91原创 RCMP Cpl. Craig van Herk jumped at the chance to get onto a bike as part of the bike patrol.

That was 2005 when he was stationed in Surrey.

Now he passes on his bike skills to other RCMP members also wanting to be part of the program.

New bike officers participated in a week-long training course in 91原创 during the last week of June.

Officers were in Brookswood for the first four days before praticing in Aldergrove their last day.

The course has been offered for more than 20 years in 91原创 to train officers in certain bike safety elements required of them, van Herk said.

He started bike patrolling after working foot patrol in Surrey. When the opportunity to combine the two presented it self, van Herk jumped on it.

He enjoys the ability to be in the community and be more accessible to community members.

鈥淵ou have an opportunity to be community-minded, but you also have a very effective opportunity to prevent and stop crime and activities that shouldn鈥檛 be happening,鈥� van Herk explained.

Compared to a vehicle, he said the bike is more maneuverable through parks or trails.

鈥淚t changes things. It鈥檚 a different look, a different feel. The perception is that [we鈥檙e] far more approachable, [we] can actually approach people,鈥� he said.

The bike training is offered each year, and van Herk says they always get interested officers.

Last month, officers practiced quick ways to safely dismount from their bikes and manuevering around tight corners. They also tested their speed and stamina riding around Brookswood.

Officers who complete the training course start immediately, van Herk said, and some may have been seen patrolling on Canada Day.

鈥淭his is a fantastic tool that makes our communities and cities safer to live in,鈥� he said.

READ ALSO: Suspect sought in $150,000 theft of heavy equipment in 91原创 and neighbouring cities

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