Maximizing the Effectiveness of Your Mountain Bike Patrol
7 ways to get the most out of your patrol unit
- Be Organized
- Delegate responsibility
- Identify patrol priorities, schedules and duties
- Communicate Regularly with Patrollers
- Host periodic patrol meetings
- Create an email listserve for your patrol
- Post successes, questions and answers on listserve
- Facilitate an open decision making process in the group
- Include patrol news in the local club newsletter
- Be Part of the Bike and Trails Community
- Interact with local land managers regularly
- Communicate with your IMBA state representative
- Work with local mountain bike, hiking and equestrian clubs
- Visit local bike shops
- Offer Training Tips/Sessions
- Offer short refresher training courses
- Enlist help of experts or professionals for specific instruction
- Get trained in skills above and beyond what's required by NMBP
- Be Visible and Recognizable on the Trail
- Wear NMBP official jersey and shorts
- Educate local kids on trail etiquette - visit schools
- Volunteer at community events in uniform
- Post trail information and patrol trailhead parking lots
- Look for Free or Reduced Cost Training and Supplies
- Partner with local first aid providers to reduce training costs
- Contact local hospital or EMS services for free supplies
- Make Everything Fun
- Keep training events fun
- Combine training with camping and riding
- Don't take yourself too seriously
