HockeyTemper

Yup, a newbie here. Im from Limerick, Pa. & Im 32yrs. old. I've rode off & on most of my life. Typical BMX stuff as a kid & MTB when I started riding again a few years ago.
During the summer months I actually get paid to ride, as a bike cop. Its a heavy Trek Police Edition. Therefore none of my unpaid riding is on paved areas .
I currently have an old Specialized Rockhopper & I'm planning on getting something new, (so please read my other post in the MTB Forum). And I like Yeungling Lager

Rich Clark

Hi,

So here's my question: here in Philadelphia, the bike cops are worse than anybody when it comes to not obeying traffic laws on their bikes. In a city where traffic enforcement is already nearly non-existant, this is a clear signal that the police don't care what cyclists do.

Is this universal? Does the issue of vehicular cycling even arise during bike-cop training?

RichC

HockeyTemper

I don't work in Philly so I can't speak for them. As far as training goes, it's all up to the departments & how much money they're willing (ie. allowed by the local government) to spend on training. Personally, I'm certified by IPMBA & will be attending the advanced course this spring. There were many hours spent in classroom and alot of that was on proper vehicular cycling. BUT, remember there's an entirely different reason a cop is on a bike as compared to any other rider out there. Main reason would be for responding to emergency calls & patrol. A major advantage to the bike is that we can respond quicker (because it's possible for us to disregard vehicular restraints), and patrol (which we can do quieter and more stealth). Now imagine a bike cop responding to a call & obeying all vehicular laws.....or how about trying to watch drug dealers on a corner while our lights are on and Im in the traffic way. See my point?
It's not that we don't care what cyclists do. Like I said I can only speak for myself & our Dept. But unfortunately, what cyclists do isn't a major complaint generator. We have to take all aspects & responsibilities of being a policeman and put them into an order of importance. And because we know this is a problem, that's why I hold MANY "bike-rodeos". We set aside time (outside of patrol time) and have demos., courses, Q&A, and Ive even went out on my own to get helmets donated for all kids who came out & were unfortunate enough to have them.

Road Warrior

I never thought that I'd see the day Policing on bikes would make it in the Northeast! I'm glad it caught on! I applaud you as a fellow officer and glad to have you aboard! Did you know that in New York City aside from P.D., Corrections has also joined the bike patrol ranks. Amazing! This will probably be my next post before I retire! Never thought when I became a C.O. I'd get paid for biking! Peace & Safe Wheelin' Jeannie

HockeyTemper

You'll love being on a bike at work. Unfortunately the first two years I was on, I didn't ride much recreational on my days off.
I also just picked up a Trek 2002 series for our 5th man this year. (Im the 3rd from the left, w/ the tattoo on my leg)

RonH

What tattoo? Let's see a close-up of it.

Oh no. Will this open up the tattoo thread that started last summer?