APD to host International Police Mountain Bike Association conference April 23-30

From City of Asheville:

Asheville Police Department to Host International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) Conference April 23-30th

Asheville, NC (April 22, 2016): During the week of April 23rd to the 30th over 275 law enforcement, EMS and security bike professionals from across the United States, one U.S. territory and the province of Ontario will descend on Asheville for the 26th Annual International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) conference. The classroom portion of the conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Resort, with workshops held at various locations throughout the area – Madison County firing range, Bent Creek, KOLO Bike Park and downtown Asheville.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of training sessions to include certification courses such as Public Safety Cyclist, Maintenance Officer, Bicycle Response Team and Police/EMS/Security Cyclist II. In additional participants will complete workshops covering skill development, firearms training, bike maintenance, bike unit administration and injury prevention.

For many years the Asheville Police Department (APD) has employed bicycle patrols, particularly in our downtown area. APD has a Downtown Unit comprised of 14 officers who focus their efforts on our Central Business District through focused patrols, community engagement, enforcement, community events and parades and providing a liaison to our downtown business and residential communities.

IPMBA is the premier training organization for public safety cyclists. Since its founding in 1992, IPMBA has trained tens of thousands of public safety personnel in safe and effective bicycle operations. IPMBA maintains a network of instructors who deliver the flagship Police, EMS and Security Cyclist Courses, and offers introductory, intermediate and advanced training opportunities at the annual IPMBA conference.

The Asheville Police Department would like to thank the follow sponsors for their assistance and donations: Kolo Bike Park, Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Grove Arcade, Wells Fargo, Asheville Downtown Association, Biltmore Farms, Abbott Construction, NC Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #1, On Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Oskar Blues Brewery, Moe’s Original BBQ, Strada Italiano, Chestnut, Wicked Weed Brewing, Catawba Brewing, Highland Brewing, Target, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Asheville On Bikes, White Duck Taco, Sam’s Club, Pepsi, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville Fire Department, Buncombe County EMS, Explore Asheville, Gallery MIA, Skyland Fire Department, Zaxby’s, Lenny’s Subs, Buffalo Wild Wings, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Brooks Howell Home and Plasticard Locktech International.