Bicycle Patrol 

About 100 years ago, officers occasionally patrolled the streets and parks of Moline on a bicycle. In 1993, Bicycle Patrol was reinvented and brought back into the forefront of Moline police department operations. 

Officers on bicycles are immediately accessible to the public. Communications between the public and its police are greatly enhanced. This is one of the fundamental beliefs of the Community Oriented Policing philosophy. Bicycle officers are able to effectively patrol areas of our city that are inaccessible by squad cars. 

Bicycle Patrol has received positive feedback from the public. Bicycles are now used for Community Oriented Policing initiatives, at special events, and for public relations. 

Only two Moline officers rode bicycles in 1993. They were restricted to limited patrols of Ben Butterworth Parkway, Velie Park, and the central business district. Today, more than 30 officers are designated as Police Cyclists. 

Police Cyclist training includes a rigorous and intense course of instruction. Five days are needed to complete the Basic Police Cyclist Course. The classroom presentations and hands-on field exercises are consistent with and regulated by the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) standards. The Advanced Police Cyclist Course is a second week of training.

Illinois police departments and law enforcement agencies from other states recognize the Moline Police Department Bicycle Patrol Unit for its professionalism and expertise. Members of the Bicycle Patrol Unit annually teach the two IPMBA certified classes. Furthermore, the Illinois State Police has sought the expertise of our lead instructor for classes at their Springfield academy.

Bicycle Patrol has participated in a variety of police functions. Some of these include:

• Security and traffic control at Festivals and Special Events.

• Security and traffic control at The i wireless Center.

• Traffic enforcement on 23 Avenue (Avenue of the Cities).

• Assisting COP offices in various neighborhoods.

• Park Patrol.

• Bicycle Safety Rodeos at Moline Elementary Schools.