POLICE from the Mid North Coast used Port Macquarie to sharpen their bicycle riding skills as they were put through their paces on July 19.
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Instructors from the bicycle training and coordination unit in Sydney took 12 accredited bike operative officers through a range of skills at Wayne Richards Park and Jolly Nose State Forest.
Sargeant Jonathan Richardson said the skills assessment is vital for officers to ensure a safe environment for all.
"Every year we do bicycle operation accreditation. They do a skills assessment on our officers, making sure we can ride on and offraods, and make sure our slow speed skills are up to scratch," he said.
"Being able to be proficient and professional on the roads is very important. It takes a full day of training to complete the accreditation."
Officers had to do manouveres in the car park, such as figure eights, and cycle up curbs and down gutters.
There are currently 12 accredited bicycle officers on the Mid North Coast and the push is on across the state for more bike operatives.
"Essentially, because of the high influx of visitors, our peak time is in the holiday periods so we can get among the caravan parks, around the beaches and other hot spots," Srgnt Richardson said.
"I feel the main benefit of bike operatives is that we have highly visible to the public. They can approach us with any concerns.
"We can get amongst crowded situations where we can't normally do that. It's good for spaces where vehicles can't go, such as parks and walk ways."