F. Dan McLamb
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06/01/97 |
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Just read your article and you bring up some good points. Let me
explain myself, I am Sgt. F. D. McLamb, Supervisor of the Raleigh Police
Traffic Enforcement Unit, (Motorcycle Unit),Raleigh, N.C. We train to
mount from the right for several reasons, some of which you mentioned,
but this is not a rigid rule. Common sense may dictate differently in
some cases, i.e. a vehicle stop that the person pulls to the left side
and dismounting would require you to step in a traffic lane.
Dismounting on the right enables us to keep the violator in sight at all
times, usually keeps us out of traffic lanes, and allows for us to use
the bike as cover in the event of gunfire. Additionally, my unit, and
most all units in this state use "Setcom" radio belt boxes with
handlebar mounted PTT switches, We left the hand mikes years ago. These
belt boxes have quick release connection that will break apart if you
need to exit quickly. God, I have forgot to pull mine apart a million
times and it just pops apart. These belt boxes also allow you to run
off the more powerful motor radio while riding and then when you
dismount, you still have communication by the Walkie-Talkie on your
side.(the PPT switch for the WT is on the belt box) Anyway, enjoyed
your article, ride safe and take care. F. Dan McLamb P.S. We use Bell 400 3/4 coverage Helmets W/Setcom radio gear, single speaker mounted inside left ear well. Cant use double speakers due to inability to communicate with motorist if both ears have speakers that are talking.
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Glen
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09/01/96 |
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As a motor officer and motor instructor I had a few comments about the
article. First of all, you're correct we do teach the right side mount
for the reason of safety while parked along the roadside. In almost 10
years of riding and thousands of stops, I've never had it fall yet.
Another reason is the ease of getting on. With the bike leaned over to
the left on the sidestand, the handle bars usually fall to the left.
with this combined with the high radio box, antenna, motor boots etc.,
it makes it quite awkward to mount up without getting something hung up
either on the radio box or handle bars. On the hand held mic's, most agencies out here in Calif. use the helmet microphones with speakers. A thumb switch or button is used to transmit without having to take your hand off the grips. And finnally, the full faces helmet is not worn for obvious reasons involving officer safety. I would not argue that the 3/4 helmets we wear are not the safest on the market, but being a cop on a motorcycle is not the safest either. As an instuctor, I find myself always looking at the riding styles of the average street rider and see some pretty frieghtening stuff. There are a lot of riders out there that don't have a clue on how to brake, corner etc. I just wish more riders would seek out the training that's availble out there. I wanted the response posted as a responce to the listed subject, if this is the correct way to do it. Thanks
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