Fond du Lac Bike Patrol

"Making Fond du Lac a safe place to live, learn, work and play!"

On Patrol    Training    Police Bikes    F.A.Q.s    Intro

 

Police Officers that are interested in bike patrol are required to be certified by a LEBA (Law Enforcement Bicycle Association) Instructor prior to going out on the street.  This is a 24 hour class (three days of training, 8 hours each day).  The training is both mentally and physically challenging.  Each day starts with classroom discussion, demonstration in the field, followed by many repetitions of the maneuver and then testing to show competency.  All Officers are required to complete a daily training ride which ranges from 14 to 19 miles.  Upon class completion each Officer will have logged over 50 miles of riding along with hundreds of repetitions of the high/low speed maneuvers and must also pass a written exam.

The LEBA training consists of tactics, injury prevention, nutrition, training rides, bicycle maintenance, firearms, along with low and high speed maneuvers.  Just a few of the maneuvers are demonstrated below.

Officer Jahns of NFDL PD descending stairs Police Officers learn how to ascend and descend steps.  While performing the maneuver safety officers stand by to assist.  Maneuvering up and down curbs is also covered.
Emergency braking maneuvers are practiced daily.  Here the officer shows proper technique while coming to a quick stop from high speed with both brakes while under control. Officer Goldstein with emergency braking
Officer Vokes performs the Track Stand The Officers are required to complete the "track stand".  This is a 7 ft by 7 ft box  (drawn in chalk).  Officers must keep both wheels in the box and feet off the ground for more than 10 seconds.  Some officers are able to stay in the box for more than 20 seconds.
Figure 8 drill.  Here 6 officers are able to maneuver at extremely slow speed in a congested area while doing a "figure 8" within the cones.  This is applicable in high foot traffic areas such as Walleye Weekend, festivals, parades, or downtown during heavy traffic times. Slow controlled riding during the figure 8
Officer Lecaptain mastering the "M" drill M Drill.  Officers maneuver the bike within cones laid out in an "M" pattern.  The cones are spaced closely and officers learn how to maneuver slowly in a small space without falling or striking the cones.
Power slide.  Officers' control the bicycle in a high speed slide while using the cone as a target. Officer Lecaptain in a Power Slide
Water Bottle drill Water bottle drill.  Officers on the inner ring ride in opposite direction as officers on outer ring.  While this is happening they must pass a water bottle to each other while riding.  This forces the officers to become accustomed to riding one handed while turning and braking.  This would be applicable to officers on patrol using their hand held radio while riding.
Training rides.  One training ride each day is required and usually lasts around 90 minutes.  When officers are ready for bike patrol they normally ride in 4, 6, or 8 hour increments in full gear/uniform.  These training rides develop officer awareness of fitness level and help prepare them for long hours of peddling on patrol.  Officers cover approximately 50 miles of training rides over a 3 day period.  Organized training rides
a Plymouth WI PD officer descending steps This officer demonstrates proper stair descending technique.  This is applicable in attempting to stop a fleeing subject.  It also demonstrates to officers the need and ability to control the bike and not let the bike control you.