SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police’s (ISP) new Bicycle Response Team is on a roll this summer as it hits the streets of the Illinois State Fair for the first of many large-scale events the Team is expected to attend in support of ISP’s mission of protecting public safety.
The Bicycle Response Team was established to increase operational mobility, visibility, and service during events where traditional patrol vehicles are less effective due to crowds and environmental restrictions, such as fairs, festivals, and parades. Bicycle patrols allow Troopers to reach harder to get to areas at large-scale events more quickly, as well as increase crowd management capabilities. Bicycle patrols also enhance community engagement through a ‘ride and represent’ approach, allowing Troopers to interact more readily with people at events.
These specially trained officers from around the state wear many different hats for the department (and at least one helmet). They will continue to work their normally assigned patrol duties in their squad cars throughout the year, but will be available for deployment as bicycle operators as needed. Before being assigned, Bicycle Response Team officers must complete a physically strenuous operator training program. Select bicycle operators will also be trained in crowd management and control tactics. ISP plans to have approximately 100 trained bicycle operators in the volunteer program.
At the 2026 Illinois State Fair, ISP is deploying 11 Bicycle Response Team officers in addition to the existing foot patrols Troopers already conduct at the fairgrounds. Bicycle officers will remain highly visible and be able to respond to emerging incidents more quickly than their foot patrol counterparts, helping maintain a safe environment for fairgoers.
