The NSP Bike Program is dedicated to identifying, implementing, and sharing best practices in bike patrolling. Our mission is to develop and expand bike patrolling skills, support recruitment and retention efforts, and continuously provide value to the NSP organization and its members.

Program Objectives

The Bike Program focuses on providing specialized safety and rescue education tailored for bike patrollers. As ski areas expand their offerings to include year-round activities, NSP equips patrollers and hosts to support lift-accessed areas and various land management units, including urban and open space parks.

Program Structure

Bike patrollers and hosts are trained as first responders through NSP’s Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and Outdoor First Care (OFC) programs.

Affordable, “Gold Standard” Training

NSP offers Outdoor First Care (OFC) and Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) to our membership. Thanks to over 31,000 members and generous donations, we are able to offer these at affordable prices. Our medical training is recognized by mountain resorts across the country at a price that is doable for volunteers. For example, for $60 national fee, materials, and your class time, you can earn your OEC credentials, which is similar to EMT training, but is much more affordable and transferable across state lines. NSP dues and fees vary slightly by region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide value to NSP membership and the organization.
• Support NSP’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
• Conduct regular meetings, including monthly and triennial face-to-face National Bike Program meetings.
• Promote the Bike Program by attending National Board meetings, Division Meetings, and conducting seminars at major events like PowderFall.
• Collaborate with Division Directors, the National Medical Committee, and other NSP programs.

Training and Course Delivery

Courses can be held year-round, with classroom sessions indoors and practical exercises on bike trails. Class sizes should maintain a 1:12 instructor-to-student ratio, with a 1:6 ratio for practical exercises. All courses require evaluation by an Instructor Trainer to ensure the quality of training.

Pro Deals & NSP Online Store

As a member of NSP, you get access to a variety of discounted equipment directly from partner brands. You also have access to gear on the NSP Online Store, which includes bike patrol jerseys, general bike clothing, eyewear, medical supplies, etc. Our partner brands include Patagonia, Bolle, Smith, Yakima, and more.

Bike Program Content

• Bike patrollers must obtain Outdoor Emergency Care certification, while bike hosts need Outdoor First Care training.
• Patrollers’ roles and responsibilities vary depending on the area management.
• Communication, safety, guest interactions, and managing signage and closures are key duties.
• Patrollers must be trained in summer transportation techniques as care and extraction differ from winter operations.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or similar agreement with land management is required for bike patrols or host units.

Minimum Requirements

Bike Hosts:

• Patroller 101 (Track 3 – Bike Fundamentals)
• Community Level CPR (Professional recommended)
• Outdoor First Care (OFC)
• Host Unit-specific requirements
• Incident Command System 100 (ICS 100) recommended

Bike Patrollers:

• Patroller 101 (Track 3 – Bike Fundamentals)
• Professional Level CPR
• Incident Command System 100 (ICS 100)
• Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC)
• Bike Patrol-specific requirements

Recruitment Assistance

NSP supports local patrols by providing recruitment materials such as designs for recruitment posters, cards, etc. (to be printed by local patrol). You can see our snow sports versions if you are an NSP member on our online store. NSP offers a Bike Patrol 101 course that serves as an introduction for those interested in patrolling. We can also leverage our public social media following to raise awareness of the growing need for bike patrol and encourage people to find a local patrol to join.

Community and Advancement

NSP has a robust organizational structure that encourages leadership roles and diversified training options outside of the more common OFC and OEC courses. We have programs such as Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR), Women’s Program, Young Adult Patroller Program (YAP), etc., as well as awards for Outstanding Bike Patroller and Outstanding Bike Patrol.

Information-sharing Platforms

Membership includes an annual subscription to Ski Patrol Magazine. NSP is also currently compiling best practices among bike patrols all around the country. While we do not plan to set standards for bike patrol activities, as they are area-specific, we do want patrols to be able to share and learn from each other.

Join the NSP Bike Program

For patrollers: Contact your division director to arrange for Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification and discuss best practices.

For hosts: Join NSP as a bike host by completing the Outdoor First Care (OFC) course, which includes first aid training and a two-year certification. The OFC course costs $25.00, with free renewals available to NSP members.

Join the NSP Bike Program today and become part of a dedicated team committed to bike safety and rescue in the growing world of year-round outdoor recreation!