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