BICYCLE PATROL

THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE BICYCLE PATROL TEAM

is a specialty unit comprised of deputies and senior deputies who are specially trained to perform public safety patrol functions on a bicycle. Members of the Bike Patrol Team are trained to deploy and provide public safety services during events with large crowds. These types of events occur regularly throughout San Luis Obispo County and examples include parades, holiday events, concerts, community events, races, and various other special events.

Deputies who patrol on bicycles can cover larger areas than foot patrol deputies, as they can navigate crowded areas that might limit both a patrol car’s mobility, as well as deputies who might deploy on foot. One of the biggest advantages of bicycle patrol is the ability for deputies to connect with the community. Deputies deployed on bicycles have more opportunities to engage with the public, as it is easier for the public to approach and speak with a deputy on a bicycle, and equally easier deputies and the public safe, as well as projecting a professional image while serving the public.

Although the pandemic in 2021 brought challenges to San Luis Obispo County communities, the Bike Patrol Team was deployed at several events, mostly for crowd management. Each of these events involved large crowds of people converging on specific areas, which would present logistical challenges for a patrol vehicle. The Bike Patrol Team’s presence at these events enabled law enforcement to ensure that the proceedings were safe and successful. The Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol Team is honored to assist their local agencies in maintaining peace and security for residents, visitors, and business owners.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic this year, the Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol Team still deployed on what is typically their biggest bike detail event of the year: the annual Cayucos Fourth of July Celebration. Although this year the event was significantly scaled-down, the Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol Team was still honored to serve the community.

for deputies to approach, contact, and interact with those in the public. Patrolling on a bicycle allows the deputies to navigate swiftly in various environments and avoid obstacles and hazards that would otherwise stop a patrol vehicle in its tracks. The Sheriff’s Office Bike Team enjoys these opportunities to positively interact with the community.

Bike Patrol Team deputies train together over the course of the year. Bike Patrol Team trainings build on basic bicycle riding skills as well as develop patrolspecific riding skills. The team’s instructor and supervisor work together to develop training modules that prepare members for various bicycle patrol deployments. For example, since balance and control at low speeds are essential skills needed in confined and crowded areas, one of the Bike Patrol Team’s training exercises typically requires riders to navigate a cone obstacle course at slow speeds.

One of the challenges in maintaining a public safety bike team, or any specialty unit or assignment, is keeping up with the modernization of equipment, technology, and uniforms. All of these resources are important in keeping