Patrolling the Star City: Officers, deputies become certified cyclists
by: Kelsey Jean-Baptiste, Colleen Guerry, WFXR, May 31, 2022
Photo Courtesy Roanoke Police Department
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)– Earlier this month, a group of Roanoke City police officers and deputies became International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) certified cyclists, which means they have the training and the credentials to patrol the Star City on bicycles.
To get to this point, officials say the law enforcement officers went through a rigorous, week-long course that covered skills like biking up and down the stairs, moving safely and slowly, and completing endurance rides. In addition, in just four days of training, the group rose a total of 98 miles.
Besides completing the 40-hour training course, the officers also had to pass a written exam before they could hit the streets.
Sgt. William Drake with the Roanoke Police Department says the slow-moving drills prepare cyclists to maneuver through both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
After all, police bicycles are still emergency response vehicles and the officers riding them “have to be able to ride in and around situations that you wouldn’t normally ride around,” according to Drake.
Drake says patrol cyclists’ drills also enable them to drop their bikes and run at a moment’s notice, as well as balance on the bike so they can ride through any obstacles or channel their energy into a burst of speed.
The sergeant adds that learning to ride the bike this way is beneficial, saying they need to be prepared to ride slowly and safely in certain areas of Roanoke, like downtown or the Valley View Mall.
“This was an extremely mentally and physically challenging week, but these officers persevered and graduated with high marks,” the Roanoke Police Department wrote on Facebook on May 14. “Many thanks to our dedicated training staff who took the time to train and encourage these officers.”
One of the Star City’s newest certified cyclists, Officer Andrew Williams with the Roanoke Police Department, says that the minute he saw the opportunity to be a bike patrol officer, he took it.
“In my experience of having gone out on the bike that the city really enjoys seeing officers on a more personal level versus just seeing a car go by,” said Williams.
Williams tells WFXR News that he wanted to be able to ride the Greenway and interact with the community more. However, out of all of his certifications, he says the IPMBA certification was been the toughest one.
So, if you are thinking about becoming a certified law enforcement cyclist, what do you need to know?
For Williams, he says this is something for which you need to prepare both your body and your mind. After all, not only is this a physically demanding assignment, but you sometimes have to think outside the box.
“Most of our assignments are six to eight-hour assignments. We have some had longer ones, but we try and throw in breaks to stay hydrated and keep our energy level up,” said Drake.
In addition, Drake says you need experience on a bike, adding that this job is not for “novice riders.”
When it comes to fighting crime, both Drake and Williams say patrolling on the bike allows them to be stealthy and go places that traditional police vehicles can’t, like alleys.
“We are able to ride up on things happening and ride up on criminal activity occurring with very little visibility,” Drake explained. “And we’re able, if someone does run from us, the bikes can go almost anywhere you can run.”
Also, if you are in need of help, the cyclists have you covered.
Drake says the cyclists’ shirts increase their visibility for citizen engagement. More specifically, their uniforms are equipped with reflectors, if someone is in need of help at night, will easily be able to notice an officer on a bike.
Meanwhile, through this collaboration with the Roanoke Police Department, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office says seven deputies also completed and received IPMBA cyclist certification, forming the agency’s very first bike unit.
“We are proud to train and work alongside you all,” the Roanoke Police Department wrote, congratulating the deputies on their certification. “Please say hello to these officers when you see them on bike patrols!”