Buhl Police patrolling on bikes, even in winter

 By Ricardo Coronado | KMVT/KSVT, February 21, 2019

BUHL, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) The Buhl Police Department is reaching out the community one pedal at a time.

Buhl Police Lt. Kevin Hanners said they've seen a positive response from the community after they've been patrolling the streets on their bicycles.

Hanners said he averages about 30 to 40 miles per week and riding on the bike, he believes it makes him more approachable to the residents in the area.

He adds it also can give other officers a different perspective of the surrounding areas compare to being inside a police car.

"We don't move quite as fast, we're able to hear things, see things, smell things that other patrol officers aren't (able) to do sometimes," Hanners said.

An officer is driving around in a police car just in case they have to response to an emergency, explained Hanners.

Hanners said he's participated in parades across the Magic Valley to help out and doesn't mind pedaling out during the winter season, because he enjoys the interaction with the community.

---