IPMBA News

Police Learn to Climb Staircases, Dodge Traffic and Shoot Guns on Bikes

Note:  Neither the IPMBA Instructor Course nor the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course teaches shooting from a moving bicycle, as this article implies.  The Police Cyclist Course can include bicycle-specific firearms training at the instructor's discretion.  

by ALI TADAYON, The Post Register, September 29, 2014 11:00 am

IDAHO FALLS (AP) — Law enforcement officers and EMTs came to Idaho Falls this week from as far away as Florida and Washington state for one reason: to ride bikes.

But the eight public safety officials weren't here to enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride along the greenbelt.

They were learning how to climb staircases, dodge traffic and shoot guns while riding at the International Police Mountain Bike Association's Instructor School.

The weeklong training session that ended Friday was led by public safety bicycling experts, who covered a wide range of tactics. Graduates received instructor certification, so they can go back to their respective agencies and share what they learned with their colleagues.

Bonneville County Sheriff's Sgt. Doug Metcalf, one of the participants, said his office offered to host the training session so its own bicycle-patrol team could learn from the experts.

The sheriff's bike team consists of 13 deputies, who trade four wheels for two when the weather permits.

Metcalf said the session's three instructors, who came in from Colorado and New Mexico, led the students on rigorous bike rides so they could learn how to ride on different terrains. The instructors also took the students to a shooting range so they could learn how to shoot guns while on their bikes.

"Shooting from a bicycle is a a lot different than shooting while standing," Metcalf said. "You're wearing gloves so the grip is different and you've got to be able to shoot with a helmet on."

Metcalf said much of the training centered around "public relations" and bicycle safety.

"A bike official is a lot more approachable to people and has much more contact with the public," Metcalf said. "They teach people about bike safety and are always on the lookout for people breaking the law."

Melcalf said, overall, the training session was a positive experience.
"It's been an excellent course," Metcalf said. "The guys have done a fantastic job. Everyone passed and they're all excited to share what they learned."

Related Video:  http://www.jrn.com/kivitv/news/Mountain-bike-police-EMTs-receive-training-277436511.html

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