Bicycle Patrol

HISTORY OF SEATTLE POLICE BIKE PATROL

The SPD bicycle patrol unit began in the summer of 1987. Comprised of just 2 officers, the department was attracted to the ease of movement the bicycles could provide within an urban setting. In addition, during the construction of the Metro bus tunnel, officers needed an easier way to maneuver around downtown when responding to calls. The success of the bikes led to the addition of 2 more officers. A squad was formed the following summer and Alki Beach began utilizing a bike patrol as well.

Over time, the bike units began to grow in size and reputation and the originality of the project grew across the country. Today hundreds of police departments have bike patrol units based on the Seattle Police Department's original program.

ABOUT BIKE PATROL

To join the unit, every Officer must complete a week long training session where they receive specialized instruction. From riding up and down stairways to cone courses and emergency dismounts, officers who complete the session are capable of a vast array of maneuvers on a mountain bike.

Today there are day and night bike patrol squads proactively participating in undercover and on view narcotics enforcement, crowd control and continually responding to 9-1-1 calls. While the West Precinct (downtown) carries the largest squad, every precinct in the city utilizes bike patrols in providing police services to the city.