A Roadspike for the Bike Officer

Reviewed by Phil Redford, PCI #447
Wheeling Police Department (WV)

Finding a police bicycle officer engaged in a high speed pursuit is not too common; however, finding a police bicycle officer standing on the side of the road as the high speed pursuit goes by could be. PMG Manufacturing Group of Wheeling, West Virginia, has been manufacturing law enforcement equipment, including "The Roadspike" for several years. Recently, PMG developed a smaller, less expensive version of the Roadspike for departments with budget constraints. The new version comes in two models, one for police cruisers and one that fits inside the saddlebag of a motorcycle officer. While talking with Bill Blair, president of PMG Manufacturing Group, the topic of bicycles came up. I explained to him that on several occasions, I had stood helplessly on the side of the road as other officers pursued fleeing vehicles. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do. Now there is!

Recently, I had the opportunity to test a road spike made specifically for the police bicycle officer. This Bike Spike is small enough that you can easily fit it into a trunk bag or panniers and still have room for your other equipment. The device measures 3 inches wide and 6 2 inches across when folded up, and 4 2 feet long and 3 inches wide when deployed. The Bike Spike has 32 replaceable 1.5 inch spikes which can deflate a tire and end the pursuit. The Bike Spike is attached to an 18-foot cord that keeps you off the road and out of harm's way. When not in use, the Bike Spike fits into a carrying case which then fits neatly in your trunk bag.

The device is in its infancy and PMG is still making some final adjustments. When the Bike Spike goes on the market, it is expected to sell for less than $100.00 per unit. I had the opportunity to take the Spike to the IPMBA Instructor school in New Orleans, where it received a lot of positive feedback. For more information on the Bike Spike, contact David R. Blair, PMG vice president, at 1-888-876-2377. Be sure to tell him that you are an IPMBA member. PMG Manufacturing Group, 170 North 17th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003-7070. Phone: (304)-277-4057; Fax: (304)-277-4085; E-mail: pmg@ovnet.com.

This review originally appeared in the Winter 2001 issue of IPMBA News.