Anyone on two wheels is a friend

P.S.

Fuck ! It would be good if the police still 'rolled' like that, rather than politicised officious governmental revenue collectors in hi-vis jackets devoid of personal discretion.

[/starts riot, then falls asleep]

technically they're in brighton so not so much of a problem

Have you left Brighton yet ?

I thought you were asleep.

Who the fuck advises them on cycling procurement ? Why the fuck do our police ride on London's roads with 2.4 inch MTB tyres ? It must be a fucking nightmare to ride one of those bikes dressed like a storm trooper.

the original police bicycle;

In fact, other countries still use the old bicycle, such as Belgium for instance;

it look shit, but it's functional and defintely not off-putting to ride, or Milan with their slighty newer police bicycle;

Look at the officier in the background of the green/white police bicycle, he doesn't need to wear fucking layer of cycling clothes just so he can ride a bike!

Well said Ed.

Who the fuck advises them on cycling procurement ? Why the fuck do our police ride on London's roads with 2.4 inch MTB tyres ? It must be a fucking nightmare to ride one of those bikes dressed like a storm trooper.

It still always cracks me up that many police bikes are Smith & Wesson.

But the answer to your question is here:

http://www.ipmba.org/

Basically, these guys set international standards of pedal cycle-based policing. It all (re-)started in Seattle some years ago, I think. There must be operational reasons why MTBs were chosen--hopping kerbs, riding across rough terrain, perhaps.

And by all accounts it's not a nightmare. Most of the cycle police I've spoken to say that it's 'the best kept secret in the police' and a very enjoyable way to work.

And by all accounts it's not a nightmare. Most of the cycle police I've spoken to. . . .

"by all accounts " ? - How many have you spoken to ?

From personal experience, I can tell you that the simple act of changing tyres from knobbly 2.4" to slick 1.4" (or lower) tyres is so massively and unambiguously advantageous.

"by all accounts " ? - How many have you spoken to ?

About 20-30, I think, over several years. They mostly really enjoyed riding around. I personally do agree with you on riding comfort, but I don't think all the police riders are such good cyclists that they'd be hugely bothered. I think I remember one guy who used to be in the Shoreditch squad who was a time triallist and who'd introduced some modifications to his bike, but I can't remember if he had changed the tyres.

But suspension? surely a rigid would be more than enough?

Ask the IPMBA. ;)

But suspension? surely a rigid would be more than enough?

Just a thought: given that the police are one of the most "unionised" workforces (I know it's not a real union, they can't strike etc.), do you not think if they had a problem with their bikes they'd do something about it themselves?

A copper on a bike isn't being used in pursuit of anyone, just to be a presence in a wider area than one on foot, surely?

Just a thought: given that the police are one of the most "unionised" workforces (I know it's not a real union, they can't strike etc.), do you not think if they had a problem with their bikes they'd do something about it themselves?

A copper on a bike isn't being used in pursuit of anyone, just to be a presence in a wider area than one on foot, surely?

Ahh, if only. For one thing the majority of us hate our uniform (a shirt, tie and trousers maybe fine in an air conditioned office but a bit warm in cars and hours of foot patrol/standing around/wrestling with people...) And those hi-viz jackets are ridiculous. However, the higher-ups don't want to give us nice new kit (most Counties forces have combat trousers and polo shirts which are far more work-friendly if a little 'military').

So this being a huge bone of contention going unchanged, a small minority wanting better bikes is gonna get nowhere unfortunately!

Also, some of them do chase other bikes and pedestrian runners with varying levels of success!

wrestling with people...

you need kit like this:

Ahh, if only. For one thing the majority of us hate our uniform (a shirt, tie and trousers maybe fine in an air conditioned office but a bit warm in cars and hours of foot patrol/standing around/wrestling with people...) And those hi-viz jackets are ridiculous. However, the higher-ups don't want to give us nice new kit (most Counties forces have combat trousers and polo shirts which are far more work-friendly if a little 'military').

So this being a huge bone of contention going unchanged, a small minority wanting better bikes is gonna get nowhere unfortunately!

Also, some of them do chase other bikes and pedestrian runners with varying levels of success!

Are you really a bike cop? I hope you wear tynan's "Old bill is fucking jokes" tee on dress down Friday.

That was me, I was just showing out, getting a little bit ugly in the city, I am bad ass like that.

But to be honest I only got a Pledge air refresher.

and one of these ?

Friend

two wheels good, four wheels bad.

george orwell must be turning in his grave.

George Orwell would have appreciated fixed wheel cycling. One only has to flick through Down and Out in Paris and London, A Homage to Catalonia and The Road to Wigan Pier to realise that.

1984 and Animal Farm are not really focused on riding fixed.

Look at the officier in the background of the green/white police bicycle, he doesn't need to wear fucking layer of cycling clothes just so he can ride a bike!

i think the main reason, why british policemen look clumsy (apart from the chunky bikes) is the need for the stab proof vest, high visibility vest, steel toe caps friggin' boots and i don't know what else there - thermal underwear? on the continent police force carry guns and battons, so they don't need stab proof vest to protect themselves form 11 years olds. have you ever tried to push a policeman in spain or czech republic or say something about his momma? :-)

About 20-30, I think, over several years. They mostly really enjoyed riding around. I personally do agree with you on riding comfort, but I don't think all the police riders are such good cyclists that they'd be hugely bothered.

You are probably right, they are not used to persue people at speed anyhow.

If you are used to riding an MTB on the roads with thin slicks - then changing over to big knobbly MTB tyres is like walking through quicksand, it really slows you down.

and one of these ?

I like the gold ones, with the Taj Mahal on.

Althought I do believe that it's possible to ride with that much layers comfortably on a different bicycle.

Well said Ed.

Who the fuck advises them on cycling procurement ? Why the fuck do our police ride on London's roads with 2.4 inch MTB tyres ? It must be a fucking nightmare to ride one of those bikes dressed like a storm trooper.

I cannot get my head roudn the fact all bike cops are issued with magnum boots. Regular popo dont have to wear them but bike police do?

In addition to that they have to wear the heavy high viz jacket, stab vest, carry a belt with d-cell maglite/cuffs/truncheon etc. It is insane.

A copper on a bike isn't being used in pursuit of anyone, just to be a presence in a wider area than one on foot, surely?

One of my mates knocked a copper of his bike in town last year (for a dare) and the other one tried to chase us :-s

A marin's no match for 2 trek madones.

One of my mates knocked a copper of his bike in town last year (for a dare) and the other one tried to chase us :-s

A marin's no match for 2 trek madones.

I do not find the idea of knocking people off their bikes "for a dare", whatever their occupation, at all amusing.

knocking them off a bike?? even if they're stationary I would be properly fumed, your mate could easily get done for 'assaulting a police officer'.