Sunderland VLB Cycle Response Team

Sunderland VLB Recently Launched the First
Fully Equipped Marine Rescue Cycle Response Team in the UK.

The team have recently launched what we believe to be the first Marine Rescue Cycle Response Team in the country that is fully equipped with specialist marine rescue equipment and advanced medical supplies including a defibrillator and medical oxygen.

The Cycle Response Team will patrol on bicycles that have been purpose built to include specialist adaptations such as waterproof bearings, run flat tyres, reflective markings, emergency warning equipment and large panniers to carry the equipment. It is hoped to increase the number of bikes to 4 in the future.

The team will undertake proactive patrols in the area from the Wearmouth Bridge to Marsden, responding to incidents along the coast as directed by HM Coastguard as well as undertaking pro-active safety awareness work.

The team will be equipped with modern VHF communications equipment including hands free communications functions to allow safe cycling.

Specialist cycle clothing, adapted for the emergency services has also been sourced allowing team members to cycle in comfort and in safety.

It is hoped that the cycles will provide a rapid response to incidents where it would be difficult to access using our normal rescue vehicle and ensure help arrives to those who need it as quickly as possible.

The use of cycles will not only improve the service we offer to the public but also strengthen our links with other local agencies such as the council Beach Lifeguards and local Police cycle teams.

The cycle scheme has been kindly sponsored by Kreative Innovative Technology (KiT), a Derbyshire based emergency services cycling supplier www.kitinfo.co.uk, who have provided the cycles and some of the other equipment required to bring the scheme online.

The team have undertaken cycle safety training with Sunderland council’s cycle safety team to ensure they are safe both on and off the road.

More information will be added about this service as the team progresses.

20th March 2007