On Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:33:18 -0700 (PDT), [email hidden]
Quoted message said:Quoted message said:Tim Hall said:Police cyclists demonstrating the superior training they get.
Taking a slightly different angle, the subject of training for police
cyclists has come up a few times. The reader comments under this
article
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=258119&...
I am staggered that the councillors are moaning about GBP700 for an
equipped police bike on that grounds that halfords sell cheaper bikes
and questioning whether training for police cyclists might be
necessary. Aren't councillors supposed to have professional staff to
advise them on topics that they haven't got a clue about. On balance,
the reader comments are a bit more encouraging.
I can see the councillors' point.
If cycling is a normal everyday activity, why can't a community
support officer use an ordinary bike to get around? Does it have to
be a specially equipped? Do they need special training?
OK - city police, chasing handbag grabbers, shoplifters or drug
dealers down and up(?) stairs, along allyways and through shopping
centres may need to be properly equipped and trained. But a village
bobby going to investigate Mrs Miggins' missing knickers from her
washing line, with two giggling boys hiding in the ditch opposite!?
Surely a simple Pashley would be more than adequate.
www.johnballcycling.org.uk/photos/copper
www.johnballcycling.org.uk/photos/bobby