Firefighters: They risk their lives to protect the safety of others everyday they go to work.

Sometimes, these brave people have to fight the crowds before they can get in to fight the fires.

Firefighters are always prepared, but the Chapel Hill fire department is, literally, gearing it up a notch.

Firefighter Robert Bosworth said it was the former fire chief's idea to use bikes during high-traffic events.

"Sometimes they can cover three or four blocks and there are calls in that area. Walking to them can be slow, and so when he saw the idea of using bikes, it just triggered him and he said 'let's try it,'" one firefighter said.

The department has two red 10-speed bikes. One bike carries fire extinguishing equipment and the other carries emergency medical equipment. Medical assistance is what the bike squad tends to be needed for the most.

If there's a big emergency during an event, firefighter Jason Grafford said the bike squad members call for back-up and do what they can in the meantime.

"We carry the basic necessities. If it's anything major, we have to wait for the truck."

Any of the department's firefighters can volunteer for the bike squad. However, Bosworth said the bike squad positions do require a bit more preparation.

"Some of these guys haven't ridden bikes in years. You won't see them doing any downhill racing. We train them so they end up on top of the bikes and not below."

"I really enjoy the bikes and getting to meet the people. You get to get some exercise, and the people thank you for doing it."

Bosworth said so far the bike squad has been an overall success and has helped improve the department's response time.

So at any of the town's big gatherings, students and residents can celebrate safely while firefighters on bikes are patrolling the area.