NOCELA Bike Patrol

WHO WE ARE

      The NATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROL is an organization dedicated to educating and informing both the public and other Mountain Bikers of rules, common courtesy and safety.  Patrollers inform, assist and educate mountain bikers and other trail users. The fundamental goal of bike patrols is to ensure trail access for mountain bikers, and the general public and ensuring that everyone’s visit is safe and enjoyable.  NOCELA is the North Orange County East Los Angeles Chapter.  We are a patrol operating in Orange and Los Angeles Counties.  Our goal is to ensure the continuing use of trails to all persons. 

Our Ethics:
NMBP and the IMBA utilize ethical riding programs such as our guidelines to riding!
Rules of the Trail

The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only.

Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave No Trace.

Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle!

Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail.

Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

5. Never Scare Animals.

All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead.

Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling

Our Services

We offer patrol services to Land Management Agencies, free of charge, as a volunteer service.  Our patrols include 1 or more trained patrol members, mounted on a bicycle, who is authorized to perform emergency medical procedures such as CPR, and basic medical procedures such as securing a victim after a heat stroke.  We patrol the jurisdiction on a regular basis based on needs and availability.  We protect the environment by informing other trail users on proper trail etiquette for both mounted, and non mounted users.  We also enforce rules by educating the public to their presence and reporting serious offenses or non-compliances to law enforcement. 

As a basic patrol solution, our team is equipped with medical trauma bags, basic first aid supplies, radio communications equipment, with repeater based on availability, and bicycle equipped with flashing hazard lights as well as traffic control equipment.  The Patrol offers land managers the piece of mind, that even when resources are spread thin, the patrol will stand by them to assist in any ways possible.  This includes events like floods, storms, fires, and anything else nature can throw at us.  The patrol will be able to assist in emergency situations. 

We also offer event volunteer services for non-profit events, donations are encouraged to support the Patrol however not required.  We offer units mounted and in vehicles to assist with operations, transportation, and medical services for events like races, hikes, horseback rides, and education programs.  If you are interested in utilizing our unit for your needs contact us via the link to the left titled "questions/requests". 

Search and Rescue

    The NOCELA Mountain Bike Patrol is equipped to assist in Search and Rescue operations, at the request of the controlling agency.  Mountain Bikes provide an efficient means of searching trails and wilderness at high speeds to search for clues, signs of life, and victims.  We are specially equipped for locating the victim with medical equipment to sustain life until rescue squads can arrive on location.  With the team on stand-by 24 hours a day, in the event of an actual emergency, request that the agency receiving the report contact the NMBP NOCELA Chapter at (562) 587-6333.  This is an emergency number only please.  If you need non-immediate assistance, contact us via the link at the left titled "Questions/Requests".  We operate only in the Southern California Area and specifically in Orange and Los Angeles Counties.  However, resources to other locations can be found by visiting The National Mountain Bike Patrol website using the link at the left. 

For additional information related to Amber alert response, and Search and Rescue, use the link at the left titled "Questions/Requests" to contact us with your specific questions.

Event Services

    Orange and Los Angeles Counties events are subject to free event assistance services by the NMBP NOCELA Patrol.  If you or your organization are planning a non-profit event, NOCELA would love to help.  Whether the need is bicycles for crowd control, traffic control, additional medical support staff or just general assistance, we can help.  Specializing in outdoors events or environmental events, we also work any event required, based on availablity.  If your event is for profit, you do not qualify for our services, however, donations to the NOCELA chapter will be accepted and services can be requested.  Donations are always requested from an organization that we will be working with as prices for transportation of equipment as well as maintenance are very high, thus we request additional resources if possible.  However, not required, donations always help to keep the NMBP and NOCELA working as a free service to the public and environment. 

Our partners are always entitled to services as a volunteer basis by NOCELA.  All others are requested to submit a request via the link at the left titled "Questions/Requests".

Membership/Partnerships

  NOCELA and the NMBP are always looking for new members and partnerships.  If you think you are interested in mountain biking for a public service or would like more information, you are encouraged to request it via the link at the left title Questions/Requests.  This is a no-obligation matter to join, so feel free to communicate with us!

Partners:
If you think your group/organization is qualified to act as a partner with NOCELA for events or if your qualified to utilize us for your patrols, contact us via the link at the left so we can have our patrol coordinator get in touch with you shortly!

All requests will be handled in the order they are received, and membership is always open, as well as partnerships based on current member availability!

RIDE ON!
James Andreoli
Patrol Coordinator
NOCELA Patrol
National Mountain Bike Patrol
International Mountain Bicycling Association

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