I am a bike cop. I enjoyed it so much I bought a road bike. I was already a long distance runner so I am in decent shape to start with. I am assigned to our "entertainment district" which on the weekends is bumper-to-bumper. I can get around much faster than an officer in a car or foot. On a typical night we have about 5-8 bike officers out, usually split into 2 or 3 groups. A few use SPD pedals and shoes. I prefer running shoes and toe straps, much easier when off the bike.

We use beat to crap Trek MTB. Most officers end up having to sink our own money to keep the bikes running. You end up having to run over a lot of junk and it tears up tubes and tires. In case you didn't know it sucks to ride with a 20lb duty belt and a bullet resistant vest strapped on. On a good (slow) night I may be able to ride 40 miles, on a busy night only 15. Usually when it is slow enough I try to go on a 15 mile loop trough the precinct checking the parks and things like that. Do that a couple of times a night if possible. I try to do laps in the multi story garages whenever I pass one. Riding at work also helps me keep my weekly mileage up while still having time to run during they day. I try to do at least on fast group ride a week on my days off.

Also got bumped by a car the other night. So if they will hit a man in a bright yellow shirt with a gun they will hit anyone.