Bicycle Patrol

The Mercer Island Police implemented a bicycle patrol in 1993 and it currently consists of one supervisor and eight officers.
 
There is one police bicycle instructor, certified by the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (LEBA), who conducts the initial 35 plus hours training course and training updates. Officers must pass a written test and cycling tests which include numerous agility maneuvers, tactical dismounts, ascending and descending stairways, firearms, and police tactical procedures.
 
Officers are supplied a mountain bicycle and the appropriate equipment, to include a light system for night operation. The officers are also equipped with inclement weather gear, and some of the training sessions address the challenges of riding in bad weather. The bike patrol assignments are part-time and officers carry their bikes with them on specially mounted bike racks on the patrol cars. One or more times during the shift an officer will patrol using the bicycle. The primary areas of coverage are the Central Business District, city parks, bicycle/pedestrian paths and school grounds. While on bike patrol, officers assist citizens and businesses, respond to calls, work traffic control, and are frequently used in addressing specific concerns such as drug/alcohol violations, arson watch, vehicle prowl, and more. Being able to move swiftly and silently has proven to be a great law enforcement asset. In addition to the enforcement of laws, officers also conduct safety rodeos for kids, address bicycle/pedestrian safety issues and work special events. The bicycle patrol is a year round function.
 
Click here to go to "Safer Journey" an interactive program that takes the user through various pedestrian safety scenarios encountered every day across America. It has been developed to improve the level of pedestrian knowledge for all road users (including schools, driver education groups, enforcement, etc.) and safety practitioners.