• Easy mobility, while maintaining the necessary level of visibility
• Increased vision, allowing the officers greater awareness
• Greater public contact in high-pedestrian areas

During the first year of the Bicycle Patrol program, Officers Boese and Watts attended a Bicycle Patrol School, hosted by the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office and taught by instructors from the Oklahoma University (OU) Police Department. The next year, in conjunction with the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Police Department, SPD hosted a similar school in Stillwater which was also taught by OUPD instructors.

The main topics that were covered during these three-day long schools were:

• Officer Safety Issues
• Riding Skills/Techniques
• Patrol/Pursuit Techniques
• Equipment Care and Maintenance

Currently, SPD has ten, fully trained volunteers participating in the program. Each volunteer must supply his or her own headgear, protective eyewear, gloves, and shoes. SPD, however, has generously provided for the allotment of all five of the Schwinn bicycles the Patrol uses. Furthermore, each bicycle is equipped with NiteRider® Classic dual beam headlights, graciously donated by a local bicycle club, the Stillwater Red Dirt Peddlers.

Depending on staffing requirements and weather conditions, the bicycles might be used at any time of the night or day. Not only are the bicycles an effective aid in patrolling the bar districts, they can also be deployed into any part of the town which has had an increase in criminal activity.

In addition to patrol duties, members of the SPD Bicycle Patrol have been utilized in many special events and public appearances, both in and around the Stillwater area. Some of these events/appearances have included: assisting with the annual mountain bike races; talks and demonstrations on helmet safety, and bicycle laws and safety; and parades of all kinds.

Of particular interest to many parents and children might be the Bicycle Patrol's bicycle "rodeo" productions. Working in tandem with local Boy Scout troops and elementary schools, members aim to teach kids bicycle safety, technical skills, and the "rules of the road". These goals are accomplished through a day-long series of presentations and exercises, such as:

• Riding Courses
• Slow-Speed Races
• Safety Demonstrations

As you can see, SPD's Bicycle Patrol program has had a definite and positive impact on enhancing some areas of Stillwater's quality of life. The successes which the unit, the Department, and the City have seen and felt is due only through the continued efforts and dedication of the volunteer officers who are involved in the program.

Officers with Oklahoma State University's Mascot, Pistol Pete.

Officers at 4th of July Boomer Lake Blast.

Lt. Kyle Gibbs
Stillwater Police Department
P.O. Box 1725
Stillwater, OK 74076
(405) 742-8318
Email: KGibbs@stillwater.org