Cst.'s Nixon and Espenhain showing off their rides which they showed off during Qualicum Beach Family Day this past weekend. (Oceanside RCMP)

By Jordan Davidson

be there on the double

Oceanside RCMP bike patrol back on a roll through Parksville & Qualicum Beach

Jun 4, 2022 | 6:26 AM

PARKSVILLE — Local residents will see a special RCMP unit rolling this summer after a two-year hiatus.

Oceanside RCMP officers will take to two wheels as part of a renewed bike patrol program run through the detachment, answering resident concerns about a more visible police presence in the area.

Sgt. Shane Worth said the reason for the hiatus was they didn’t have officers who were formally trained in bike patrol, with COVID-19 bringing most public events to a halt.

“Because of the pandemic, there wasn’t much call for us to be attending special events or community outreach things going on in town.”

Three Oceanside RCMP officers completed a one-week training course in April which specializes in teaching unique riding techniques for the two-wheeled leg-powered mounties.

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Worth said they had a police mountain bike instructor bring their officers around Oceanside to get them more familiar with the area and how to patrol the region by bike.

“They went up to the firearms range and learned how, if they have to, to safely use their forced options including their pistol, maneuvering in traffic and get to where they need to get to safely and efficiently.”

Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW they conduct frequent consultations with the communities they patrol to determine the best places for them to be.

Having a visible police presence was identified as one of the top priorities when speaking with those municipalities.

He also appreciates how much easier it is for community members to approach them with a question, comment, or concern.

“The big thing is you actually get to speak to people. It takes the barriers away from talking to people and you can right down to where people are, whether that’s on a beach or on a trail. It’s to get to places where we can’t get with our patrol car.”

Worth said it also increases their accessibility and is more proactive than vehicle patrols, who are often responding to a call.

The Oceanside bike patrol will be on the lookout around Parksville and Qualicum Beach in the evenings and weekends, along with significant community events like Canada Day and the annual sand sculpting competition.

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jordan@nanaimonesnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow