Policy Text
Policy
452Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/16, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentBicycle Patrol Unit - 1Bicycle Patrol Unit
452.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Mountain View Police Department has established the Bicycle Patrol Unit (BPU) for the
purpose of enhancing patrol efforts in the community. Bicycle patrol has been shown to be an
effective way to increase officer visibility in congested areas and their quiet operation can provide
a tactical approach to crimes in progress. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for
the safe and effective operation of the patrol bicycle.
452.2 POLICY
Patrol bicycles may be used for regular patrol duty, traffic enforcement, parking control, or special
events. The use of the patrol bicycle will emphasize their mobility and visibility to the community.
Bicycles may be deployed to any area at all hours of the day or night, according to Department
needs and as staffing levels allow.
Requests for specific deployment of bicycle patrol officers shall be coordinated through the Bicycle
Patrol Unit supervisor or the Watch Commander.
BPU Post Certified bike instructors that rotate out of the Field Operations Division may remain on
the team. Former BPU members, who meet the department's training and uniform requirements,
may deploy patrol bicycles during special events with the permission of the BPU supvervisor.
452.3 SELECTION OF PERSONNEL
This is a collateral assignment as outlined in Policy Manual Section 1027. Interested sworn
personnel must be assigned to the Field Operations Division and meet the qualifications identified
in Section 1027.2. Qualified applicants will participate in an oral interview. Interested personnel
shall be evaluated by the following criteria:
(a)Recognized competence and ability as evidenced by performance.
(b)Special skills or training as it pertains to the assignment.
(c)Good physical condition.
(d)Willingness to perform duties using the bicycle as a mode of transportation.
452.3.1 BICYCLE PATROL UNIT SUPERVISOR
The Bicycle Patrol Unit supervisor will be selected from the rank of sergeant by the Special
Operations Division Commander or his/her designee.
The Bicycle Patrol Unit supervisor shall have responsibility for the following:
(a)Organizing bicycle patrol training.
(b)Inspecting and maintaining inventory of patrol bicycles and program equipment.
(c)Scheduling maintenance and repairs.
Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Bicycle Patrol Unit
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/16, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentBicycle Patrol Unit - 2(d)Evaluating performance of bicycle officers.
(e)Coordinating activities with the Field Operations Division.
(f)Other activities as required to maintain the efficient operation of the Bicycle Patrol Unit.
452.4 TRAINING
Participants in the program must complete an initial Department approved bicycle-training course
after acceptance into the program. Thereafter bicycle patrol officers should pass yearly in-service
training to improve skills and refresh safety, health, and operational procedures. The initial training
shall minimally include the following:
•Bicycle patrol strategies.
•Bicycle safety and accident prevention.
•Operational tactics using bicycles.
Bicycle patrol officers will be required to qualify with their duty firearm while wearing bicycle safety
equipment including the helmet and riding gloves.
452.5 UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
Officers shall wear the department-approved uniform and safety equipment while operating
the department bicycle. Safety equipment includes department-approved helmet, riding gloves,
protective eyewear and approved footwear.
The bicycle patrol unit uniform consists of the standard short-sleeve uniform shirt or other
department-approved shirt with department badge and patches, and department-approved bicycle
patrol pants or shorts.
Optional equipment includes a radio head set and microphone, and jackets in colder weather.
Turtleneck shirts or sweaters are permitted when worn under the uniform shirt.
Bicycle patrol officers shall carry the same equipment on the bicycle patrol duty belt as they would
on a regular patrol assignment.
Officers will be responsible for obtaining the necessary forms, citation books and other department
equipment needed while on bicycle patrol.
452.6 CARE AND USE OF PATROL BICYCLES
Officers will be assigned a specially marked and equipped patrol bicycle and uniform.
Bicycles utilized for uniformed bicycle patrol shall be primarily black or white with a “POLICE”
decal affixed to each side of the crossbar or the bike's saddlebag. Every such bicycle shall be
equipped with front and rear reflectors front lights and a siren/horn satisfying the requirements of
Vehicle Code §2800.1(b).
Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Bicycle Patrol Unit
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/16, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentBicycle Patrol Unit - 3Bicycles utilized for uniformed bicycle patrol shall be equipped with a rear rack and/or saddle
bag(s) sufficient to carry all necessary equipment to handle routine patrol calls including report
writing, vehicle storage and citations.
Each bicycle shall be equipped with a steady or flashing blue warning light that is visible from the
front, sides, or rear of the bicycle. ( Vehicle Code § 21201.3)
Bicycle officers shall conduct an inspection of the bicycle and equipment prior to use to insure
proper working order of the equipment. Officers are responsible for the routine care and
maintenance of their assigned equipment (e.g., tire pressure, chain lubrication, overall cleaning).
If a needed repair is beyond the ability of the bicycle officer, a repair work order will be completed
and forwarded to the program supervisor for repair by an approved technician.
Each bicycle will have scheduled maintenance as needed to be