Traverse City Police Department Receives Electric Assist Bikes for Patrol Officers
By Jeremy Erickson, 9 & 10 News, May 10, 2018
A new tool donated by some local businesses will help Traverse City police officers get around a little easier this summer.
Thursday morning Brick Wheels presented the Traverse City Police Department with two electric assist bikes for their seasonal bicycle patrol officers.
The $5,000 bikes are outfitted with Shimano electric assist motors, police lights and sirens, and rear racks with storage bags.
The Cannondale police bicycles are capable of reaching speeds up to 27 mph, and prevent the officers from getting tired while on patrol with all of their gear.
They also help the officers go places patrol cars are simply unable to go.
“We’ve had some problems in the past on the TART Trails, so this is going to be a really good tool for them to get out and cover 80 mile during the course of a day. Thanks to the Brick family for donating these, it just incredible,” Traverse City police chief Jeff O’Brien.
Officers began patrolling using their new bikes Thursday.