Bicycle Response Unit
A mobile journalism team that responds to breaking news, public safety incidents, community events, and developing stories by bicycle.
Mobile Journalism by Bicycle
The National Correspondent Network (NCN) Bicycle Response Unit is a mobile journalism team that responds to breaking news, public safety incidents, community events, and developing stories by bicycle.
Using bicycles allows correspondents to navigate traffic, parks, trails, downtown areas, and large public events more efficiently, helping reporters arrive on scene quickly while maintaining a safe and professional media presence.
Rapid Response
Bicycles bypass traffic congestion and access areas vehicles cannot reach.
Community Presence
Approachable and visible in neighborhoods, parks, and at public events.
Safe & Professional
Maintains a safe, non-intrusive media presence at active scenes.
To provide timely, accurate, and responsible journalism by responding rapidly to breaking news while operating safely, professionally, and ethically.
Coverage Areas
Breaking News
Police Activity
Fire Incidents
Traffic Collisions
Community Events
Severe Weather
Public Safety Incidents
Special Events
Planned Demonstrations
Developing Stories
What We Carry
Each Bicycle Response Unit correspondent is equipped with essential gear to report safely and effectively from the field.
Code of Conduct
Members of the Bicycle Response Unit shall:
Follow all traffic laws.
Never cross police or fire lines without authorization.
Clearly identify themselves as members of the media.
Maintain professionalism at all times.
Prioritize safety while gathering news.
Respect emergency responders and ongoing investigations.
Self-Defense Policy
The National Correspondent Network (NCN) Bicycle Response Unit is a civilian news-gathering team. BRU members are not law enforcement officers and do not have police authority.
If a BRU member is physically attacked or faces an immediate threat of unlawful physical harm, they may defend themselves or another person only as permitted by applicable law. Once it is safe to do so, members must disengage, move to a safe location, contact 911 if emergency assistance is needed, and notify NCN leadership.
BRU members shall not use force to enforce laws, detain individuals, chase suspects, or physically compel someone to comply with instructions. The mission of the BRU is to observe, document, and report while prioritizing the safety of members and the public.
Terminology
PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique): A specialized vehicle intervention tactic used by certain law enforcement agencies under agency policy and training to stop a fleeing vehicle. The NCN Bicycle Response Unit does not perform or assist with PIT maneuvers. If a fleeing person does not stop, BRU members shall not pursue or attempt to stop them.
Spot a Story?
If you see breaking news or a developing story, submit a tip to the NCN editorial team. Our Bicycle Response Unit may be deployed to cover it.
Submit a Tip