CABDA 2021: A Virtual Experience

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by Greg Bowen, PCI #1227T
Tarrant County College (TX) Police Department
IPMBA Industry Liaison

On February 9-10, 2021, I attended my first CABDA Expo as an IPMBA representative, in my role as Industry Liaison. Not only was this my first CABDA event, it was also the first CABDA Expo to be held virtually, due to COVID precautions. I enjoy any event involving bikes and was a bit disappointed that it could not be attended in person, but I am thankful that there are ways to overcome the situation COVID has created. Overall, I would say it was a productive experience.

The Expo is a trade event that offers members of the bicycle industry, such as bicycle manufacturers, frame makers, shop owners, apparel suppliers, cycling advocates, etc., an opportunity to get together and meet with others in the industry. They learn about new products, exchange ideas, and work together to advance and promote the cycling industry.

Instead of an in-person event, attendees interacted at the virtual trade expo, sales/technical training sessions, a job fair, and topic-specific “lounges” designed to encourage discussion. There was even a networking happy hour. Before attending, I was wondering how they were going to pull off a virtual happy hour. It seemed to work. Attendees entered a virtual lounge. Every 30 seconds, a person would show on your screen. You then had a short time to introduce yourself, explain your role in the bike industry, and exchange contact information for a more productive conversation later.

The Sales and Technical Training sessions included topics that would benefit shop owners, mechanics and marketing staff. There were also a few component technical training opportunities presented by SRAM and ROCKSHOX.

Our own IPMBA member, retired police officer Clint Sandusky, presented two seminars on the topic of e-Bikes: Selling E-Bikes to Law Enforcement and E-Bike Safety: How IBD’s are the First Line of Defense. IPMBA’s Executive Director, Maureen Becker, and I were in attendance to answer questions and give comments related to IPMBA’s position on the topics of discussion.

After each of Clint’s presentations, interested attendees entered a virtual lounge for a more personal Q & A session and an opportunity to share their perspectives on the topics. On the topic of e-Bike safety, it seemed that the consensus was, as Clint stated, “I believe it is going to take all of us working together (public safety personnel, bicycle retailers and manufacturers, cycling educators, advocates, and organizations; parents and schools; the media, and more) to encourage safe, legal, and responsible e-Bike use as more people discover the fun and freedom an e-Bike can provide.”

On the topic of selling e-Bikes to law enforcement, bike retailers, manufacturers, and public safety e-bike customers all benefited from the conversation. Members of the bike industry learned about the unique needs of public safety cyclists and what they are looking for in e-Bikes. This conversation has the potential to spur improvements in e-Bikes and future developments to better fit the needs of public safety bike personnel.

Aside from supporting Clint and being available to answer questions about IPMBA, part of my mission was to nurture relationships with companies that serve – or have the potential to serve – public safety cyclists. Many of these companies participate in our Product Purchase Program (PPP), through which you, as a member, have access to discounted merchandise for your professional and recreational riding. Many of the items available in the PPP are the result of relationships developed during events such as the CABDA Expo. The discount you receive on even just one item on the PPP can offset the cost of your annual IPMBA Membership.

During the expo, I made it a point to contact vendors who currently participate in the IPMBA PPP and others with whom IPMBA would like to develop relationships. These vendors play an important role in supporting IPMBA, not just by offering member discounts, but also by donating items for our silent auction, providing samples, purchasing advertising space, and participating as Corporate Members. Here are a few that attended the virtual CABDA.

ABUS: Market leaders in bicycle security and safety products such as locks and helmets. They are one of the largest helmet manufacturers in the world.

Albabici: A company founded by Italians that markets Italian goods and services to European and U.S. markets, including frames, eyewear, helmets, apparel, components and much more.

Bike Rags: “Screen printers with a passion for bikes”. They design jerseys, shirts, banners, patches and more. They participate in the IPMBA Product Purchase Program and offer members free design and a 10% discount off their total order.

Muc-Off: Sells chain lube, degreaser, tubeless sealant, tubeless kits and cleaners, just to name a few. They now offer a chain lube developed specifically for e-Bikes.

Squirt: Sells chain lube, cleaner, tubeless sealant, and more. What makes them unique is that their products are biodegradable.

Skratch Labs: Manufactures sport nutrition products designed to improve performance that are made from real food. Discounts are available through ExpertVoice as well as the IPMBA Product Purchase Program.

LEATT: Sells helmets, body armor, braces, guards, hydration systems, apparel, and more. Some of their products may be of particular interest to members of Bicycle Response Teams. Discounts are available on ExpertVoice.

IPMBA actively seeks out and tests products in the bike industry. The CABDA Expo gives IPMBA the opportunity to develop relationships with members of the bike industry and to discover products that public safety cyclists can use to increase their safety and performance in the field. We are grateful for the support that vendors in the bike industry provide to our professional organization and its members. We look forward to seeing what is in store at the future CABDA Expos!

Greg is a police captain for the Tarrant County College Police Department in Central Texas. He attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course in 2001, hosted by Denton Police Department, and started the bike unit for his department. In 2011, he attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor Course in Richmond, Virginia. He was fortunate to attend several IPMBA Conferences. He always thought that Fort Worth, Texas, would be an outstanding location to host a conference. After building a relationship with the Fort Worth Police Department, he was asked by their bike unit commander about co-hosting a conference. Of course, he said “yes”. After over a year of planning, Tarrant County College Police Department and Fort Worth Police Department were co-hosts to the 2019 IPMBA Conference. After having such a positive experience working with the leaders of IPMBA, Greg decided in 2020 year to run for a position on the IPMBA Board of Directors. He was elected and appointed to the position of Industry Liaison. He can be reached at industry@ipmba.org.

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