MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Some military policemen have traded the steering wheel and accelerator from their squad car for the handlebars and pedals of a bicycle.
The Provost Marshal's Office recently implemented bike patrols for daily use. The bike patrols are not entirely new to the station. They have been used before for air shows because of their maneuverability. 

"We can cut through places vehicles can't," said Lance Cpl. Michael Parsley, military policeman here. Bikes can take short cuts through fields and parking lots and have on many occasions been the first to arrive on scene.

"They also let us interact with the public more," added Parsley.
The public is the reason the bikes began appearing on the road. "We want to improve community relations and let the public and other Marines know we are approachable," said Capt. Zachary M. White, military police operations officer.
Being on the bikes makes it easier for MPs to stop and interact with people.
In the past, the community has perceived MPs as more law enforcement rather than Marines performing their job, so it wasn't uncommon to avoid MPs rather than talk to them, according to White.

Marines ride the bikes 24 hours a day, rotating every two to four hours for the eight-hour shift.

On an average day, one bike-mounted MP may ride 25 to 35 miles. "The Marines that ride these bikes definitely improve their run time," said Parsley.
Other than the bike, the only difference in gear carried is a helmet and reflective vest.

"They're a good presence," said Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Carter, electronic technician instructor at the Fleet Training Center and base housing resident here. "They keep the impressionable people out of trouble."

The bike MPs serve as visual deterrents, according to White. He also wants to implement at least three more bikes on patrol, as well as getting defensive bike training for all the riders.

The bike-riding MPs are not the only Marines out of the squad cars. PMO has also implemented walking street patrols. The walkers are also hoped to improve community relations.