How to count to three and use your brakes to stop: The police guide to riding a bike

Published 07th Feb 2011

You might think there is nothing simpler than riding a bike.

If you are a police officer fighting crime on two wheels, however, it is apparently a little more complicated.

Forces have spent thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money drawing up lengthy guides teaching officers how to ride their pushbikes.

And so the criminals on our streets are the least of their problems, it seems.

Hundreds of pages have been devoted to tips on how to eat lemon curd snacks to boost energy levels, avoid swarming insects and stop themselves getting chapped lips and sore bottoms.

The dossiers even remind officers to use brakes when cycling downhill and explain how long they should hold their arm out when signalling to turn left or right.
A 21-page dossier, developed by the Met, gives over three pages of advice on what to eat while riding. High sugar spreads, such as 'jam, honey and lemon curd' are favoured

A 21-page dossier, developed by the Met, gives over three pages of advice on what to eat while riding. High sugar spreads, such as 'jam, honey and lemon curd' are favoured

They have been produced by forces across the country after the Association of Chief Police Officers scrapped plans two years ago for a manual teaching officers how to cycle because it was ridiculed.

One document, used by Lothian and Borders Police, suggests officers should maintain hand signals – to indicate whether they are turning left or right – for three seconds.

It recommends they ‘use the technique from the 1981 film Gregory’s Girl by saying, “one elephant, two elephants, three elephants”’.

Another guide, from the West Midlands force, even gives instructions on how to cycle downhill.

‘Gears and pedalling are not important, so adopt a neutral pedal position,’ the guide says before adding: ‘DO NOT PUT YOUR FEET DOWN TO SLOW DOWN.’

It also has a seven-point guide on ‘Getting off the cycle’, including the advice: ‘Bring your cycle to a halt using your brakes.’

In Essex, officers are even banned from pursuing suspects unless they have been on an advanced cycling course. Even then, they must conduct a ‘dynamic risk assessment’, including considering the weather.

The West Midlands guide also warns officers that ‘dogs don’t like cyclists and may even pursue you’, as well as encouraging them to use lip balm and sun cream to prevent chapped lips and sunburn.

A 21-page dossier, developed by the Metropolitan Police but also used by other forces, gives more than three pages of advice on what to eat while riding.

High sugar spreads, such as ‘jam, honey and lemon curd’ are favoured. However, the guide warns: ‘Defined “energy bars” are acceptable ... but have a high sugar content and can be expensive.’

The dossiers also go to great lengths to tell police what clothing is suitable for riding bikes.

In London, a suitable set of ‘defined cycle underwear with a padded crotch area to prevent discomfort during riding’ is recommended.

West Midlands officers are warned ‘there are swarms of insects often attracted by bright fluorescent colours the cyclist is wearing’ so ‘suitable eye protectors are essential’. Last night Andrew Rosindell, Tory MP for Romford and a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, said: ‘This sounds like a complete waste of time and, most likely, money.

‘Most people learn the basics of riding a bike by the time they are seven and you tend not to forget.’

Charlotte Linacre, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘Taxpayers want money spent on bobbies on the beat, not pointless bureaucracy.’

Source: ' Daily Mail '

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