Get on your Bike with MIAS

The Mountain Bike Instructors Scheme (MIAS) has been training police cyclists to boldly go where panda cars can't, to reach the parts that other coppers cannot reach. One of their most experienced instructors, Martin Nash, talks about the scheme.

Martin Nash has been a MIAS instructor for longer than he cares to remember. The concept originated in the United States, but MIAS were training police officers years ago out on the road, defensive cycling, conflict resolution and management involving members of the public.

Virtually every police station has cyclists now. With the introduction of the PCSO (the police community support officer) in the West Midlands the Chief Constable has asked that each and every one of those is trained to cycle. You're looking at a very green police force, compared with other forms of transport, going out in panda cars. And you've got the bonus that the public are actually seeing police officers out on the streets rather than being inside a car.

There are many instances when police officers on bikes can get to incidents faster than cars, particularly in the city centre with its one-way-systems, bollards and so on. And of course cycles can go into places where cars can't get to the local parks, the canal system and back alley-ways. Also important is the stealth factor in getting to a scene not only quickly but silently. People can hear a car coming from a mile away, but with a cycle they don't know until the very last second. Police Officers have been using cycles in the WMP effectively since Dec 2000. There were no training facilities at first, but MIAS courses were introduced in 2002. In the Birmingham area there are probably about 300 trained officers. The Metropolitan Police, which we cover as well, last year trained 6000 police officers. The MIAS scheme covers police forces in Merseyside, Kent, City of London, Metropolitan, Northampton, North Yorkshire and Warwickshire. Training

Courses are conducted locally and comprise on and off road cycling. The aim is to prepare the students for a safe and effective Police cycle patrol. The course includes cycle safety checks and adjusting position; practical on-road riding; health and safety; a long ride; around three hours including stops for instruction; advice on nutrition and hydration; and mechanics. If you need cycle training, whether you are Police, Fire & Rescue, or Neighbourhood Wardens MIAS can solve your training problems. To make an appointment please contact Martin Nash, Director of Coaching on 07721 628114 or their website www.mountainbikeinstructor.com