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Security forces ride bikes

A group of police bicycles sit on display to be used by members of the 81st Security Forces Squadron for a bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at the 81st SFS building, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS bicycle training class consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Airman 1st Class Joseph Prescott, 81st Security Forces Squadron, replaces a tire on his patrol bike during a bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at the 81st SFS building, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Senior Airman Kenneth Peterman, 81st Security Forces Squadron, secures his helmet prior to mounting his patrol bike as Airman 1st Class David Turner, 81st SFS, prepares to move his bike from formation during a bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at the 81st SFS building, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Warren Breckinridge, 81st Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, demonstrates to 81st SFS Airman how to steady a patrol bike while descending stairs during a bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at Bryan Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Warren Breckinridge, 81st Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, stands observes Airman 1st Class Joshua Hayes, 81st SFS, descending stairs with a patrol bike during a bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at Bryan Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Airman 1st Class Joseph Prescott, 81st Security Forces Squadron, descends stairs with a patrol bike during a bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at Bryan Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Warren Breckinridge, 81st Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, explains the next portion of bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at Bryan Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Airman 1st Class David Turner, 81st Security Forces Squadron, carries his patrol bike up a set of steps by the watchful eye of Warren Breckinridge, 81st SFS unit trainer, during a bicycle training class June 4, 2014, at Bryan Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces ride bikes

Warren Breckinridge, 81st Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, (in white shirt), rides along with members of the 81st SFS Airmen as they continue a 100-mile bike ride, which takes place over a course of five days June 4, 2014, in the triangle at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 81st SFS held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6, 2014, for Keesler law enforcement Airmen which consists of bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed as well as a total bike ride of over 100 miles. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers, which can be used for special events, community policing, and crime prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Security forces rides bikes

Published June 13, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Security Forces Squadron held a five-day bicycle training class June 2-6 for Keesler law enforcement Airmen.

The class covered bike safety, road hazards, proper stopping, use of bike as a defense mechanism, and dismounts at high speed. Bike patrols are a stealthy and versatile option for security forces officers.

"There are areas of the base where bike patrols have a much easier time getting around," said Warren Breckinridge, 81st SFS unit trainer. "Primarily bicycles are used for crime prevention in base housing areas or during special functions. Bicyclists can meander through crowds and cut through areas other vehicles can't and often get to locations more quickly, too."

While bicycle patrols aren't a routine function, officers require localized training before they are certified to ride, said Breckinridge.

"The course covered more than 100 miles of riding," said Breckinridge. "Many Airmen had to come in on their days off to complete evaluations."

The security forces Airmen who participated in the course had a wide range of experience. One hadn't touched a bike since he was 12.

Bike patrol officers can issue tickets the same as any other patrolling officer. Their speed and stealth make them ideal for controlling crowds, catching texting drivers and preventing crime, said Breckinridge.