^{Photo courtsey of High Point Fire Department}

Recently, a North Carolina fire department received a grant of about $18,800 from CalSurance Associates and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to supply the firefighters with bicycles for bike teams who respond to emergency calls on bikes.

The High Point Fire Department created a 10-member bike team a few months ago, but had been using borrowed equipment, said Deputy Chief Tim Wright. This grant will allow for another 11 firefighters to be trained and buy uniforms.

The grant will also fund the purchase of eight new mountain bikes equipped with sirens, Automated External Defibrillators, oxygen, masks for CPR, bandages, EpiPens and other necessary equipment.

Chief Tommy Reid made the bike teams a priority when he was appointed last year and implemented the first bike team in October.

The bike teams and responders will share the bikes with two team members responding to each call.  

The bikes will be used mostly for medical calls, but will also be used for public events like parades. It allows the firefighters more mobility and maneuverability within crowds.  Bicycles give firefighters the ability to investigate calls and relay information through radios.  

The bikes also help create a calmer environment in times of an emergency.

“Some people get scared with sirens, ever since 9/11,” Wright said.

Fire trucks will still respond to all the calls the bike team responds to, but bicyclists may complete the call if it is a medical problem or determine it is a false alarm before the fire truck arrives. This will allow the fire truck to remain free for other calls.

For more information visit: 

High Point Fire Department

Firefighters may respond to emergencies via bicycle