ScottsdaleAZ.Gov

The Scottsdale Police Bike unit is a special assignment team comprised of six IPMBA certified bike officers and one Police Sergeant. The Bike Unit’s MISSION is to act for District Commanders as a rapid response team in solving community based problems. The Bike Unit therefore identifies, creates and implements many challenging enforcement operations.

The Bike Unit conducts surveillances, patrols the urban parks, assists with the homeless, and is responsible for city-wide liquor enforcement. Bike Officers frequently partner with other special operation teams within our Department. A mountain bike officer’s ability to be rapidly mobile and covert is oftentimes unmatched! For these reasons, our assignments are frequently challenging and our work hours can be harsh.

The Scottsdale Police Bike Unit has a rich history. It began in 1991 when two officers started to patrol the old downtown area. It has since expanded into other areas. Half of the Bike Team members are certified as instructors by the International Police Mountain Bike Association, also known as IPMBA. These bike instructors oversee the Department-wide “Bike Officer Reserve Program.” Patrol officers in each of the three districts are encouraged to complete a 40 hour basic police cyclist school and then an annual refresher class.

The Scottsdale Police Bike Unit also hosts and teaches other police cyclist schools. Yearly, bike instructors teach AZPost Basic and Advanced Police Cyclist Schools. These instructors also host bike rodeos at schools, at scouting meetings, and at neighborhood block watches. Bike Officers set up fun bicycle obstacle courses using orange traffic cones, brightly colored caricature signs and little wooden bridges. Bike Officers remind children how to start riding from a stop sign, how to use their handbrakes and footbrakes, and the importance of wearing a helmet.

The Bike Unit also plays a significant role at Scottsdale’s Signature Events. The Bike Unit has recently provided a presidential escort at the Phoenix/FBR Open Golf Tournament and bicycle patrols at the Scottsdale Stadium spring training baseball games, the P.F. Chang Rock and Roll Marathon, the Parada del Sol Parade and Rodeo, and the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.

The Scottsdale Police Bike Unit’s future is bright. We have developed close working relationships with state agencies such as the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Gang Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM). We also have recently developed and implemented a bike registration program. The bicycle registration program is designed to identify and recover bicycles that have been stolen. The Scottsdale Police Bike Unit looks forward to the many community enforcement and teaching opportunities ahead.

Contact Sgt. Robert Bonnette at (480) 312-3125 for questions. 

Additional Resources for Bicyclists

• Bike Paths and Trails
• Cycling Safety Tips
• Register Your Bicycle
• Handlebar Helpers