| A police bicycle patrol is an extremely useful and | | | | be less apprehensive about approaching law |
| effective form of law enforcement. Bikes can be | | | | enforcement officers in times of need, or with |
| economical and practical in departments, regardless of | | | | information and tips. |
| the size or type of terrain that an agency must patrol. | | | | Ease of mobility allows for a level of stealth that |
| An officer who rides a bicycle has unique abilities to | | | | cannot be put into action in a squad car. For example, |
| see crime, stop crime, and/or arrest offenders in ways | | | | Fuji Bicycles creates patrol bikes with silent hubs. An |
| that are often more difficult in a squad car. Mobility is a | | | | officer is therefore able to ride up behind someone, |
| primary benefit of bike patrol. A patrolling bicyclist can | | | | who very likely, will not know he or she is there. From |
| travel through crowds, yards, parks, over sidewalks, | | | | a distance, police officers on bicycles blend with other |
| pathways, into narrow passageways and easily jump | | | | cyclists. However, with the flip of a switch, an officer |
| curbs. During festivals and special events, a bicycle | | | | can turn on specially designed pursuit lights and sirens |
| patrol is an excellent way to enforce crowd control. | | | | that identify him or her as law enforcement. |
| The officer can quickly be mobilized from anywhere in | | | | Smaller towns often overlook the use of bicycles for |
| the crowd, and is then able to cover much more | | | | their local force. However, bikes are useful and |
| distance than if he or she were on foot. Additionally, in | | | | economical police tools for less populated locales. An |
| crowded situations, there is less danger or injury to | | | | officer may be able to ride across town in minutes. |
| pedestrians or other motorists from a bicycle if | | | | Meanwhile, should the officer come upon a disturbance |
| contact should occur. An officer can ride inside | | | | or problem, he or she can quietly approach in a |
| buildings such as shopping malls, concert arenas, | | | | low-keyed manner, without disturbing other residents. |
| exhibition halls and sporting events when indoor | | | | Improved physical condition is a known health benefit |
| security involves timeliness and sizable real estate. An | | | | to bike riding. Improved mental and physical wellbeing |
| important benefit for security personnel is that a bike | | | | can promote a more positive attitude for work and life, |
| can accompany the rider in unique interior spaces, such | | | | as well as aid in reducing stress levels. This alone |
| as elevators. | | | | should be weighed as a motive for putting officers on |
| This same maneuverability gives an officer the | | | | bicycles. |
| capability to ride up to individuals in a personal, | | | | Finally, the use of bicycles in law enforcement |
| non-threatening manner. The size and appearance of | | | | agencies and security organizations is economical! |
| a squad car are not as "friendly" as a police bike. A | | | | Police bicycles can save money in a department, |
| bike-riding officer can become a powerful influence in | | | | agency or business by cutting automobile expenses |
| developing positive relationships with people who live | | | | and their accompanying fuel, insurances and |
| and work in the community he or she patrols. The | | | | maintenance costs. This advantage must be |
| bicycle can be especially effective in building trust with | | | | considered when funding is being cut and budgets are |
| children who may be interested in it, and its equipment. | | | | tight. |
| This trust and accessibility can encourage citizens to | | | | |