Police Cruiser
By Mark Jones, Get Out Chattanooga
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Were you already a cyclist before joining the bicycle patrol and if so how long have you been riding?
No. Serving as a bike patrol officer for 15 years has launched my interest in cycling outside the department.
How many miles do you typically ride per shift and per week?
15 to 20 miles a day; approximately 100 miles per week.
Do the bike patrol officers get special training and are there specific physical requirements to qualify for duty?
Bike patrol officers participate in a week-long classroom and hands-on training class and become certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association. The training involves slow-speed balancing drills and dismounting techniques; bike patrol tactics; officer survival; bike maintenance and many other skills for safe and effective bike operation.
What is the hardest portion of your coverage area to patrol by bike?
While the terrain isn’t particularly difficult in our coverage area, the extreme heat in the summer months can make for a pretty miserable day, especially when you’re wearing a lot of the necessary gear.
Have you ever had to pursue a suspect or perform a chase on your bike? If so what was that like?
I have had numerous occasions to pursue pedestrians and motorists while on patrol. A memorable chase was an incident where I chased a woman for numerous blocks and finally managed to get her stopped. She asked if I needed to see her driver’s license and I said “Yes, let me get it from your purse that’s on the roof of your car.”
Do you believe the bike patrol gives you an advantage on your beat? Does it help you connect with people or make you more approachable?
Yes, definitely. A police car traveling 25-30 miles per hour is less likely to be flagged down bya tourist looking for the Tennessee Aquarium or needing directions to Erlanger hospital. Also, because as a bike patrol officer we are traveling slower we smell and hear things that you can’t in a car. We can get through alleys and areas in our parks that police cars can’t navigate through.
How much do you ride off duty and where are your favorite places around here?
Over the years I have been an avid mountain biker when not on patrol. Some of my favorite places to bike are Prentice Cooper State Forest and Harrison Bay State Park.
During your time riding along our city streets, what are some of the biggest traffic hazards and scariest moments you’ve faced? What would you tell other riders, or car drivers, to help make the streets safer for both?
There have been occasions where I have had close encounters and have almost been hit by a car. There have also been times when I have to block traffic with my bike, which can be difficult and somewhat hazardous. And, as a bike officer we are able to negotiate traffic at times faster than a district car so oftentimes we are the first responder and left to the task of providing CPR, crowd control, collecting initial intelligence, etc. My advice to everyone, share the road and respect the lives of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Cyclists need to remember in order for them to stay safe they need to adhere to the laws just like motor vehicle operators. Stop when appropriate at traffic lights and stop signs.
What are some of your other outdoor recreation interests?
My wife and I enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. We also enjoy spending time working on our farm property and taking our dogs out to play.
Occupation:
City of Chattanooga Bike Patrol Officer
Family:
Married to wife Cathy; 3 dogs and 1 spoiled cat.
Favorite books:
The Journals of Lewis and Clark and The Roadless Yaak
Favorite music:
Country
Favorite local restaurant?
Terra Nostra
Hobbies:
Hiking, gardening, wood cutting, working out at the gym
How long have you lived in Chattanooga:
45 years
Favorite thing about Chattanooga:
My favorite thing about Chattanooga is that a lot of our family lives here and we enjoy time with our nieces and nephews. Tennessee is a beautiful state and Chattanooga is one of its crown jewels. It’s a great place to call home. In the Chattanooga area you have relatively inexpensive recreational opportunities for families from walking or biking down the Riverwalk, boating, canoeing or fishing. You can drive less than an hour in almost any direction and see some spectacular places like the Ocoee River, Foster Falls, the Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain; or you can simply enjoy a drive through the country to view some of the most beautiful farmland in our nation. And Chattanooga and the surrounding area have some of the kindest and most hospitable people in the U.S.