71st SFS begins bicycle patrols Published Dec. 1, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- The 71st Security Forces Squadron recently became more approachable to the Vance Air Force Base community when nine patrolmen traded in four wheels for two. At various times and days depending on manning and weather, Team Vance can interact with members of the new 71st SFS bicycle patrol. Bicycle patrols became the answer to the squadron's desire to improve public relations by becoming more accessible. "With this community policing, patrolmen can actually talk to people face to face," said Capt. Tim O'Bryan, operations officer. "They're more approachable because they're not behind a car door. In getting closer to our community, we get a better feel for the environment. This also saves the squadron on gas money and helps the members stay physically fit." To begin the patrols, patrolmen went through a day of training which included bicycle safety, maintenance of the bike, how to navigate an obstacle course, stopping rapidly and how to chase a suspect. The bicycle patrolmen are Tech. Sgt. John Wellman, Senior Airmen Sara Beane, Jason Biederman, David Harris, Ronald Lowe and Christopher Ricardo, Airmen 1st Class Daniel Fuller and Vincent Nieves and Airman Basic Clarence Walker. "The new bike patrols are great," Airman Lowe said. "I get great exercise and it's easy to get off my bike and talk with people."