The modern idea of policing has been mostly standard practice since the late 19th century, and police bikes have been an aspect for the majority of that history. In some form or another, police bikes have been involved in patrol programs since the late 1800s — so, even as iconic as the patrol car is to American policing, it hasn’t been around for as long as the police bicycle!
The earliest recorded uses of bicycles in policing arrived in the 1860s, and as technology and production quality improved over the next few decades, bicycles became standard in policing. Agencies soon realized the potential for more widespread coverage and greater speeds allowed by bike patrol, and police bicycles became the standard around the turn of the century, not just in America but around the world.
As modern transportation evolved, the use of motorcycles and automobiles in police work became standard in the early 20th century. This remained the case throughout the mid part of the century, but a changing America required a changing approach to policing. Patrol cars offered the advantage of speed and the ability to patrol large zones of a city, at the downfall of isolating officers from the citizens around them. This led to a resurgence of bike patrol, after departments realized the need for policing that allowed closer contact with the community. Bike patrol also offered the benefits of community outreach, stealth, and ease of mobility through tight spaces, all while still covering a large area. Bike patrol became widespread for use in modern cities, campuses, and other urban areas, and has remained as a standard in modern patrol practices.
Today, American Bike Patrol Services carries on the long history and legacy of bike patrol. We are able to train and supply equipment for the specific needs of your department.. We’ve been involved in the industry since the early 1990s, and can meet all your qualifications to provide the best in bike patrol training, outfitting, and maintenance.
