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Basic Police Cyclist

Class Length: 40 hours
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30-Day Release

DESCRIPTION

This course is the International Police Mountain Bike Association's “Police Cycling Course".  The IPMBA certified course is becoming the only basic police cycling course recognized by many state law enforcement education certification boards.  It is based on proven tenets of cycling espoused by the League of American Bicyclists (the oldest bicyclist's education and advocacy organization in existence).  Certified IPMBA instructors (PCIs) must teach the curriculum for students to receive the IPMBA "PC Certification."  The PC is a standardized training course taught throughout the US and around the world (Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Panama, Philippines, Rwanda, and Brazil) by PCIs who have been rigidly screened and tested and actively work as bike patrol officers.  It is fast becoming the only basic police bike-training course approved by law enforcement training certification boards in many states. 

 

This course emphasizes "Vehicular Cycling" techniques that combine principles of traffic flow, the physics of bicycling, and state traffic laws to produce a method of cycling in traffic that enhances the predictability and safety of the officer.  Vehicular Cycling is recognized around the world as a superior method of cycling, based on sound principles of Effective Cycling by John Forester.  Also covered are, patrol procedures and tactics, including suspect apprehension techniques; night riding; use of the bicycle as a complete tool (including its use as a weapon); physical training aspects; off-road riding; maintenance and repair; firearms; uniforms and equipment; and more.  Officers will then apply these skills in mock crime scenes staged to assess the students’ performance under stress.  This basic course spans five days in an effort to include as much information and practical application of skills as possible for the student.  

 

Physical Requirements

All students must complete an IPMBA “Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire” (available through the training division), prior to attending the course.  Although it is not necessary to be an accomplished athlete to participate in and successfully complete this course, students should be physically capable of, and must have recently accomplished, riding ten miles at a moderate pace (12-15 mph) without stopping. 

 

Testing Criteria

All students will be required to pass; 1) a 50 question multiple choice written exam, 2) a demonstration of bike handling skills, and 3) a multi-task road test.  A score of 76% is necessary on the written test to pass. The skills demonstration and road tests are on a pass or fail basis.  *Students who wish to apply for the IPMBA PC Instructor program must score 90% or better on the written test.

 

IPMBA Membership

Membership in IPMBA is not required to attend this course.  However, students must be members to receive the official IPMBA Police Cyclist Certification.  Students not wishing to do so will still receive full TCLEOSE credit for the 40-hour course.

Tools

In order to facilitate the best learning environment, especially in the maintenance class, we find it essential that each agency provide the following items (for use by no more than two officers per kit): a patch kit with at least 5 patches; 2-3 spare tubes; 4 tire spoons; and hex wrenches of 4, 5, & 6mm.  Each agency should also equip their attendees with at least one frame pump or floor pump.  All of these items are relatively inexpensive and available at any bicycle shop.

Weather

The training will be held regardless of the weather with few exceptions.  Students should be prepared to ride in weather consistent with the time of year.  The road tests will take place on the streets of Denton rain or shine.

PREREQUISITES

None

COURSE COST

$300

SPECIAL NOTES

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: SEE BELOW

 

IPMBA Police Cyclist Course Sample required Equipment and Materials Checklist:

Duty Bicycle

  • Reputable manufacturer mountain bike in good working order, properly fitted

Bicycle Equipment

  • Off-road or Mountain bike tread pattern tires preferred (size 26, 27.5, or 29 inch diameter)
  • Pedal retention devices (toe clips or clipless pedals)
  • One water bottle cage and bottle
  • Hydration delivery system, i.e. Camelbak backpack or hip pack with bladder (recommended)
  • Headlight (42 lumens measured at 10 ft.)
  • Steady or flashing red taillight
  • Rear mount kick stand
  • Rear rack with full size rack bag

Tools

  • Patch kit
  • Tire levers
  • Two spare tubes
  • Tire pump
  • Bicycle specific multi-tool
  • Spare derailleur hanger specific to bicycle (recommended NOT required)
  • Extra Bicycle Chain (recommended NOT required)
  • Spare quick or master link for bike chain (recommended NOT required)

Safety Equipment

  • Eye protection (Ballistic rated, clear or tinted)
  • Bicycle helmet (MIPS, ANSI, Snell, or CPSC approved)
  • Cycling gloves (recommended)
  • Body armor protective vest

Attire

  • Department approved patrol duty uniform (worn during firearms day)
  • Casual shirt, athletic shorts
  • Padded cycling shorts (recommended)
  • Comfortable athletic shoes
  • Rain gear (jacket, pants optional)
  • Off-road cycling clothes (optional)

Duty Equipment

  • Duty Pistol (Required for Range Day)
  • Magazines
  • Department Approved Gear

Other

  • The Complete Guide to Public Safety Cycling (Provided with course registration)
  • Pencil/Pen/Notebook
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen skin protection
  • Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) (required) and medical clearance sheet (if indicated by PAR-Q)
  • IPMBA waiver (to be signed on-site)
  • 50 Rounds of FMJ or Ball ammo (Needed for Range) 

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