[MGH_PD]

Are they any bike patrol officers here that could enlighten me to what products work and what dont work for bike partol some guestion i had where what do u use for a duty belt, do you have one specifically for the bike and one for uniform work? what shorts, shoes, gloves, and helmets do you recommend?

 

[redpara]

Hey, hope the following helps; I'll make an assumption that you have a bike already so I'll just discuss uniforms stuff. From the top down helmet, anything that fits just make sure it's a "cop" color and never ride without it because you will fall!!! Blauer (not sure of spelling) makes excellent stuff. I rode in both hot and cold weather and their stuff is great. One thing, the pants have a liner, if you decide to use under ware make sure you go to a bike shop and get wicking liners!

Duty belt and etc. nylon is a must. Also, unlike in a car, you'll put stuff like cuff cases towards your back as your riding bent foward. Gloves and shoes, just hit a bike shop again for gloves. Believe it or not I used black areobics shoes because you'll spend a lot of time dismounted and their ok for running if you have to ditch your bike (aviod this)!!!

I uesd clips for the pedals, some guys hate them but it makes for more effective pedaling.

That's about it, enjoy the duty, your getting paid to work out!!

 

[Danman1116]

how bout holsters? Do they make specific holsters for people on the bikes?

 

[Tango16]

how bout holsters? Do they make specific holsters for people on the bikes?

you have to have a drop holster. I use an Uncle Mikes.

I also have bike shoes with clips on the bottom, a must if you are going off road or over curbs.

 

[DODK911]

Tango, your kidding right? a drop holster and clipps on the bottom of your shoes? for Police Mountain Bike Officers? :shock: MGH-PD you never want the clips on your shoes as a bike officer, you will have no traction if you have to run, you want the plastic toe clips that are mounted to the front of your peddle and go over the front of your toe. As far as a holster, I would suggest a nylon mid or high ride, so it is as far off your thighs as possible.

 

[Tango16]

Tango, your kidding right? a drop holster and clipps on the bottom of your shoes? for Police Mountain Bike Officers? :shock: MGH-PD you never want the clips on your shoes as a bike officer, you will have no traction if you have to run, you want the plastic toe clips that are mounted to the front of your peddle and go over the front of your toe. As far as a holster, I would suggest a nylon mid or high ride, so it is as far off your thighs as possible.

My bike shoes are just like high top sneakers with clips in the middle of the sole. They have great traction for runnning. You do not want a high ride it will dig into you side when you lean over to ride the bike.

 

[lt.drebbin]

I agree with DODK911. The plastic toe clips are the way to go if you feel you really need something like that. I dont use either. As far as the holster goes no way would I use a drop holster.

You should wear the holster in the same area you always train in. If you go to the range and usually patrol with a mid or high holster then you should use a similar holster on the bike.

While the drop holster looks "Really Cool" its not practical for bike. Your legs are in constant motion on the bike. The weapon is more secure on your belt and you will be less likely to get it caught on something if your ride in brush or tight spaces.

 

[lt.drebbin]

Oh yeah... And Semper Fi DODK911

 

[Tango16]

I agree with DODK911. The plastic toe clips are the way to go if you feel you really need something like that. I dont use either. As far as the holster goes no way would I use a drop holster.

You should wear the holster in the same area you always train in. If you go to the range and usually patrol with a mid or high holster then you should use a similar holster on the bike.

While the drop holster looks "Really Cool" its not practical for bike. Your legs are in constant motion on the bike. The weapon is more secure on your belt and you will be less likely to get it caught on something if your ride in brush or tight spaces.

Maybe I did not make myself clear, we are not talking about a tatical holster. I am taking about a Uncle Mikes Pro-3 triple retention that is on my belt and the rear of the gun is level with the top of the belt.

As far a clips go a lot of people fall and get hurt mountain biking using toe clips. They can not get their feet out quick enough. With the clips on the shoes all you have to do is a quick slight twist and you are free. When I did my IPMBA Class that is what the instructor told us was best.

 

[DODK911]

LT, Semper Fi

Tango, I went through IPMBA and they told us to use the front plastic ones, that cover your toes. But whatever, it all comes down to what works for you and what you are comfortable with.

Stay Safe.

 

[Dan H]

As far a clips go a lot of people fall and get hurt mountain biking using toe clips. They can not get their feet out quick enough. With the clips on the shoes all you have to do is a quick slight twist and you are free. When I did my IPMBA Class that is what the instructor told us was best.[/quote]

As a mountain biker, I see more people have trouble with clipless pedals (the industry name of the ones you use) than the older toe clip style pedal. Clipless pedals do require special shoes and the ones I have used are in no way good for running. They are made super rigid to make you foot part of the pedal when clipped in.
I always stick with using toe clips with enough slack left in the straps for quick entry/exit. I can't ride hard with flat pedals, and a few people can't manage toe clips. The important point for sport or patrol is to use that gear that you will work best with.
If your department uses shared bikes I would say it would be a bad idea to put clipless (snap in) pedals on the bikes. It would be like issuing "one-size-fits-some" uniforms.