Bicycle Patrol Unit

Rolling Meadows Police Department Dedicated to Excellence
About the Unit
The Rolling Meadows Bicycle Patrol was formed and began operation in 1999. The purposes of the Bicycle Patrol was to provide an alternative method of patrolling the City and to enhance our commitment to Community Oriented Policing (COP). Bike Officers emphasized a proactive approach, by interacting with citizens to better help address neighborhood problems and concerns.
Training
Bicycle Patrol Officers receive special training by the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). The training includes classroom instruction and practical exercises on bicycles. The practical training consists of:
  • Bicycle handling skills
  • Dismounts
  • Maneuvering drills
  • Patrol tactics
  • Speed drills
The Rolling Meadows Police Range Staff complements this training with the simulated difficulties of riding a bicycle at a fast pace, dismounting, and firing a weapon.

Patrolling & Traffic Enforcement

The Bicycle Patrol also provides regular patrol functions, increasing the patrol force. Bicycles gave officers a distinct advantage by being able to better patrol areas not easily accessible to customary patrol. Due to their silence and stealth, officers are able to ride up to crimes before being noticed. The officers ride at all hours of the day and night. They are utilized in areas where repeated criminal activities occur such as potential gang activity, drug activity, and car burglaries. Bicycle officers also target locations for traffic enforcement and issue citations and warnings for various traffic offenses.

Protection & Safety

Bicycle Patrol officers provide a uniformed presence that creates and promotes a comfort level for citizens in every aspect of the community. The officers ride in the neighborhoods, apartment complexes, business districts, parks and at special events. The officers also instruct adults and children in bicycle safety.