FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The mission of Eyes on Wheels is to increase the safety of runners, walkers, and cyclists by discouraging members of the public from interfering with the event or its participants. Simply by being present on the course, we can deter someone from acting inappropriately. The main thing we do is provide a continuous presence on the race course to deter or discourage interference by spectators or people who show up just to cause problems for the participants. There is a long list of things people do ranging from pranks to physical interference. Our experience is that if there is a witness (us) most people are unlikely to misbehave and if they do we’re there to report the problem and document the situation. We don’t physically impose ourselves. We don’t carry weapons. We ride with signage and reflective vests and we’re visible all along the course. This has thwarted enough interference that the race organizers work with us every year to help minimize problems along the course.
In 2022 we patrolled for the Pacific City Relay, Cascade Lakes Relay, and Hood-to-Coast road races. In prior years, we also patrolled for the Reach the Beach and Tour de’Cure bicycle events. See our Events Pages for more information and dates. Contact us if you know of other events that might benefit from our support.
You are expected to arrive on time for your shift, and ride back and forth in a slow, legal manner. Use extra caution around team vans or exchange points, as they are looking for their runners and may not see you. Observe your surroundings. Be polite and respectful. Take a short break when needed. You are not expected to act as law enforcement or medical specialists. If you see a problem, or you encounter race participants in need of assistance, call the appropriate race personnel.
Patrols may be during the daytime hours or overnight. Overnight patrols operate from sundown to sunrise. Most shifts are 6-10 hours long, although this can vary depending on the event or patrol schedule.
This answer varies by event, but you can expect to ride approximately 100-200 miles, depending on the event and your specific patrol area. Specific patrol assignments are distributed prior to an event.
For most of your patrol, you will be riding by yourself. However, we try to design the patrols so that you are not alone. Our goal is to assign multiple riders in an overlapping pattern for each segment of the route, as well as rovers. Our success in achieving that goal is dependent on the number of riders who sign up for the patrol.
Patrol teams are assigned as required for each event. Riders can request specific teammates and EOW will attempt to accommodate that request. Passengers are not allowed due to the distraction from the patrol work and can potentially take you away from focusing on patrolling. Keep in mind that a deterrence patrol is not a recreational ride.
Bring your street legal motorcycle, your valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, registration, and insurance card. Wear weather-appropriate protective gear, including helmet, jacket, full fingered gloves, and boots. Bring your cell phone, although not all patrol areas have good cell coverage. Water and snacks are always a good idea. Do not bring weapons, recreational drugs, political signs or clothing.
All riders will receive a reflective vest and Race Official signage. For some events, we also provide a radio with headset and spare battery. After the event is over, all equipment must be returned to Eyes On Wheels staff.
All makes are welcome. However, because many of our events involve a nighttime patrol, motorcycles with quiet exhausts are recommended. For Hood To Coast Relay, there is a gravel portion along the route that is roughly 12 miles; for this section, dirt or dual-sport motorcycles with off-road capable tires are recommended. If you are not comfortable on gravel roads, please let us know when you sign up.
All riding experience levels are welcome! Regardless of riding experience, we expect everyone to exercise disciplined riding habits and mature judgment.
Riders are reimbursed a per mile rate for miles ridden during a patrol, based on your odometer reading when you start and finish your shift. Mileage to the patrol area from your house is not included. Some riders choose to donate their reimbursement back to Eyes On Wheels, which we greatly appreciate!
Go to our Rider Registration page to send us your information. After we confirm receipt, you can Sign Up for an upcoming event. You can also email us or use our Contact Us page if you have specific questions.
