Bicycle Patrol Program

About the Program

The El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD) has used Bicycle Patrol since 1998. The bicycles are a great way to patrol areas that are difficult to access with a regular patrol car, such as the El Cerrito Plaza, the Ohlone Greenway, and the parks. The bicycles put officers in closer contact with the community members. The Bicycle Patrol assignment is an ancillary duty of our personnel. None are currently assigned to it full-time. However, as staff levels and weather permit, one or two officers ride on any given day. The times of operation vary. Sometimes they ride during daylight and hours of darkness.

ECPD Bike PatrolThe bicycles are an alternative means of patrolling to which many criminals are not accustomed. Bicycle Patrol officers have been known to intervene in crimes in progress because the suspects did not see them coming as they often do with regular patrol cars. Other benefits of the program include:
  • Increased community contact
  • High apprehension rates
  • Increased fitness levels for personnel
  • Environmental benefits
  • SRO patrol in and around school campuses


Peace Officer Standards & Training Certification


The ECPD takes great pride in the program. We are certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) to conduct training for our personnel as well as those of other CA agencies. We currently have over 30 sworn officers, from the ranks of reserve, officer, corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant that have been through the physically demanding 24-hour bicycle patrol course. All personnel are encouraged to complete the training.

Every year the ECPD puts on the only POST-approved Bicycle Patrol Update training in the Bay Area. All bicycle patrol qualified personnel go through this 4-hour course to hone their riding skills.

We have also implemented a modified Bicycle Patrol training program for our explorers. While not able to ride on regular patrol, they can be seen riding with police officers on special occasions such as parades and community events.

Training Other Agencies


The department has two POST-certified Bicycle Patrol instructors.

The ECPD has also trained agency personnel from the following agencies:

  • Albany PD
  • Berkeley PD
  • Danville PD
  • Hercules PD
  • Piedmont PD
  • San Pablo PD
  • Contra Costa County S.O.
  • Citrus Heights PD
  • Richmond PD
  • San Ramon PD
  • Napa State Hospital PD
  • Belvedere PD
  • Clayton PD
  • BART PD
  • Veterans Affairs PD
  • St. Helena PD
  • UC Davis PD
  • Menlo Park PD
  • Visalia PD
  • East Bay Regional Parks PD
  • Antioch PD
  • San Francisco County S.O.
  • Pacific Grove PD
Our courses are in such high demand that we maintain a waiting list for other law enforcement agencies who want to send their personnel to this training.

Special Thanks

Thank you to the individuals and businesses who support the Bike Patrol Program, including:
  • Clif Bar
  • Target
  • El Sobrante Pedaler
  • Marin Bicycles