Cyclists and Law Enforcement: History and Overview
Kirby Beck is a retired police officer, instructor and trainer with the International Police Mountain Bike Association. In this series of videos, Beck gives a comprehensive overview of cyclists and law enforcement. Beck takes us through the fascinating history of cops on bikes, from the early police officers who stopped speeding horses, to the bike-based rapid response team that kept anarchists from burning St. Paul during the 2008 Republican National Convention. Plus, we get an amusing look back at 1970s TV cop show Adam 12, in which the protagonists clock a neighborhood cyclist at 45 mph.
Beck also gives an overview of the current state of enforcement of bicycle law – or lack thereof. Frustratingly for bike advocates, Beck says,
In Part 2, Beck describes what police mean when they describe something as a “problem.” Hint: it’s different from how you or I might use the word. Kent also describes how to effectively report incidents to 911. He tells how to deal with police who cite you with cycling violations. In Part 3, he explains what police need to learn and how to get heard by your local police department.
I enjoyed watching this video. I’m looking forward to Part II (which I wasn’t able to find on line elsewhere).