Motorcyclists demonstrate skills in Grand Island, Nebraska
Maverick - May 26, 2009

 

A highlight for everyone was the demonstration provided by members of the Grand Island Police Department. Officer James Colgan narrated many of the maneuvers performed by Officers Jeremy Gildersleeve and Chad Seyler, while also getting on his own police Harley to show some of the skills needed by motorcycle officers in carrying their traffic management and law enforcement duties. 

 

Among the demonstrations were “brake and escape,” which showed how officer riding in tandem can first brake sharply to avoid a traffic hazard caused by another motorist, then coordinating an escape maneuver. Using a four by four wooden beam, the officers showed how to apply front brakes just before their front wheel struck the beam, then release the brake and accelerate to propel them up and over the beam while maintaining control of the motorcycles.

 

At 25 miles per hour, the officers demonstrated the distance required to stop by applying the front brake and the rear brake individually. Officer Colgan noted that the front brake provides by far the greatest potential braking capacity by 60 to 80 percent. During repeated demonstration, the officer that applied only the rear brake traveled forty plus feet (before coming to a complete stop), beyond the officer that utilized the front brake.

 

The final demonstration had lots of audience participation. The three officers demonstrated how to raise a tipped or spilled bike into its upright position. With motorcycles weighing close to 900 pounds, raising a bike can be a backbreaker. 

 

By putting the rider’s backside against the seat, bending their legs at a 45-degree angle, grabbing the bike handlebar grip and bike frame in the proper locations, and then taking small steps backward, the operators were able to return the motorcycles into their upright position.  

 

 

Officer Colgan reminded everyone that motorcycle operators have either dropped their bike or will drop their bike and it is important to know how to properly return it to its upright position.  

 

The Rally was attended by approximately 300 Harley owners and passengers. Harley-Davidson Central served as the host dealer and provided a patio dinner on Friday evening. Grand Island, local businesses and residents served as excellent hosts and welcomed bikers with open arms.

 

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