Police on their bikes in training to build roads confidence

Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, had been tasked with putting together a crash course in advanced cycling skills which enable Wiltshire Police’s town centre officers to get around more safely.

The training was based around level three in Bikeability, a programme developed for cycling proficiency in the 21st century, most commonly found in schools.

Yesterday and Tuesday, the officers were put through their paces by the athletics track near the County Ground and elsewhere in the town centre.

Graham McLaughlin, sergeant for Swindon Town Centre neighbourhood policing team, said: “The town centre team has been looking to increase the use of bicycles during our patrols.

“They offer a more approachable form of patrol than vehicles and we can cover a wider area than on foot.

“We have had good connections with Sustrans at various events recently so I was really pleased when they agreed to provide some basic training for staff.

“This is so that officers can be confident on the bikes, as some of us haven’t been riding for a few years and also give suitable advice to other riders whilst we are out and about.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the team and we are grateful to Sustrans for their support.”

Project co-ordinator Amy Martin said: “We decided to run the training as officers had mentioned their desire to cycle more frequently but felt unconfident on busier roads and more complex junctions in the town centre.

“This training is the perfect opportunity for them to get out on the roads and improve their cycling skills so that they can better police our town.”

Taught by instructors from Cycling Now, officers learnt more about using multi-lane roads, correct riding position in the lane, filtering in traffic and using advanced stop lines.

The central neighbourhood policing team has also reached an agreement with local bike shop and social enterprise, Recycles, to complete all of their bike services and repairs.