Name: Sal Piccolo Contact Name: Paul Aeita Cost to Members: 40% off Retail Phone: 973-377-6616/Fax: 973-822-3551 Phone: 800-999-8277/Fax: 970-241-3529 Contact Name: Doug or Van Website: www.madisonbicycleshop.com Website: www.mrpbike.com Phone: 800-421-5823/Fax: 404-766-3977 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.progoldmfr.com Complete police application. Call to demo a complete police mountain Email: [email protected] bike.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 21 INDUSTRY Industry

PROMARK INT'L INC. SIGNAL MEASUREMENT CO. VISION 2000 LEEDS LTD. Product: Full Line Law Enforcement Equipment Product: GPS & Communication Mounts Product: Mobile Surveillance Systems for Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Push Bikes Cost to Members: 40% off Most Products Cost to Members: 30% off Retail Regular Cost: £1500 + VAT Contact Name: Kenneth Battcher Contact Name: Tom Polcyn Cost to Members: 10% discount Phone: 800-645-4443/Fax: 516-795-4259 Phone: 800-527-1079/Fax: 281-356-0099 Contact Name: Alex Hayes Website: www.publicsafetymall.com Website: www.smc-amp.com Phone: 01132 370293/Fax: 0113 2370294 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.v2k.co.uk Email: [email protected] PUBLIC SAFETY LOGOS SPORT INNOVATION GROUP Product: Badges/Badge Cases/Jewelry/Patches/Etc. Product: Hydration Backpacks Email contact details and IPMBA membership number. Regular Cost: $40-$115 Regular Cost: PolarPak 1.0 $42.95 VOLCANIC

Cost to Members: 10% off + drop ship free on $150 Cost to Members: PolarPak 1.0 $18.30 MANUFACTURING or more Contact Name: Jeff Skillern Product: Bikes, Accessories, Outdoor & Contact Name: Michael Carrizales Phone: 208-426-9058/Fax: 208-424-8687 Camping Gear Phone: 800-276-0706/Fax: 281-251-4786 Website: www.polarpak.com Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Website: www.publicsafetylogos.com Email: [email protected] Cost to Members: Average of 25% off MSRP Email: [email protected] Special offer is not available online. Contact Name: Eric Kackley Code: 20PMBA04 and IPMBA membership number must accompany Phone: 360-943-8613 order. SUPERIOR GEAR Product: Chain Stain Away Pant Protector Website: www.volcanicbikes.com R & B FABRICATIONS Regular Cost: Base/Standard Model: $17.99 Email: [email protected] Product: Panniers & Safety Vests Cost to Members: 10% off Regular Price; quantity Regular Cost: Contact for Product WTB discount for 10 or more. Product: Tires, Saddles, Headsets, Pedals, Wheel List Contact Name: Frank Pollari Parts Cost to Members: 15% off Retail Phone: 888-519-2250/Fax: 807-473-4597 Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Contact Name: Tina Lime Website: www.chainstainaway.com Cost to Members: 15% off Wholesale Prices Phone: 800-553-1911/Fax: 419-594-2250 Email: [email protected] Contact Name: Chris Schierholtz Website: www.rbfab.com For online ordering, enter IPMBA5 in the coupon box. Phone: 415-389-5040/Fax: 415-389-5044 Email: [email protected] SWAGMAN Website: www.wtb.com REDMAN TRAINING GEAR Product: Bicycle Carriers (Roof/Hitch/Trunk) Email: [email protected] Product: Defensive Tactics Training Gear Regular Cost: Contact for Product List EAL PTICS Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Z O Cost to Members: 15% off Retail Product: Sport Eyewear & Goggles Cost to Members: 10% off Retail Contact Name: Debbie Regular Cost: $79.99 - $200 Contact Name: Bob Brothers Phone: 800-469-7924/Fax: 800-469-7893 Cost to Members: 50% off suggested retail. Phone: 800-865-7840/Fax: 800-459-2598 Website: www.swagman.net Contact Name: Melissa Edge Website: www.redmangear.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-454-9325 Email: [email protected] All Shipments Made from Orville, WA Website: www.zealoptics.com RUBEL BIKEMAPS TERRY PRECISION CYCLING Email: [email protected] Product: Bicycling Street Smarts: 48-page booklet Product: Bikes, Accessories, Seats, Apparel Online, please enter coupon code "IPMBA50" at check-out. Regular Cost: See website for price schedule. Regular Cost: Contact for Product List ZENSAH Cost to Members: Free shipping on any size order. Cost to Members: Terry Apparel -- wholesale; see Contact Name: Andy Rubel Product: Tactical Shirts & Shorts notes for more. Regular Cost: Shirts $39.95/Shorts $34.95 Phone: 617-776-6567/Fax: 617-623-1523 Contact Name: Ginny Weisel Cost to Members: 30% off Regular Cost Website: www.bikemaps.com Phone: 800-289-8379 x 13/Fax: 315-986-2104 Contact Name: Ryan Oliver Email: [email protected] Website: www.terrybicycles.com Phone: 877-614-5076/Fax: 305-675-0221 Contact for free sample; see full text at www.bikemaps.com. Email: [email protected] Website: www.zensah.com RUDY PROJECT 10% off wholesale on Terry saddles. Contact Ginny via email for pro Email: [email protected] deal order form. Product: Sunglasses, Sport Eyewear, Helmets, Goggles When ordering online, type "IPMBA30". Regular Cost: Contact for Product List TIMEX WATCH CORPORATION ZOGICS LLC Cost to Members: 35% off Retail Product: All Timex Products Product: Citrawipe Degreasing Hand Wipes Contact Name: Molly Nygaard Regular Cost: Contact for Product List Regular Cost: $2.49 per twin-pack/$74.40 per box Cost to Members: 33% off MSRP Phone: 800-760-2518/Fax: 303-333-9292 of 30 twin-packs Contact Name: Bill Paine Website: www.rudyprojectusa.com Cost to Members: 25-50% of MSRP Email: [email protected] Phone: 215-335-9218/Fax: 215-708-1096 Contact Name: NEW Paul LeBlanc At www.rudyprojectusa.com, click on OTHER INFO, then BATMAN. Website: www.timex.com Phone: 888-623-0088/Fax: 413-235-0007 Enter activation code: gopolice. Email: [email protected] Website: www.zogics.com SEVEN STAR SPORTS UNITED BICYCLE SUPPLY Email: 413-235-0007 Product: Cycling Helmets, Multi-Sport Helmets, Product: Bicycle Tools and Parts Contact for public safety special order form. Protective Wear Regular Cost: Wholesale Pricing OIC LOTHING Regular Cost: Bike Helmet: $6; Visor Helmet: $7; Cost to Members: Wholesale Pricing to Departments Z C Product: Cycling Apparel ABS Helmet: $7; HOG ABS Helmet: $9 Contact Name: Pete Cost to Members: Bike Helmet: $5; Visor Helmet: Regular Cost: Retail $6; ABS Helmet:NEW $6; HOG ABS Helmet: $8 Phone: 541-482-1750 Cost to Members: 30% off Retail Contact Name: Purvis Mirza Fax: 541-482-1132 Contact Name: Eric Swenson Call to establish an account for your department to be eligible for Phone: 888-527-7827/Fax: 905-574-7082 wholesale pricing on all products. Phone: 866-355-9642/Fax: 858-625-0746 Website: www.sevenstarsports.com Website: www.zoic.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Freight Charge: $1 per unit 22 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 News from the UK News from the UK

Matt Langridge, PCI # 869 Amanda Frame, Beat Manager at Police and Community Support Officers Thames Valley Police (UK) Southmead Police Station, wears the (PCSO) Liam Young and Chris Moore, Here we are again, camera as she patrols the Horfield area who work in Chadwell Heath, London, folks, time for more and says it is already making an impact: made headlines when they used their ramblings and wittering “The camera makes a real difference to patrol bikes to pursue and capture two from the other side of policing, especially when tackling anti- escaping thieves. The offenders had the Pond! social behaviour or assaults. We have legged it from a store with their stolen Well, what’s been happening since last we been using the camera since October. haul but, unfortunately for them, the met? Every New Year and Birthday, Her Many people know I wear it and anti- PCSO’s were nearby. Once alerted to the Majesty the Queen recognises the work of social behaviour in the area has reduced incident by a member of the public, Liam people from all walks of life in the New since the summer. The aim of the camera and Chris gave chase. They split up to Years or Birthday Honours List. This is to pro-actively target anti-social track the offenders down after they involves the granting of awards and titles behaviour and crime. It is a real asset in disappeared, but Chris soon spotted them as a “thank you” and a “well done.” helping bring those who cause disruption in an alley. He dumped his bike and Recipients range from sporting heroes and to the community to justice.” chased on foot until he caught up with the stars of the stage and screen to military Officers from Wrexham in Wales are also offenders. He was joined by Ian and personnel, emergency services workers using bikes, this time electrically assisted uniformed police and the thieves were and members of the public. In each and machines, as part of an operation to target arrested. A Metropolitan Police every case, however, the award is made criminal damage in their town. Inspector spokesperson said, “The fact that they had because the recipient has been recognised Chris Beasley said: “Operation chased and caught the suspects while as outstanding in their field. This New Dambusters is exactly what it says. It is to constantly updating the control room to Year saw our own Tom Lynch of the bust people who commit damage. We will request an arrest car is to be commended.” London Ambulance Service awarded the have officers on bikes dedicated to Finally, my fellow IPMBA Instructor MBE (Member of the British Empire responding to incidents. The bikes are Mark Jenkins and I have recruited six medal) for services to the BMX world and ideal because they are silent and so can be more local colleagues to the cause, having Ambulance Cycle Response, a used very effectively at night. They are trained PC’s Will Tippetts, James Mason, tremendous achievement. Well done, fast and versatile Tom. enough to allow PCI 923 Tim Larrad of West Mercia the officer to Constabulary has hit the ‘half century’ keep up with mark with having trained his 50th student any fleeing (see page 11). By the time you read this, I offenders. They have no doubt that this number will have are also environmentally climbed. Good work, that man. friendly and Corporate members Cycle Force run a very cost scheme where every Smith and Wesson effective to use.” cycle purchased from them is The officers will accompanied by a one-year IPMBA be working in an membership. They have now reached the intelligence-led The “victims”, from left to right: PC Will Tippetts, PCSO Roger Brooks, PC’s James 100 members mark, nearly 70 of whom manner, Mason, Alex Ash, Gavin Holmes and Dan McCulloch. Photo courtesy Matt Langridge. are still current, as part of this scheme. patrolling areas I would like to take this opportunity to at times that analysis suggests the offences Alex Ash, Gavin Holmes and Dan thank Ron, Charles and the rest of their are at their peak. McCulloch along with PCSO Roger team for the support they give to Public The Ambulance Service in Bolton, Brooks in January 2007. Welcome to the Safety Cycling in the UK. Lancashire, has also seen the light. They fold, gentlemen. Officers from Avon and Somerset ran a six-week trial by putting Paramedic By the time you read this, I will have just Constabulary have been getting in the Victoria Catterall on two wheels. She and returned from Baton Rouge and the 17th news recently by utilising Mountain Bike seven colleagues were all required to pass Annual IPMBA Conference, where I will patrols to target anti-social behaviour in a fitness test and IPMBA training. The be presenting two workshop sessions. the Horefield area of Portishead, Bristol. Bolton Ambulance Service has recognised Details will follow in the Summer 2007 With the support of Bovis Homes, a large the effectiveness and mobility of cycle issue of IPMBA News. construction company who funded response and Victoria reports, “The Ride Safe, helmet-mounted video cameras and scheme works really well and the public recording equipment, the officers have love it. I am getting people coming up to been mixing it with the troublemakers and me all the time asking about what we do Matt Langridge showing them the error of their ways. PC and about recruitment.”

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 23 News from the UK Celebrating London’s Cycling Communities

he outstanding achievements of London’s cycling communities The Emergency Services (999) Awards were recognised on 2 April 2007 at Transport for London’s (TfL) Cycling Advocate — Awarded to a higher level officer T first ever Cycling Communities Awards, held in Westminster. The 2007 Cycling Community Awards combines the former 999 London who has effected the biggest change in cycling within their Cycling Awards for emergency service cycle teams with the Community organisation this year, demonstrating: Cycling Fund for London’s (CCFL) grants scheme. The awards were a • Determination in establishing and/or expanding cycle celebration of the important role that the many community groups and 999 response teams emergency service teams play in making cycling an activity that is open to all Londoners. • Promotion the greater use of bicycles throughout the The event reflected the widening appeal of cycling in London, with organisation and in mainstream operations nominees and winners representing various communities across the Capital, • Raising its profile as an innovative and effective including the Kensington and Chelsea’s Metropolitan Police Cycle Team, means of work vehicle for their efforts and results in tackling street crime. Individual winners included Met Police’s Sgt Sadler and PC Henshaw (also • Increasing the scope for training and recruitment of from Hackney), joint winners of the Beyond the Call of Duty Award, for cycle teams using a summer bike building course to improve community relations with Cycling Works — Awarded to a cyclist or cycle team who local young people. Metropolitan Police Inspector [former IPMBA member] Paul Delivet and Liz Bowgett from New City Primary School in has demonstrated excellence in the use of bicycles in day- Newham accepted a special award for an Outstanding Example of to-day duties, including: Partnership Working, for the smooth organisation of New City’s mass club • High level of skill whilst negotiating route to incident bike rides to the Thames Barrier Park. as per specialist training Other emergency services cycling awards went to: • • Achieving target response times to incidents and Kathy Jones, London Ambulance Service – Cycling Advocate award • providing lifesaving attention or crime interventions St. John’s Ambulance – Cycling Development award • PCSO Begg, Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) – Cycling Works Beyond the Call of Duty — Awarded to a cyclist or cycle award team who has demonstrated excellence in improving Special mention went to: community relations through the use of the bicycle in his/ • IPMBA member Gerard Robinson, London Ambulance Service (LAS) her profession and whose achievements have displayed – Beyond the Call of Duty category innovation, initiative, leadership and actions beyond the • IPMBA member Ashley Sweetland, St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) Cycle daily requirements of the job. Achievements include: Response Unit – Cycling Advocate category • Special initiatives/events to increase communication • Public Safety Cyclist Working Group (collaboration of 999 and closeness with the community organisations led by IPMBA member Tom Lynch (LAS), IPMBA member Charlie Irvine (MPS), IPMBA member Mark Cockram (City • Building respect and increasing the community’s Police) and David Warman Jnr (SJA) – Cycling Development category confidence to feel safer on the streets Congratulations to all of the award winners, • Increasing knowledge and understanding of the especially our own IPMBA members! diversity of community groups

Cycling Development — Awarded to the emergency services organisation who has done the most to develop cycling within their organisation in the last year. Examples include: • Development of new, or finalisation of existing, package of standards in cycle training, clothing, equipment and maintenance • Rapid extension of cycling team and establishing necessary support systems • Introduction of the use of bicycles into previously non-cycling departments or divisions of organisation

24 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 25

IPMBA BOARD A Tool for Teaching: the Spin Doctor

PRESIDENT by Kirby Beck, PCI #002T/EMSCI #017T you’re a hard-core overhaul mechanic you might Jim Bowell (’08) Coon Rapids (MN) Police Dept. (retired) Troy FD want to stick with your expensive and heavy 19 E Race Street I wanted to pass along a neat piece of equipment I workstand, but for everyone else, this is pretty Troy OH 45373 used while teaching an EMS class to the Denver darn good! 937-335-5678 paramedics. They had purchased a Spin Doctor When I saw it I knew I had to have one. It is so [email protected] Essential Workstand from Performance easy to stick in the car and bring to class or even Bicycle. It’s the first time I saw one and I was VICE PRESIDENT work with around the house. My old workstand is David Hildebrand (’09) very impressed. heavier and bulkier and a pain to haul around. The Denton PD It is a great workstand best part is the price. I got mine on sale for 601 E Hickory, Suite #E Denton TX 76205 for use in $39.99, marked down from $59.99. If you’re 940-349-7956 demonstrations during interested you can get them through Performance [email protected] class or working on Bicycle or even through Amazon.Com. Just bikes in your bike Google Spin Doctor Essential Workstand. SECRETARY room. It is light, easy By the way, those medics in Denver are some Jeff Brown (’08) to carry and store and Dayton PD mighty darn good riders! 335 W Third Street really stable. The legs Dayton OH 45402 fold open and closed like an ironing board. You Be Safe. Live to retire. It’s great, too. 937-333-1108 rest the bike’s bottom bracket on small cradle and Kirby is a former president of IPMBA and one of the [email protected] authors of the Complete Guide to Police Cycling. He is use a universal clamp that goes around the downtube to hold it secure. About the only work an IPMBA Instructor Trainer and an expert in a variety CONFERENCE COORDINATOR of bike-related issues, including crashes. He can be you really can’t do with it is access any cable Chris Davala (’08) reached through his website, www.kbconsulting.com or Maryland State Police guides that are underneath the bottom bracket. If at [email protected]. 2765 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury MD 21811 410-641-3101 [email protected] The IPMBA Conference Call for Proposals

TREASURER Call for Instructors PMBA is actively seeking workshops th Kurt Feavel (’10) he 18th Annual IPMBA Conference will be held April 19- for the 18 Annual IPMBA UW Madison PD 26, 2008, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The IPMBA Instructor, Conference in Indianapolis! This is 1429 Monroe Street I your chance to share your latest Madison WI 53711 T Survival Tactics & Riding Skills, Public Safety 608-262-4520 Cyclist II, and Maintenance Officer Courses will be held brilliant ideas or your tried-and- [email protected] April 19-23; the IPMBA Police & EMS Cyclist true techniques. Your proposal Courses will be held April 20-23; the IPMBA can be for a classroom or an on- EDUCATION DIRECTOR Security Cyclist Course will be held April 21-23; bike session. Workshops can be Charlie Summers (’10) and the Bicycle Rapid Response Team Course will be 1.25 hours, 2.75 hours, or 4.25 hours Illinois State University PD held April 22-23. 700 W. College in length. Normal IL 61761 If you are an active, IPMBA-certified instructor and are It’s easy – just follow these steps! 309-438-8631 interested in teaching at the conference or pre-conference, [email protected] you must submit a letter of interest and resume outlining STEP ONE: Contact IPMBA HQ at your bicycling, work, and teaching experience to the [email protected] or 410-744-2400. Ask INDUSTRY LIAISON Education Committee for consideration. Please include non- for a set of workshop proposal specifications. Ron Burkitt (’09) bicycling-related expertise and/or instructor certifications. STEP TWO: Select a Topic. Stop hoarding Hilliard PD List all past IPMBA conferences for which you have instructed 3800 Municipal Way your in-service training ideas. and/or attended, including a list of workshops for which you have Hilliard OH 43206 STEP THREE: Write your Proposal. Follow 614-921-7269 been lead or co-instructor. Also include the number of PC/ the guidelines carefully. [email protected] EMSC/SC classes you have conducted and/or the number of PC/ EMSC/SC students you have instructed. STEP FOUR: Submit your proposal to IPMBA HQ by July 31, 2007. If you would also like EMS COORDINATOR Instructors will be selected for the pre-conference training courses to be considered for the pre-conference and/ Neil Blackington (’10) as well as the core conference workshops. Be sure to indicate or as a full conference instructor, be sure to Boston EMS which course you would like to teach and/or the workshops you include a cover letter and resume as indicated 767 Albany Street would like to present. (Refer to this program for a list of typical Boston MA 02118 in the “Call for Instructors.” Being accepted 617-343-2367 workshops.) to present a workshop does not guarantee [email protected] Specify whether you are available for the pre-conference, acceptance as a full conference instructor. conference, or both. Please email to [email protected]. STEP FIVE: You will be notified of the MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Deadline: August 31, 2007 Mitch Trujillo (’09) Education Committee’s decision in early fall. Boulder PD If you wish to teach at the conference or pre-conference you must Note about Repeat Workshops: Even if 1805 33rd Street submit a letter of interest and resume, even if you have done so in your workshop has been offered at past Boulder CO 80301 the past. No exceptions! conferences, you must still submit the 303-441-4488 ext 02744 workshop proposal form. Past inclusion does [email protected] not guarantee future acceptance.

26 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 Cycling Resource Guide Instructor Corner PMBA members and instructors are often called upon to conduct bike safety education sessions for children and adults in their I communities. This is a non-comprehensive guide to some of the available resources. Check ’em out! LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY Submitted by Bill Nesper ACCIDENTS (ROSPA) ADMINISTRATION League of American Bicyclists Submitted by a British IPMBA Member Submitted by Ken Nutter, PCI #979 Did you know that IPMBA instructors These resources, while specific to the UK, may Royal Oak (MI) Police Department are eligible to be certified as League Cycling be applicable even beyond the UK borders. I ordered two free videos from NHTSA and Instructors and to teach the League of American The following documents can be found at show these during bike safety education Bicyclists’ BikeEd curriculum? Current www.rospa.org.uk/roadsafety/advice/cycling/ sessions. The titles are Ride Smart: Its Time to IPMBA instructors only need to submit an index.htm: Cycling Accidents – Facts & Start and Bike Safe, Bike Smart. They are quick application, become a League member, and Figures (2005); Cyclists & Lorries Factsheet videos that cover the basics, and seem to keep pay a nominal fee. You will receive the BikeEd (2006); The Effectiveness of Cycle Helmets the kids’ attention. Enjoy the Ride DVD as well as the League (2003); Cycling Policy Statements (2002); Go to http://nhtsa.gov/people/outreach/media/ Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling and LCI Cyclist Training Scheme Guidelines (2002); catalog/Index.cfm. Go down their page to Manual (complete curriculum). LCIs are Carrying Children on Bicycles (2005); The “Topic” and click on the gray arrow to drop covered by the League’s liability insurance Effectiveness of Cycle Training (2001); A down the list of topics. Click on Bicycle Safety, policy and their classes are promoted on the Survey of Adult Cyclist Training in Scotland then click on the gray Submit Topic button. League’s website and Almanac. For more (2001). information, contact Bill Nesper or Todd A variety of other brochures, pamphlets, and McDonald at the League of American CYCLING SCIENCE: A TECHNICAL other resources are available through NHTSA. Bicyclists, 202-822-1333 or JOURNAL FOR BICYCLING ENTHUSIASTS [email protected]. Submitted by Kirby Beck, PCI #002 Coon Rapids Police Dept. (retired) FROM A TO Z BY BIKE Cycling Science is now available on CD! A Better Wear a Helmet Submitted by John Brandt, PCI #204 CD was necessary because Cycling Science: A University of Maryland Public Safety Technical Journal for Bicycling Enthusiasts is (When You Ride) From A to Z by Bike is a 7” x 10” booklet that I simply too massive to be an eBook. ©1994 Jim Moore - Animal Band Music (ASCAP) routinely distribute during bike safety education In many respects, this CD (which contains events such as rodeos. Everybody likes the freedom of a bike every page of all 23 issues, 102 articles total, You can go most anywhere It is an amazingly complete guide for children from 1989 to mid-1997) is a historical archive. It’s under your control, you make it roll and their parents to learn together about the It was the creation of Chester Kyle, Ph.D. and Riding on a cushion of air proper way to cycle. It is a 30-page comic- Ed Burke, Ph.D. — two Americans recognized And there’s nothing like the wind hitting your chin book sort of booklet, in color, with a lot of as world leaders in cycling technology and As you’re cruising on down the road pictures. physiology — and contains much research on But it’s no joke if you flip your spokes The first words in the booklet are, “A bicycle is topics that were cutting edge during the There’s something you should know not a toy, it is a child’s first vehicle.” That says publication period. Read today, the evolving it all for me, right there. Too many adults technologies and predictions of cycling’s future You better wear a helmet when you ride Your head is protecting your brain inside neglect that fact and all the information it are fascinating and even entertaining. It’s a serious deal when you pedal your wheels demands when they teach their children to ride. This unique CD is available for just $23.95 with Better wear a helmet when you ride As far as teaching kids about cycling, it’s the no additional cost for shipping. best money I’ve ever spent. Visit Visit www.roadbikerider.com/cscd_page.htm to Don’t compromise when you’re choosing the size www.amcmedia.net or call 800-667-6119 to see the articles and order your cd. A proper fit is nice and snug receive a copy and a price list. The more you If your helmet moves then it’s too loose order, the less they cost per pamphlet. There’s BETTER WEAR A HELMET Give the strap an extra tug even a plain white addressing area on the back (WHEN YOU RIDE) And when it comes to style whatever makes you smile cover, where you can stamp or print your Submitted by Randy Swart Cuz everybody wants to look cool agency’s name, address, etc. Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute You can be unique from your head to your feet “In 1992, The Animal Band performed at The Just remember this safety rule STATE OF ILLINOIS SAFE CYCLING White House in Washington, DC, and visited RESOURCES Children’s National Medical Center. Several You better wear a helmet when you ride Submitted by Chris Hawk, PCI #347 physicians had heard my songs and made it a Your head is protecting your brain inside University of Illinois PD It’s a serious deal when you pedal your wheels point to suggest that I write a song about bike You better wear a helmet when you ride The State of Illinois Secretary of State’s Office safety with the main theme focusing on offers a variety of bike safety education helmets. The idea was to incorporate the fun It makes no difference how you go resources, including guides on setting up a and freedom that biking offers with proper rodeo and a kids’ safety manual for younger When you get the urge to roll, roll, roll fitting of a helmet. I wrote the tune and in 1994 Bicycle, skateboard, roller blades children. Visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com/ recorded it on The Animal Band’s CD Short ride, long ride, you’ve gotta be safe departments/drivers/traffic_safety/bike- UNCAGED. I’m so honored that my song is pedestrian_safety/home.html to find links to being used to educate people about bike You better wear a helmet when you ride nine impressive resources. safety.” Your head is protecting your brain inside There is also a good web page titled, Teach Better Wear a Helmet (When You Ride) can be It’s a serious deal when you pedal your wheels Your Child Well: Bicycle Safety on the downloaded for free from You better wear a helmet when you ride You better wear a helmet when you ride International Bicycle Fund website, at www.theanimalband.com/animband.html. www.ibike.org/education/safety-kids.htm.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 27 Instructor Corner Helmets for Rodeos! even Star Sports has recently joined IPMBA’s Product Purchase Program! Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Seven Star Sports S offers a wide array of cycling and multi-sports helmets as part of their 2007 Helmet Safety Program. IPMBA members can purchase these CPSC-approved helmets for as little as $5 per helmet. For more information or to place an order, contact Purvis Mirza at [email protected] or 888-527-7827 or visit www.sevenstarsports.com. K.I.S.S. It: Keeping It Simple

by Kirby Beck, PCI #002T/EMSCI #017T topic, and our desire to make the students the best, most Coon Rapids (MN) Police Department (retired) knowledgeable bike officers we could, we were actually having nearly the opposite effect! Sometimes we all need a humbling experience to teach us something. I’m sharing this piece because I’m quite sure there are I realized complexity has several effects. First, the information other experienced and passionate IPMBA Instructors who can stand becomes too much to absorb and understand in a 4 to 5 day class. to learn this lesson themselves. It is better learned sooner than later. Secondly, when students become overloaded, some start to “tune out” and daydream. At that point the instructor has lost them. Next, I had my revelation last spring while teaching an IPMBA Police when information gets too involved, many adult learners start Cyclist Course. It was a rather large class and it required three PCIs wondering how it could possibly be useful to them. As experienced to teach it. Assisting me were two PCIs with vastly different cycling bike officers we may know that it is valuable, but the novice public and bike patrol experience. One was older, with a great passion for safety cyclist has a difficult time comprehending how that extra biking and fitness. He had been a road cyclist and racer for a information will be valuable. I have been known to refer to these number years prior to getting involved with bike patrol. The added techniques or information as “extra tools for the toolbox.” In second was a younger officer and new instructor. He had the same reality we need to give students the most vital tools for a very basic, enthusiasm for teaching bike patrol officers, but considerably less easy-to-use toolbox. teaching and cycling experience from which to draw. Last, and certainly not least, is the impression students may get of During the class, our younger team member gave several their instructor. Some may perceive an instructor’s fervent passion presentations. They were each presented well. His material was as the instructor simply showing off, or straight from the IPMBA PC lesson bragging about how smart or experienced plan. The information was complete, have found greater success and they are. Taken to an extreme, they may but there wasn’t much “extra” I satisfaction while teaching basic even perceive it as arrogance or “attitude.” information added that went over and courses since I began reminding myself to That may not be the instructor’s intent, but it above the material in the lesson plan. keep things simple. may indeed be the student’s perception. A Unlike we “old-timers” whose letter from Allan Howard, Past IPMBA experience and passion had us delving much deeper into some of the Chairman, and PCI #001, found in the beginning of the IPMBA topics, the “rookie” pretty much stuck to the book and the lesson Instructor Manual reminds IPMBA instructors of the importance plan. As I listened, I thought, “there is much more to add if we want and value of humility. “Even though your skills are of the highest to make these students as knowledgeable and passionate as we are!” quality, be humble. Humility allows students to believe they, too, At the end of the week, the required course and instructor can do what’s being demonstrated; it is also an admirable trait…” evaluations were collected from the students. To our surprise, the If you have never read the whole letter, do so. It’s a valuable lesson rookie PCI got the highest evaluations from the group. He was for all of us. deemed easier to understand and had an overall better attitude. All Occasionally an instructor will encounter a student with a passion three of us were somewhat taken aback at the results. It started an for cycling or bike patrol near equal to their own. That student will after-class discussion among the instructors as to why the ask questions and seek out more information and techniques. This evaluations were as they were. While some of the points were is an opportunity to share what you know to help make that unique unique to that group and the weather conditions during the class, student all that they can be. That student may well be the next some could be applied to all basic training courses. person you recommend for IPMBA Instructor candidacy. Those The greatest lesson I learned was to remind myself before and students may be rare in a basic course. IPMBA offers both during every basic course that it is just that: a basic course. We intermediate and advanced level courses for those who seek more want to teach them skills and information that will enable them to tools for their toolbox. It is also a great thing to add to in-service more effectively and safely perform basic public safety tasks using a training for those already trained in the basics. bicycle. Students often attend because they are told to be there. The lesson I learned was an important one. I have found greater Most don’t have a passion for cycling, nor do they have any success and satisfaction while teaching basic courses since I began expectation of ever being an expert. They seek basic riding skills reminding myself to keep things simple. Fighting the urge to go and enough cognitive information to enable them to pass the tests at beyond the lesson plan may require constant self-reminders, but the end of the course, which will keep the brass at work happy. The doing so will make you an better instructor and will actually enable IPMBA course lesson plans provide them with all that is required to your students to better perform and understand the basic skills you meet that standard and pass the tests. It has proven to be a basic but want them to learn in the first place. very comprehensive training program. Kirby is a former president of IPMBA and one of the authors of the During my career, I attended a number of police-specific instructor Complete Guide to Police Cycling. He is an IPMBA Instructor Trainer courses. Quite often I would hear the acronym K.I.S.S. It means and an expert in a variety of bike-related issues, including crashes. He Keep It Simple, Stupid, or Keep It Splendidly Simple. Never before can be reached through his website, www.kbconsulting.com or at had those words been more meaningful. In our passion for the [email protected]. 28 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 29 Cover Story Bicycle Crash Investigation

going slowly. There exists somewhat of a see and be seen. The most under- (Continued from page 1) gyroscopic effect with rapidly spinning recognized effect of weather on cyclists Unfortunately, many serious road cyclists wheels, and to a lesser extent, rapidly might be that of wind. Riding into a know and understand traffic laws pedaling legs. When its pedals are headwind can be very distracting. It regulating bicycles far better than most powering a slow moving bicycle, the requires extra effort to pedal into a street cops. Officers who have received bike’s center of gravity drops from the top headwind. The extra effort increases both quality bike patrol training, such as the of the saddle to closer to the bike’s crank mental and physical fatigue. IPMBA Police Cyclist™ Course, have set and bottom bracket. The center of Riding into a headwind also makes it been trained in the legal status of bicycles gravity moves up higher when it is not difficult to hear all but the noisiest in traffic, proper and legal lane use, and being pedaled. vehicles approaching from the rear. Unless other pertinent provisions. Balance is primarily maintained through a cyclist looks behind him when moving When investigating a bicycle-vehicle minute movements of the front wheel. out into traffic, he might not realize a crash, it may be a good idea to involve a Sudden and unexpected movement of the vehicle is bearing down on him. trained bike patrol officer to help get a handlebar or the front wheel can cause the While crashes involving cyclists being comprehensive perspective as to the bike to rapidly lose balance and fall. If the struck by motorists (overtaking) from the bicycle-related factors and conditions front tire strikes an object laterally, such rear are statistically quite rare, they are involved. Criminal charges may be as a hole, the side of a curb, the gap or often the most deadly. While they are the warranted. An officer knowledgeable in grade difference between asphalt and most feared bike crash, they generally bike law could be a victim cyclist’s best concrete curb, or the side of another bike make up less than 10% of all bike versus advocate, or a legal opponent, providing tire, it diverts the balance, causing what is motor vehicle crashes. the details for fair prosecution. known as a diversion crash. When analyzing these “overtaking” Some states don’t require, or even allow, a The diversion crash can also happen crashes, it is important to try to determine police crash report unless the crash should the front tire get trapped in the gap if the cyclist was riding a straight line in a involves a motor vehicle. Yet, it is quite between road surface and concrete gutter roadway location he legally belonged, or possible to have a serious or fatal crash apron, or in the gaps of a diagonal railroad if he was swerving (unexpectedly) involving a lone cyclist, two or more crossing. It results in a near instantaneous laterally to avoid something like a hole or bikers, or even a cyclist and a pedestrian. fall. It is only through great luck and skill obstruction. Perhaps he swerved Since these don’t involve a motor vehicle, that a cyclist can prevent such a result recklessly for no apparent reason at all. none would be reported on an official state when their balance is diverted with lateral Most fatal overtaking crashes occur at front tire contact. A diversion crash may night. This makes it crucial for explain a sudden and unexpected fall. investigators to determine if the cyclist The most under-recognized There may not be evidence on the bike, was in the proper and legal lane position. but other evidence of a causation factor effect of weather on cyclists It’s also essential to determine if the might be located nearby. might be that of wind. cyclist was using legally required lights The process of balancing a bike also and reflectors or any other devices or or FARS crash report form. These affects a bicyclist’s rear profile. The clothing to enhance his visibility. incidents would be classified as a public widest part of a bicycle is its handlebars. In daytime, a headwind may prevent a accident of some sort. The obligation for a Few handlebars are wider than 24 inches. cyclist from hearing vehicles approaching thorough and detailed investigation is no The widest part of the profile may indeed from the rear. At night, a cyclist would less important. be the rider, especially across their usually notice headlights overtaking him, shoulders. The process of balancing the Balance even if a headwind prevents him from bike, and making the necessary The physics affecting bicycles and hearing it. motorcycles are similar in most ways. movements of the front wheel, causes it to move subtly from side to side. When investigating a serious bicycle When examining drag factors, braking crash, it is important to determine and This side-to-side movement is more efficiencies and percentages, as well as document the wind speed and direction. obvious at lower speeds. This normal side- wheel tracking, those qualified to assess That may prove or disprove a factor in the to-side motion widens the cyclist’s profile, those dynamics can use the same general incident. A nearby fire station or school or space used, to somewhat wider than his factors. Like a motorcycle, a bicycle is a may have a local weather station that can shoulders. In reality, the bike needs a single-track vehicle. Unlike a motorcycle, provide that close-to-the-scene a bicycle is far more affected by weather “wobble lane” width that is approximately information. and surface conditions. Both rely totally three-feet wide. A final weather factor that can be upon the balance of its rider to remain Weather upright. particularly dangerous is the glare from Weather is a factor that affects cyclists. the sun. The blinding rays of the sun, Despite the rider’s best efforts, more Rain or snow can certainly influence tire especially when combined with a dirty or things can happen to cause a bicycle to fall traction. Wet rims will reduce the streaky windshield, can make seeing a or crash to the ground. Balance is easier to effectiveness of certain types of brakes. bicyclist nearly impossible. maintain when the bicycle is traveling Rain can even hamper a cyclist’s ability to faster, and is harder to maintain while (Continued on page 31) 30 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007 Bicycle Crash Investigation Cover Story

(Continued from page 30) safely side-by-side then the motorist has for cyclists and pedestrians to use. They This problem is worsened by the fact that to slow and yield the lane to the cyclist. often parallel streets much like sidewalks. most motorists aren’t conditioned to Check your own state’s statutes, but most Both bike paths and sidewalks provide a expect or look for cyclists. Most drivers states restrict their “impeding traffic” perception of safety to their users. are conditioned to search for cars, trucks statute to the operators of motorized Statistics, however, show that they are and buses that will endanger them or their vehicles. In most cases, a bicyclist, usually no safer where they intersect car if they pull out in front of them. With operating legally roadways and, in a bicycle being a narrow single-track otherwise, is exempt many cases, they vehicle, operating in or near traffic, they from an impeding prove to be more are particularly vulnerable to the effects traffic law! dangerous. and hazards of glare. Documenting any Bike lanes are found One of the reasons glare as accurately as possible should be a in many cities. Bike they are more goal if glare is suspected of being a lanes are part of the dangerous is that factor. roadway and all sidewalk and path Environmental Factors related laws would cyclists are often When a bicycle and motorists are sharing apply. Cyclists in a legally defined as the same space on a roadway, the width bike lane, wishing to pedestrians, exempt of the traffic lane, vehicles and shoulder make a left turn, find themselves in a bit from the usual vehicular traffic rules and becomes crucial to measure and of a quandary. If they make it from the laws. Paths and sidewalks are likely not document. Normally, bicyclists are bike lane itself they are essentially within the scope of the traffic code. expected to ride on the shoulder, in the making a left turn from the far right lane Cyclists can ride both directions, not same direction as adjacent traffic, if a of the roadway. This maneuver results in necessarily the same as adjacent traffic. shoulder exists and is in rideable one of the most frequent types of car/bike In most cases traffic controls, like stop condition. crashes. signs and semaphores, don’t apply to path Exceptions to shoulder riding exist both If a motorist made this maneuver, it users. In many cases they intersect streets legally and in practice. Cyclists can leave would be considered an illegal and unsafe at a location set back from the main the shoulder and even take the (traffic) lane change, of course! Many cyclists intersection. Having cleared the lane, if the shoulder is blocked or choose to leave the bike lane and use the intersection, motorists aren’t conditioned unrideable, if the cyclist is making a left traffic as any other vehicle would. Other, to scan bike paths or sidewalks. They turn, if he is avoiding an obstruction or less confident cyclists stop at the don’t expect anyone to approach from hazard, or when he passes a parked car or intersection and make a pedestrian-style both directions and at speeds much faster a slower moving vehicle. street crossing. Occasionally bike lanes than a person can walk. are shared with parked cars, and conflicts This junction of two systems, one for In the event of a serious bike-related are dangerously increased between crash, the investigator needs to determine motorists, one for pedestrians, results in cyclists, motorists and activity related to many conflicts with associated collisions if the cyclist should have been on the parked cars. shoulder and if the exceptions to shoulder and casualties. In addition, many of the riding were present. Inspect and Sidewalks & Bike Paths bicyclists who operate on sidewalks and document the width and condition of the Another factor in the riding environment paths are children who have little to no shoulder, if one exists. Look back at least is cyclists riding on sidewalks or bike understanding of traffic rules and one block prior to the crash scene. Was paths. In some states, cyclists are principles. Few can imagine that what there a reason why the cyclist may have prohibited from riding on sidewalks, or they do on their bike can get them killed had to leave the shoulder and use the may only be forbidden from riding in or seriously injured. Those factors traffic lane? business districts, where conflicts with combine to make the intersection of roadways with bike paths and sidewalks In incidents where the cyclist shared the pedestrians are dangerous. In other states, where they are permitted on sidewalks, very dangerous and legally confusing traffic lane with motorists, determining places to be. the various widths becomes more they are legally defined as pedestrians, important. How wide is the traffic lane? and subject to the same rights and In the Summer 2007 issue of IPMBA How wide is the motor vehicle involved? responsibilities as pedestrians. News, we will continue to examine some Remember that the cyclist needs a Most police aren’t any more of the specific concerns unique to “wobble lane” at least three feet wide. knowledgeable of pedestrian laws than investigating bicycle crashes. Can the two operate in the traffic lane two they are of bicycle laws. Investigators Kirby Beck is retired after 28 years with the abreast while allowing a safety cushion of should review their Traffic Code and Coon Rapids, MN Police. He is a certified roughly three feet? ordinances for pertinent regulations on IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor Trainer. He is an expert witness in bicycle crash cases. His cyclists and pedestrians using sidewalks Several states have even mandated that e-mail is [email protected]. and bike paths. vehicle operators pass no closer than This article appeared in the March 2006 issue of Law and three feet from a cyclist. By law, if the A growing number of communities are Order magazine, www.lawandordermag.com. lane is too narrow for both to operate building bike paths adjacent to roadways

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 16, NO. 2 31

18th Annual IPMBA Conference

April 19-26, 2008 — Indianapolis – IPMBA Members –

International Police Mountain Bike Association NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE 583 Frederick Rd., Suite 5B PAID BALTIMORE MD Baltimore MD 21228 PERMIT NO. 3361

INSIDE: Call for IPMBA Instructors and Workshop Proposals for the 18th Annual IPMBA Conference

32 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Spring 2007