page_title: Bicycle infantry
section_title: 21st century
hierarchical_section_title: Bicycle infantry / History / 21st century
caption_attribution_description: I took the picture in 2004, it shows a LTTE bike platoon north of Kilinochi.
context_page_description: Bicycle infantry are infantry soldiers who maneuver on battlefields using military bicycles in a form of foot drill called bike drill. The term dates from the late 19th century, when the "safety bicycle" became popular in Europe, the United States, and Australia. Historically, bicycles lessened the need for horses, fuel and vehicle maintenance. Though their use has waned over the years in many armies, they continue to be used in unconventional armies such as militias.
context_section_description: The use of the cycle as an infantry transport tool continued into the 21st century with the Swiss Army's Bicycle Regiment, which maintained drills for infantry movement and attack until 2001, when the decision was made to phase the unit out.
  The Finnish Defence Forces still trains all conscripts to use bicycles and skis.
  The LTTE Tamil Tigers made use of bicycle mobility during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
caption: LTTE bicycle infantry platoon north of Killinochi in 2004
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