Why Do American Police Ride Bikes on Patrol?

In late May, the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer who knelt on his neck ignited the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests across the U.S. and even in Western countries predominantly led by white populations. Despite emergency curfews, the anger and unrest among demonstrators could not be quelled.

While news of riots dominates headlines daily, one might wonder: Why do police officers often arrive late to protests riding bicycles?

As it turns out, bicycles have long been a tactical tool for American police...

Tactical Bicycles:
Favored by Both Police and Protesters

Though bicycles may not seem as intimidating as other gear, they are a surprisingly effective and "humble" weapon, perfect for handling protests and demonstrations.

They can serve as batons for offense or shields for defense. In confrontations, a bicycle rider inherently carries a weapon, effectively deterring attacks.

- Cyclists can quickly dismount, offering high mobility.
- At high speeds, bikes can become a powerful deterrent or even deliver heavy strikes.
- A sharp turn can swing the bike's rear wheel to strike opponents, and with proper balance, the rider can recover swiftly.
- Almost every bike comes with a special weapon—a sturdy, heavy, and long metal pump, making it an ideal tool for combat.

During the BLM protests in late May, police were recorded using bikes to push and shove demonstrators.

Police aren’t the only ones who find bikes useful—protesters do too! Multiple bikes chained together can form makeshift barricades.

A "Heritage" Weapon:
Bicycles in War and the Call for "Bicycle Masters"

Using bicycles as offensive weapons isn’t new. During World War I, the British Army had dedicated bicycle battalions. Pre-war recruitment even encouraged cyclists to enlist. A 1912 recruitment poster read: "Do you like cycling? If so, ride for the King!"

In 1901, journalist Marcus Tindal promoted bicycles as combat tools in advertisements.

A London journal, Pearson's Magazine, even detailed how to use bicycles in combat, elevating bike defense to an art form—"The art of self-defense on wheels is full of possibilities, especially for those with courage."

Bike Manufacturers Distance Themselves Amid Backlash

While police find bikes handy, manufacturers are less thrilled. Photos of officers wielding bikes as weapons risk tarnishing their brands.

Bike brands Fuji and Haro took to Instagram to clarify their commitment to serving and protecting all community members, emphasizing that racism and hate have no place in their companies.

On June 5, Fuji's U.S. distributor announced it would halt sales to police departments, citing officers' use of bikes as weapons against protesters.

Trek, which has supplied bikes to U.S. police since 1975, faced criticism. Founder’s son John Burke lamented police brutality and racism, stating, "Our police bikes are built for durability and agility—29-inch wheels for quick movement, sturdy construction for patrols. But we never intended them to be used as batons against protesters."

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