Motorcycle manoeuvres

It may look like a dream job, cruising around on a Harley Road King – police edition – fully equipped with lights, radar, and power to spare but... "not everybody wants to do this and warm days you have to be able to take the heat," says Kelowna RCMP motorcycle officer Troy Bevan.

"It's an amazing opportunity, it's really living the adventure."

Earning the ride isn't simple. All motorcycle officers undergo rigorous training and are tested every year. If they don't pass, they don't ride.

During their first week, candidates must prove they have the skills to drive at slow and high speeds, take tight turns, practise their braking and pass a standardized skill course that encompasses all the lessons learned.

The beauty of these bikes according to Bevan, is they can go places police cruisers can't and which bicycles can't get to fast enough. 
 
"They are amazingly well balanced, but it does take a great deal of training to make them do what we make them do, especially at low speeds."

Being outside has other advantages. "When people are smoking marijuana in their vehicle, I know," says Sgt. Glen Croutch. "That's because I'm out in the fresh air, and it's super easy to smell."

There are just four motorcycle officers working in the B.C. Interior – and that means they get the cool assignments.

"When the royal couple was in Kelowna a couple of  years ago, I was able to assist and help out with that," says Bevan. They will also be taking part in the RCMP Musical Ride and the Cops For Kids charity bike ride.

But, they also get called to grisly traffic accidents.

"Last month there was a serious collision on Highway 97, and because we could split traffic, we got there much faster than a cruiser could have, and that allowed us to clear the scene and get traffic moving again."

Dale Somerville, officer in charge of British Columbia's South East District Traffic Services, says the motorcycles also make it easier to bust distracted drivers.

"You can pull up to a car, right beside the driver's window, and see he's talking on the phone. They'll finally get it in a few seconds," he said.

Bevan's advice for civilian riders: "wear your gear. I can't believe how many riders we see wearing flip flops and shorts."

And take a safety course. Kelowna and District Safety Council offers some excellent training.

Photo: Rob Gibson