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.