Why is Professional Training needed?
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We've all heard the saying, "It's as easy as riding a bike". While this may be true for leisurely riding or mountain biking, working from a bicycle platform presents unique challenges in both rural and urban environments. For First Responders, one of the consistently common areas of liability centers around a Failure to Train or Failure to Equip. Simply putting employees on a bicycle and expecting them to be able to safely ride AND perform their duties increases the opportunities for serious injuries to the employee while exposing the employer to increased liabilities. Our courses are designed to teach the rider the fundamental and foundational skills necessary to SAFELY ride, thus reducing liabilities. When a rider builds foundational skills and is no longer focused on How to ride, their attention can be on the work at hand. Each one of our courses uses at least two instructors and class sizes are limited in order to provide more individual attention. Additionally, we use a 'Tell it, Show it, Do it, Review it' format to maximize instructional benefits. For the general public, we offer skills coaching to help build your confidence for a more exciting, safe and enjoyable ride.
Training Expectations
The Patrol Cyclist curriculum was developed from proven mountain biking skills according to national standards. While the skills are foundational for mountain biking, the Patrol Cyclist and Crowd Management courses are NOT extreme BMX skills. Black diamond downhill descents, jumps and other high risk skills are fun, but are not always applicable in urban environments. Southern Patrol Cyclist strives to provide training that is SAFE, Challenging and Applicable for First Responders. Because mountain biking skills are fundamental for safe urban biking, participants of these courses are encouraged to continue to develop their riding abilities through practice and continued professional instruction.
How To Schedule A Course
There are Two options for attending a course, either by Hosting a New Course or Joining an Existing Course.
Hosting a New Course:
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Any agency can Host a new course by simply completing the online registration. Once we have received this information, one of our instructors will contact you to finalize the registration process As an incentive, Hosting agencies may receive up to two (2) free event tickets (a savings of up to $1190.00) depending on the course and the number of participants that register. Certain restrictions apply, ask a representative for details.
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Join an Existing Course:
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Once a course, workshop or clinic has been scheduled, event tickets for unused spaces will be available online until the class has been filled. Any certified Law Enforcement officer or active First Responder can purchase event tickets and register for a scheduled course online. Workshops and Skills Clinics are open to the general public based on availability.
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About Us
Our Mission Is To Provide Safe, Professional, Standardized Mountain Bike Training.
At Southern Patrol Cyclist, our team of Nationally Certified Patrol Cyclist Instructors are dedicated to providing professional mountain bike training in a Safe, Professional and Industry Standardized method. All instructors are retired or active duty Law Enforcement officers who maintain a high level of commitment to providing quality training while focusing on safety. In addition to our Patrol Cyclist course, we also offer bicycle crowd management training for law enforcement and specific skills clinics for the general public.
Meet the Team
Southern Patrol Cyclist Instructors are active or retired Law Enforcement Officers who are nationally certified Patrol Cyclist Instructors.
Additional Instructors
Nate Smith- Greenville SC
Greg Wood- Greenville SC
Courses
Professional Training, Proven Results
Patrol Cyclist (40 Hr.) 5 Day
Law Enforcement / First Responder ONLY
Specifically designed for Law Enforcement and First Responders, the Patrol Cyclist course prepares participants to safely conduct their duties from a mountain bicycle platform. This course focuses on nationally standardized fundamental and advanced mountain biking skills which can be applied to any environment. This course includes an online video portion to be completed prior to the course date, which provides more 'On-Bike' training time. In addition to learning 29 foundational, fundamental and intermediate skills of mountain biking, this course teaches dismount, citizen, and suspect contact techniques specifically designed for law enforcement and first responders. Our nationally certified Patrol Cyclist Instructors are active or retired law enforcement or first responder personnel who are dedicated to providing professional training.
Certification Valid for Two (2) years.
Patrol Cyclist - Recertification
1 Day Recertification
The Patrol Cyclist Recertification course is a one day session where each skill required for Patrol Cyclist certification is reviewed and riders are tested. Riders must demonstrate proficiency to the satisfaction of the instructor in each patrol cyclist skill for recertification.
Patrol Cyclist Certification is valid for Two (2) years.
Crowd Management (40 Hr. ) 5 Day
Law Enforcement / First Responder ONLY
Designed for Law Enforcement and First Responders, the Crowd Management course introduces tactical considerations, team communications and unit movement strategies and techniques for managing and/or controlling a pedestrian crowd. Included in this course are tips for developing your bicycle crowd management team, understanding crowd psychology, different approaches for managing or controlling a crowd, and much more. Minimum class size is twelve (12) participants.
Specific Skill Clinics
1 Day Session
Specific Skill Clinics are a one day event that focus on selected foundational or fundamental skills. Each session will review an associated group of specific mountain biking skills. Sessions are held on a regular basis at public locations or can be tailored toward a specific need upon request in advance.
Basic Rider Mechanics
4 Hour Session
What's that noise? While there are way too many bicycle configurations to cover it all, this session centers around the most common repairs and adjustments that can be done in the field to keep you safely riding and out of the shop. Topics include changing tubes & tires, emergency chain repair, brake adjustments, shifter adjustments, cockpit set up and more. Participants must bring their own bike, 1 tube for their bike and riding safety gear. Basic field tools will be provided for class use.
One-On-One Skill Coaching
1 Day Session
Want one-on-one time with a nationally certified mountain bike skills coach? Whether you are looking for help with a specific skill or just want some professional feedback, we are here for you. Schedule a private consultation with an instructor who can evaluate your technique and provide a high quality, professional assessment to help you improve your riding experience.
Upcoming Scheduled Events
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