The use of bicycles by police, EMS, and security personnel continues to grow along with increased awareness of the benefits of an extremely mobile team of first responders. While the reasons for implementing a bicycle unit may vary, the goal of each agency is the same: to provide assistance to those who need it as quickly, safely, and effectively as possible. In the past, officers and agencies seeking to get a public safety bike unit rolling had to look far and wide to assemble the necessary information. The Complete Guide to Public Safety Cycling is the single comprehensive source of in-depth information on starting a bike unit or enhancing an established bike unit with tactical and technical tips on everything from basic equipment needs to detailed insights on policy, maintenance, training, legal issues, and much more.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presents information about bike safety in the United States. In 1997, more than half a million persons were injured badly enough to need emergency department care as a result of bike crashes in the United States. The CDC notes that wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of brain injury from a bike crash by as much as 88%.

This physical education curriculum guide for kindergarten through twelfth grade has two main components. The first is a program overview that includes information relating to program organization and implementation for early, middle, and senior grades. The second section contains suggested activities and teaching notes for realizing specific program objectives. The overall goals are that students should: (1) develop physical wellbeing; (2) develop desired movement patterns through the neuromuscular system; (3) express ideas, thoughts, and feelings with confidence through physical activity; (4) develop independence in pursuing physical activity throughout life; (5) develop safety and survival practices; and (6) develop positive social interactions through a variety of physical activities. These goals remain constant throughout the entire program, although the objectives which prepare students to reach the goals vary according to stages of maturation and learning. Developmental characteristics, time allotments, lesson plans, activities, class organization, and evaluation methods are outlined for early, middle, and senior grades. Appendixes contain an equipment list, a safety checklist, a sample lesson plan, a discussion of legal liability, and a bibliography. (JD)