42nd Security Forces bike patrols cruise Maxwell-Gunter Published Feb. 5, 2010 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- In case you've wondered who the people on bicycles with the blue pants and white shirts are, they are members of the 42nd Security Forces Squadron bike patrol. "The 42nd SFS bicycle patrols were started about two months ago and are an integral part of the installation's community policing efforts. They allow SFS members to better interact with the base community," said Carl Howard, 42nd SFS chief of training. "This effort helps to form a partnership between installation agencies, the community and security forces." Mr. Howard said the effective use of these types of patrols increases coverage, improves community relations and creates a deterrence against crime. He said bike patrols also increase maneuverability in certain circumstances and allow for better coverage of residential areas. Master Sgt. Rico Harvey, NCO in charge of police services for 42nd SFS, said "the Maxwell-Gunter public has received the bike patrol very well." He said feedback from base members has been very positive. The squadron's NCO in charge of training, Tech. Sgt. Randall Cunningham, said bike and foot patrols are out-and-about on a daily basis. "Part of the concept is for SFS personnel to get out and get to know the people in the areas they patrol," he said. "Almost a dozen SFS members have been trained for bike patrol duty. The patrols can also be used for crowd control, and that will be useful during the upcoming open house and air show." Mr. Howard said the bike patrols are an extension of 42nd SFS law enforcement vehicle patrols, and all personnel chosen for bike patrol duty receive in-house training. "Sergeant Cunningham instructs the Police Mountain Bike Rider's Course, which is divided into nine parts," he said. "The training covers such things as bike handling and vehicle cycling; group riding; hazard recognition and common crashes; patrol procedures and community policing; and fitness and nutrition." Mr. Howard said base members and employees should remember that bike patrols are to be treated in the same manner as all other vehicles on the road. He said, for example, drivers should not pass the bikes unless the riders motion them to do so. "The bikes have emergency lights and all the law enforcement authority of any 42nd SFS vehicle," he said. "They will be responding to emergencies and can stop vehicles for traffic violations." 42nd SFS Senior Airman Trevor Lopez, a member of the bike patrol, said the patrol is different from other vehicle patrols he has conducted, and he is enjoying the duty. "The maneuverability of the bike can make my job much easier than if I was in a vehicle, and it allows us to be more obscure," he said. "It is illegal to use a non-hands-free cell phone when driving on base, and we are able to catch people doing that because they are not expecting to see a patrolman on a bike." Senior Airman Brady Harley, also a member of the 42nd SFS bike patrol, said he, too, was enjoying being a part of the patrol. "We attract a lot of attention, and people tend to approach us more easily than if we were in a vehicle," he said. "Also, I like being able to come to work and exercise on the bike, instead of being confined to a car. And it makes you more vigilant because you are moving slower, so you notice things going on around you that you might not notice in a car." The Airmen said they have actually beaten other emergency vehicle to the scene of mishaps because they can go places cars can't go. For example, in an emergency, they can cut across fields or lawns if needed to arrive quicker at their destination.