How did LEBA get started?
Where is LEBA today?
What are the benefits of bike patrol?
What types of bikes are used on patrol?
What types of accessories are used?
What about maintenance, how do I fix my bike?
Where do I store my bike?
What kind of uniforms and safety equipment will I need?
Why is a training program needed to ride a bike?
What are the budge considerations of a bike detail/unit?
Effectiveness of Bike Patrols vs. Car Patrols

How did LEBA get started?

In early 1987, the Seattle Police Department was faced with a rising crime rate, due in part to major construction in the downtown area. The construction brought downtown traffic to a standstill, which hampered the effectiveness of officers in patrol cars. There were officers on foot patrol downtown, but they could not keep up with the increasing amount of crime. Officer Paul Grady did some rooftop surveillance, watching criminals and other foot officers, and noticed that wherever the officers went, the crime would move around the block. The obvious answer seemed to be the mountain bike. The mountain bike allowed an officer to ride with stealth and speed, without sacrificing the ability to descend stairs, jump curbs, or quickly dismount with little or no damage to the bike.

Officers Paul Grady and Mike Miller met with the vice-president of the Raleigh Cycle Company of America. He donated four of Raleigh’s newest mountain bikes to the police department. On July 10, 1987, Officers Grady and Miller rode into downtown Seattle as the first ever police mountain bike patrol. There success was immediate. Within 30 minutes, the officers made three felony narcotics arrests. In their first month, they made 500 misdemeanor arrests - five times the average for foot patrols.

Where is LEBA today?

In the subsequent years policing by mountain bike took off exponentially. By the early 1990’s there were believed to have been trained some 10,000 bike patrol officers nation wide. In September 1993 Sgt. Paul Grady held the first national instructor-training seminar at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. Some 27 Law Enforcement Bicycle Association Instructors were “born.”

Bend, Oregon was the site of the second LEBA National Instructor School. It was here that the concept of a Board of Directors was explored. Who would make up that Board? What would its purpose be that was not already satisfied by the work of Paul Grady? The answers came over the ensuing years, as the Board developed and took on more and more of the operational end of the association. By the end of 1996 Paul decided he was ready for a well-earned break from the day-to-day operations of LEBA, and the Board had become a cohesive unit.

In 1997, with Jose Dominguez as the newly elected President, Matt Lewis as Vice President, John Fox as Secretary and Training Coordinator, Jared Katz as Treasurer, and Karl Odenthal and Dave Kishbaugh as “members at large” we proceeded to incorporate and become the first 501(c)(3) non-profit police bicycle training company in the country (perhaps the in the world).

Jared Katz led the association through the process, working through the reams of paperwork for the filings, and meeting endlessly with an attorney to develop articles of incorporation and bylaws. In the end, the Board was formalized and took on new responsibilities. LEBA no longer filed through a personal social security number but had its own Federal Tax Identification Number. The Board’s numbers grew from five to nine, which allowed us greater depth and experience. The Board of Directors now consists of four Officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary, four Members-at-Large and the Training Coordinator.

In its history, the LEBA has trained nearly 1,000 officers per year in the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Ireland and the former Yugoslavia. While many officers have transitioned out of bike patrol, many more continue to seek training in the hundreds of police departments supporting this once-controversial method of patrol.

What are the benefits of bike patrol?

Bike patrol has many benefits. Bikes can be used in heavily congested areas or in urban areas. Downtown areas seem to be the most common arena for Bike Patrol Officers. Bike Patrol officers can respond much quicker than a patrol car in these types of settings. In many downtown areas, bike patrol officers are solely responsible for patrolling and answering calls. They are also utilized to patrol outdoor festivals, fairs and other public events.

Bike patrol officers have the advantage of stealth and speed when conducting surveillance investigations. It is very easy to hide the bike and the officer in order to watch persons conducting suspected criminal activity. Then, it is just as easy to respond from these secreted places.

Bike patrol officers can easily be relocated to remote areas by vehicle, and then patrol that area on bike. Some examples include searching for missing persons, targeting areas where burglaries are on the rise, and assistance to emergency operations (natural disasters, crowd control, etc.) Additionally, in this age of “community policing,” a bike patrol officer is much more accessible to a citizen than a patrol car driving by.

What types of bikes are used on patrol?

There are many bicycles that are suitable for police bicycle patrols. Some manufacturers have bicycles made specifically for law enforcement use such as Fuji, Trek, Raleigh, and Smith&Wesson. There are lots of different mountain bikes out there. Do some research and contact these manufacturers to see what kind of packages they offer.

Typically, you should look at the frame size, frame material, components and brakes.

• The mountain bike should be fitted to the individual rider whenever practicable. In some instances, sharing a bike will work when the officers are very close in size and body proportions. You would not want to share a bike with someone who is 5' 10" with 36" arms if you are the same height but have 30" arms. Some small departments may find that outfitting each officer with his or her own bike is not cost effective, and while we encourage departments to make the commitment, we would caution any recommendation that would be prohibitive. The solution may be to get a mid-sized frame that can accommodate both officers (it becomes extremely difficult to have more than two officers share a bike, and whenever possible it should be avoided). In this case, the best way is for both officers to go to the shop and get fitted. It may be that an 18" frame with the right seat post and stem can satisfy both officers.

• No matter what you read in the techno-weenie tribune, it doesn't matter what the frame is made of - Aluminum (in any of its plethora of numbers, i.e. 6351-T62, 6061-T6, Élan 3, etc.), titanium, such as 6AL/4V titanium or cro-molly steel (Tange Prestige, etc.) - all will suffice. Cro-molly is easiest to repair as it can be brazed, or heated and straightened most successfully if damage occurs. Generally, it doesn't matter how much it weighs (to a point) since you're going to be loading it down with cop gear. The 2.8 pound carbon fiber monocoque frame means nothing under 15 pounds of rack bag, headlight, fenders, kickstand, and so on. Often, a slightly heavier frame will mean a more stable bike for routine patrol, though some responsiveness may be sacrificed.

• We generally use Shimano's Deore line as the benchmark for thinking about components. The low end of their line, LX, is the minimum recommended quality for police use. If you were to compare it to something like tires, there's a reason police departments use high-end name brands as opposed to retreads. Retreads may work perfectly well for other applications, but you would not use them on patrol where they will have to stand up to substantial abuse that only police officers can dream up. It's the same reason that patrol cars have heavy-duty suspensions, transmissions, electric systems, brakes, etc.

o Shifters are the choice of the officer or bike manufacturer, and are for the most part no better or worse than their counterparts. Be they grip shifters, top mount or rapid fire, as long as they are of the minimum quality or better, they will function well if maintained. Your bike should come through with Deore quality or comparable, and these will certainly suffice. Components much below these standards may leave you in the lurch when you most need performance. These days most bikes come through with seven or eight speed cassettes and are sold as 21 or 24 speed bikes.

o Brakes are often the only thing keeping your face off the pavement. Don't mess around with shoddy plastic pads and cast metal cantilevers. Your bike should come through with brakes that will perform well for years. In a few rare cases, a manufacturer will cut cost by scrimping in covert places. You may find that the pads are cheesy beyond all repair, which saved the manufacturer pennies and cost you the skin on your forearms. . A good set of pads may cost $15-$20.00, but if they come on the bike you won't have to worry.

• Suspension, whether it is for front/rear forks or a seat, is not necessary but when used by bike officers who ride consistently may prevent hand, back, and other types of injuries related to riding bicycles. Many "Police Package" bikes are coming through with front suspension. A low-end system (provided it's not an untested promo) will probably be sufficient. There is no need for full suspension bikes for cops. There are many types, styles and manufacturers of suspension systems available, some better known than others, and some higher quality than others. Keep in mind that often, quality equals price in this game. Still, the constant vibration from an eight our shift can leave the leggiest of us buzzing. An inexpensive front suspension that offers some relief from the pounding of the street is worthy of the few extra pennies.

• Your bike should come with metal alloy pedals and toe clips. If your bike comes with a plastic or nylon pedal, get rid of them. Ask your shop to swap them for a set of alloys. They will certainly not charge for the labor (there is almost none) and they may even exchange the pedals in even trade. This one item can mean the difference between a successful dismount and suspect contact, and a pile of officer, bike and blood as the result of insufficient strength in the pedal.

o There are three types of pedal systems, 1) flat pedals 2) pedals w/toe clips and straps or powergrips and 3) clipless pedals. Most bike officers use toe clips and straps. You should avoid flat pedals if possible. Toe clips and clipless pedals are used to make your pedal stroke more efficient. You can apply power to the whole pedal stroke instead of just mashing down on the down stroke. This can’t be accomplished with flat pedals.

o If you are using clipless pedals, make sure the cleats on your shoes are properly fitted. A fit kit at most shops will accomplish the task of aligning the cleat so your foot is in the proper position on the pedal. A tactical concern is that cleats will make a “click” sound when you walk on a hard surface.

• Wheels: The vast majority of the bikes police use come from the factory with wheels that are suitable for heavy use. Still, it is important to be certain you don't have road or cross wheels if the terrain you'll be riding on consists of stairs and potholes. There are carbon fiber technology wheels, which will remain true for a lifetime, but are not necessary for patrol. A standard issue mountain bike wheel should generally be constructed in a three-cross spoke pattern and use a box type rim for strength, with a quality hub for longevity and reliability.

• Tires: Tires should be purchased "terrain specific." If you will never be on dirt, you have no need for knobby tires. Stay away from the "gnarly mud rubber" they may try to sell you on, and stick with something more along the lines of the Tioga City Slicker, or the Specialized Crossroads, Continental Country, or the Avocet Cross K. These tires are on-off cross tire to the pretty slick city tire. Stay away from pure slicks (no tread) as they'll leave you sliding in the rain or on wet roads. (These brands are representative of the type of tire to look for, and not necessarily the ones to buy.)

What types of accessories are used?

• Saddles: The three areas where your body contacts the bike are the most likely to become injured from the act of riding itself. While some of the saddle sore feeling every rider feels when he or she starts out for the first time in a long time goes away with use, some may be caused by the type of saddle you are using. There are probably around 50 different saddles on the market. Each manufacturer speaks of their saddle's superior performance, light weight, flexibility index, etc. What matters is your comfort in the saddle. Saddles should fit the seat, not the other way around. If yours is larger than the showroom seat, ask for a larger model. If your seat is smaller than the saddle, you may find it equally uncomfortable. For some, a gel cover is the way to go. They are plentiful and not very expensive.

o Women -and the technicians who assist them - have to recognize that there are anatomical differences, which should play a role in purchasing the correct seat. Not every woman needs to use a "women's" saddle. However, most women find that due to the fact that their ischial tuberosities are spaced wider than most men's, a saddle with a broader seat is more comfortable.

• Bar ends are extremely useful add-on for bikes. Whether for training or patrol, these can mean the difference between a comfortable shift in position and serious hand problems. They allow a rider to move his or her hands to different positions thus alleviating discomfort while retaining full control of the bike. From a technical standpoint, they allow the rider to move forward on the bike while maintaining a low body position, which is critical for steep climbs. If your bike doesn't have them as standard equipment, bar ends are inexpensive and practical upgrades.

• A rear mounted kickstand is highly recommended. There is no better way to protect the condition of your patrol bike than by equipping it with a sturdy stand. The reason a center stand is not recommended is that it tends to act as a fulcrum for the bike, causing it to fall when you expect it to stand. Better to lay the bike down on purpose than have it fall on you due to inadequate equipment. The rear mount stand will support the weight of your rack bag. Make sure the stand you choose will stand up to the use you intend it for.

• Headlight and tail light systems.

o There is no one headlight system that is the best. You will have to evaluate your needs and go from there. Here are a few things to consider as you make your choice. First, since you are a small object (as compared to a cruiser) having a quadzillion watt power plant with six trillion candle power can be an asset. Too much of a good thing usually means a sacrifice down the road. For instance, the higher wattage your lamp, the larger the battery to power it. Most good lighting systems will provide at least six to ten watts of power and four hours of usage. Of primary concern should be the sturdiness of the light fixture. Is it going to fall off if you go down a flight of stairs? Will it maintain its vertical tracking if you go off a curb? Some come with bottle cage mounted batteries (a plus since it means a larger battery in a space you already have), and if you have two cages, you can sacrifice one water bottle at night.

o Tail lights should be of the flashing LED or strobe variety for maximum visibility. Truckers have commented that they can see the flashing LED's from nearly a half mile. That's increased safety. A five light LED tail light will run continuously for about 300 hours. They are easily found, inexpensive and reduce liability.

• Racks & rack bags: One question about police mountain bikes that surfaces often involves the issue of carrying supplies. Where do you put your ticket book, first aid kit, universal protective gear, doughnuts etc.? A rear rack with a rack bag. Many manufacturers produce racks from aircraft grade aluminum and called them mountain racks. They are light weight and extremely sturdy. They can easily support the weight of all the goodies you can stuff in a rack bag. A further benefit of a rack is that it acts as a fender in foul weather.

o The rack bag should be made of Cordura nylon or a similar fabric, and there are many types available. Many come with "POLICE" screened on the side, some have Velcro patches and several will affix your department patch to the end if you ask. A pack should have side pockets for ready access to frequently used items, and should be expandable. You may find yourself a long way from the PD and in need of rain gear. An expandable bag will have plenty of room.

• Fenders: In almost every city, in every state, all over the country, it rains. Some of us get more of it than others. A day of routine patrol can be less than a pleasant experience when your backside is soaked and you look like, well frankly you look like you've been riding a bike with no fender. There are many different types at your disposal. Some are metal and some plastic and nylon. There are clip on types and bolt on types. Keep in mind what else you have on your bike when you look for fenders. Are they competing for space with your rack? Make sure you buy for your bike and not what the salesman ordered too many of.

• Heart rate monitors & cyclocomputers

o There's no real reason to have a heart rate monitor (HRM) for patrol. However, they can be indispensable for training. There is no easier way to tell if you're training in your target zone than by looking at your wrist mounted monitor or your combination HRM cyclocomputer.

o Cyclocomputers typically incorporate an odometer, trip meter, speedometer with average speed and maximum speed, and a clock. There are some with auto start/stop functions which are the best suited to our work since you don't have to push any buttons to get them going. Some have alarms on the clocks, and some have stop watches. Alarms and split second timing are not really necessary. The benefits of an odometer and trip meter, are not only that you can revel in the knowledge that you rode twenty two and a half miles on your shift, but you can compile shift averages and other beneficial statistics which may help in future funding or annual reports.

• Tool kits: You don't need the Snap-On tool chest strapped to your back just to change a tire. But, you need to be able to make minor repairs on the street to save yourself major embarrassment. A Cool Tool-type multi-tool in your pocket can enable you to fix your chain, brakes, bottle cage, derailleur, pedals and more. Tire levers and a spare tube are a must. You won't always have time to patch a tube, but with practice, a replacement will only take a few minutes.

• Pumps: A good double shot mini pump is an important part of the equation. There is no right or wrong pump, as long as it fits the bike and is sturdy enough for police duty. The ability to inflate a tire quickly is vital to your ability to continue your ride. One recommendation is to carry a Co2 cartridge system in addition to the pump. They're quite inexpensive and save a tremendous amount of time.

• First aid kits: Emergency services personnel are expected to be equipped to handle any crises. Mountain Bike officers are no exception. While we don't have the storage capacity of a cruiser, there are options available to us to carry the supplies necessary to perform basic first aid. Several companies make very comprehensive first aid kits for bicycles. There are a few which are designed to fit the frame of the bike, which is very convenient.

What about maintenance, how do I fix my bike?

Most maintenance problems are related to the bike being dirty. Bike patrol officers should be responsible for preventative maintenance. This includes pre-ride inspections, cleaning the chain, fixing flats and washing the bike as needed. The following list is the basic items needed for preventative maintenance and tools to make repairs in the field so that you can get back home:

1. Chain cleaner

2. Degreaser or chain cleaning fluid

3. Chain lube

4. Bike washing supplies

a. Bucket

b. Sponge

c. Toothbrush or chain cleaning brush

d. Dawn dishwashing detergent

e. Clean rags

5. Tire levers and patch kits for fixing flats

6. Chain tool to fix a broken chain.

7. Hex wrench

8. Multi-tool (a multi-tool can combine tire levers, a chain tool and a hex wrench into one tool)

Some departments train a couple of bike officers as bike mechanics who can handle most of the repairs. Other departments will contract with a bike shop. It is more cost effective for a larger, full time unit to train officers as mechanics, provide the tools and keep an inventory of parts than to contract with a shop. A bike officer/mechanic can make immediate repairs. This allows the officer to get back on the street with little down time. Staffing hours are not lost getting the bike to the shop and waiting for the repair (which could be 1 hour to several days.)

There are several bicycle maintenance schools available. Some can be found locally through your bike shop and there are a couple of nationally know schools (United Bicycle Institute and Barnett Bicycle Institute.) LEBA is currently developing a maintenance course designed for the bike patrol officer. Park Tools, the industry leader in bicycle maintenance tools, has a very comprehensive list of tools on their website at www.parktools.com.

Where do I store my bike?

Bikes can be stored in many different ways. If a spare office or storeroom is available, the bikes can be hung on the wall or from the ceiling or put in racks. A shed can be built outside to house them or the officer can be allowed to take his/her bike home for storage. You are only limited by your imagination and facilities.

Regardless of how or where you store it, the most important thing to remember is don’t store the bike outside, unprotected in the elements. That will send the bike to an early grave. The chain will rust, the cables will become corroded, the finish can be damaged and the saddle will likely by cracked and torn.

What kind of uniforms and safety equipment will I need?

• Uniform Shirt/Shorts/Pants:

o Uniform shirts for patrol can be of several different styles and there are several manufactures that make bike patrol specific uniforms. There are the very simple and inexpensive polo shirts emblazoned with your department's logo and "POLICE" on the back, and there are the broadcloth shirts with cool max or mesh under the arms for ventilation. These shirts are uniform style with two breast pockets, badge placket, epaulets and collar mike tab and come in short sleeves and long sleeves.

o Uniform shorts are available from several different manufacturers and can be padded themselves or not. They may have cargo pockets either Velcroed or zippered, and often come with built in keepers. Typically they are constructed of Supplex, a thin, quick drying nylon which is very light and comfortable.

o Uniform pants are designed much like the shorts mentioned above. They are usually made of Supplex in the rear and Ultrex, a breathable waterproof nylon, or something similar in the front. The pants should provide all the flexibility you need to perform your duties. They should not bind at the knee, or be too snug. An inexpensive way for some departments to go is with BDU style pants. While they are not designed specifically for cycling, they will suffice when money is short.

o Uniform Jackets are also made of Supplex or Ultrex. They can come with zip-out liners, zip-out sleeves or zip-out boleros. The jacket should be constructed with a longer tail, or roomier shoulders so the waist does not rise up when you are bent over riding. They often come with keepers built into the waist.

o Padded cycling shorts: Padded cycling shorts are worn directly against the skin and under uniform shorts. They are designed to fit snugly and provide protection against chafing and against discomfort from the saddle. A good pair of eight panel shorts worn under the uniform, will go a long way to making a full shift a comfortable experience.

In general, wicking materials such as coolmax work best for summertime riding. Bright visible colors are also important for safety while riding. For winter riding, Gore-tex and other water-resistant materials do a good job. Dress in layers and remember to keep the head, hands, and feet warm. Invest in waterproof gloves and socks. Helmet covers are also available and assist in keeping the head dry.

LEBA endorses and uses Olympic Uniforms. Please visit their website at www.olyuniforms.com  for more information.

You can also check with Patrol Bike Systems at www.patrolbike.com. They have an array of cycle clothing an accessories.

• Footwear: You must have proper footwear. There really is no room for substitutes when it comes to the only things you have for walking, riding and running. Improper shoes can cause a lifetime of problems for you and your department. To some extent, what you wear on your feet depends on what you have for pedals. However, no matter what your pedals are, you need a stiff soled well fitting shoe that you can ride in all day, and still be able to walk (or run). Some departments use lightweight hiking shoes, which allow comfortable walking as well as a solid platform for riding. However, there are few, which are produced in black, which is often required by policy. On the other hand, most patrol shoes won't fit in toe clips. One exception is the Devil Shoe, by Diadora. This is a black ¾ height shoe with a steel reinforced sole. It is outfitted to accommodate SPD cleats if you're running clipless pedals and costs about $75.00. Another option with clipless pedals is the Specialized Ground Control which comes in black and retails for around $80.00.

• Helmets: Helmets are a must. There are no if ands or buts about it. To ride means to wear a helmet. Technology has brought us a long way from the motocross types available in the seventies, through the spaceman bubble head units from the eighties, to the light weight, stylish well ventilated models available today. The best kind have a thin "micro-shell," which protects the sub helmet material from damage. Some older helmets may consist of just the polystyrene sub helmet and a mesh or fabric. If you have this type helmet, don’t ride with it. Appreciate the fact that it’s an antique and go buy a new helmet. Helmets should be SNELL, ASTM and or ANSI approved, and should fit the rider. Visors are now often part of the package. Visors have several benefits for police officers. They cut down on glare, can reduce sunburn on your nose and help keep rain off your glasses.

• Glasses: Glasses are necessary to protect you from eye injury. Probably the best type is the wrap around kind made with ballistic quality polycarbonate lenses. There are myriad varieties and price ranges with some very inexpensive options. Officers should have at least one clear pair. Some prices start as low as $17.00 for "Tactical Line" glasses, and others around $25.00 on pro-forms.

• Gloves: Gloves are a matter of preference, though they are highly recommended for safety and comfort. There are gloves with foam padded palms, those with gel padding, and some which rely on the material of the glove itself for padding. It is important that whatever glove you purchase you are able to all the things you need to - turn a cuff key, use your firearm - while wearing them.

o Cold weather gloves are available in neoprene, Gore Tex lined, and a variety of other styles. It 's a good idea to have more than one pair of gloves as they are bound to get damp through use.

Why is a training program needed to ride a bike?

The goal of any bike training program should be to provide a professional and safe alternative patrol method to facilitate the reduction of crime and the fear of crime, increase livability, and strengthen police-community relations. The program should include methods to:

1. Research and develop safe and effective standards of training for officers and supervisors, based on new techniques, equipment and local and national trends.

2. Provide leadership in the local and regional law enforcement community in regards to bike training and implementation.

3. Coordinate the training of officers and supervisors, and to ensure and maintain the standardization of uniforms and equipment.

4. Provide fiscally responsible maintenance and repair, based upon industry standards.

5. Be attentive to the needs of the community and the organization to more effectively implement the use of bikes as an alternative patrol method to enhance the police presence in the community.

The training program needs to be based upon nationally accepted standards and practices, modified for the host agency, and the lesson plans should be certified by local and state agencies. Organization members need to be safe and effective while using a bike for patrol, and the public expects professional behavior and ability. Bike training needs to incorporate firearms and defensive tactics procedures as well as patrol tactics. It is important to remember when developing a program, that the bike officers will be making five times the citizens contacts and three times the arrests that an officer assigned to patrol in car will make.

What are the budget considerations of a bike detail/unit?

The most obvious result of using bikes as an alternative patrol method is that bikes are cheaper than cars. It is important to be realistic when forecasting costs to the organization. A quality bike needs to be considered. Do not ask for more bike than you need. Try to go with a “police model” if the specifications meet your specific requirements. Include the cost of “professional” repair and maintenance. If you are sending a member to repair school, consider that cost. You will still need vehicles to transport bikes and equipment and to provide custody transport. Specific uniforms that allow for comfort and safety will be an additional expense. Helmets, gloves and eye protection should be provided and kept in good repair. Do not forget the benefit that healthy and fit bike officers provide to the organization in less health care costs. Consider the cost of a storage and shop area, tools, spare parts and equipment. Based upon the lesson plan for your organization, what are the costs to screen potential bike officers, train them and maintain their skills.