The LSU Police Department’s bicycle officers lost their training wheels this week.
Baton Rouge hosted the Annual International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) Conference on Thursday and Friday to improve the safety and skills of mountain bike police officers from around the country.
The LSU Police Department, Baton Rouge Police Department and the Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office sent officers to the conference because local bike cops may respond more quickly than officers on foot or in a car, especially in a high-traffic scenario, according to LSUPD Spokesman Capt. Cory Lalonde.
“When a call is in progress, people are expecting vehicles — so bikes can approach a suspect in a more stealthy way,” Lalonde said. “They aren’t undercover, but they have an element of surprise.”
Charlie Summers, Illinois State University Police officer and member of IPMBA, said this conference trains the cyclist officers to face scenarios they are not accustomed to facing.
“This class involves stunts like ascending up and dropping off curbs,” Summers said. “Some new officers get off their bike when they see stairs, but we go out and practice going up and down stairs on a bike.”
Summers said Shaums March, professional bike rider for Red Bull and two-time world downhill champion, was helping the officers get acclimated to facing hills and dismounting safely and quickly.
The skills and abilities taught in the conference allow the officers to focus on their jobs instead of handling the bike, Summers said.
The officers went through classes and training sessions that included advanced riding training, tactical response training and advanced maintenance, Lalonde said.
Lalonde said LSUPD utilizes bicycle officers not only during outdoor events, especially those with large crowds, but also as a part of everyday patrolling.
“Everyone knows how to ride a bike,” Lalonde said. “But with so much daily bike use, it is important for our officers to master their technique.”
Lalonde said hosting the conference in Baton Rouge helps the LSUPD be on the same page with BRPD and the Sheriff’s Office.
“It is a good opportunity to work with the sheriff and city police when we are able to host it,” Lalonde said. “We are glad to host and participate.”
