警聲

Bicycle Patrol Teams established in some Districts are deployed to perform duty on cycle tracks to enhance the safety awareness of road users and carry out enforcement actions against cycling offences. Before joining the Team, nevertheless, an officer must undergo training and assessment arranged by a licensed cycling instructor. 56-year-old Station Sergeant Eddie, who has joined the Force for over three decades, is a keen cyclist. He has been the Force’s cycling instructor since 2015, having trained more than a thousand colleagues. He points out that the requirements for obtaining and renewing a cycling instructor’s licence in Hong Kong are so strict that he is the only holder of the licence in the Force at present.


To become a cycling instructor of the Force, an officer is required to have not only completed the Introductory Sports Coaching Course offered by the Hong Kong Sports Institute, but also obtained a coaching licence issued by the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China. The requirements include teaching at least 140 hours per year and passing first aid courses. Specific number of hours of continuing education is another requirement for each subsequent licence renewal.


Eddie points out that although many colleagues have mastered basic cycling skills, they generally do not understand the correct way to hold the handlebar, nor do they give correct hand signals for changing direction or decelerating. As an instructor, he must explain all these patiently. During the examination, he will ask the candidates to perform a “Figure 8” manoeuvring on the bicycle and test their safety awareness while cycling. He is responsible for the colleagues’ personal safety. Thus if their performance in the examination is unsatisfactory, he will not allow them to pass. He emphasises that the techniques for bicycle patrol differ grossly from those for sports competitions and leisure activities. “To pursue speed, we generally adjust the seat higher to make the extension angle of the legs on the pedals close to 180 degrees for more efficient pedalling. For patrolling, however, the seat must be lowered to the best position where our feet can touch the ground for us to get our balance as soon as possible. Imagine that when an officer is on duty with the entire equipment weighing almost 20 pounds and a gun attached, a serious accident may occur if the bicycle rolls over.”


Despite his retiring age, never does Eddie say that he is tired or want to take a rest. He hopes to continue sharing his experience and skills in cycling with his colleagues in another capacity after his retirement. He also intends to teach children with special needs so that they can build their confidence and sense of achievement through cycling.


Useful tips for safe cycling


✔ Check if the bike, tyres and brakes are functioning properly


✔ Wear appropriate helmet and protective equipment


✔ Wear reflective clothing at night or during low visibility


✔ Equip the bike with a bell, white light, red light and red reflector


✔ Stay focused, patient and law-abiding at all times


✔ Make sure the bike lights are on at night or during low visibility


 Wear earphones


 Enter expressway/tunnel control areas


 Carry any passenger


 Drink-cycling


Station Sergeant Eddie has been the Force’s cycling instructor since 2015 and has trained more than a thousand colleagues.
Station Sergeant Eddie has been the Force’s cycling instructor since 2015 and has trained more than a thousand colleagues.
Eddie explains the correct way to hold the handlebar.
Eddie explains the correct way to hold the handlebar.

Members of OffBeat Editorial Committee:

Ms Karen Tsang CSP PR (Chairperson)
Mr Leung Chung-man SSP MLS PR
Ms Christine Choi PIO PP PR
Mr Terrence Tse CIP MR PR
Ms Chris Wong TSRO HKI
Mr Raymond Lee TSRO KE
Ms Grace Mak TSRO NTS
Ms Jennifer Lee TSRO MAR
Mr Clement Chan CIP A&S HKPC
Mr Alex Leung JPOA REP
Ms Virginia Yu EO G&D

 

Editor: Ms Wong Ka-wai: 2860-6171
Reporters: Ms Fan Wing-yan: 2860-6172
Dr Peter Chung: 2860-6131
Photographers: Mr Hugo Lam: 2860-6174
Mr Rex Ip: 2860-6175
Fax: 2200-4310
Address: 10/F, Arsenal House, Police Headquarters,
No.1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Website: www.police.gov.hk
Email: sio-offbeat-pr@police.gov.hk
Deadline for Issue 1245: October 26, 2023 (before 6pm)
Deadline for Issue 1246: November 16, 2023 (before 6pm)


Procedures for submission of articles can be viewed on the webpage of OffBeat on Police Intranet (POINT).


Published by Public Relations Wing, Hong Kong Police Force