Bikes better for (police) business

By Maggie Hockenberry, WCIA.com, Augusts 22, 2016

CHARLESTON IL-- Police are rolling out on some new wheels. They've brought back bike patrols after a 10-year hiatus.

Officers say it's a nice change from the everyday grind. They stopped the patrols when the interest just wasn't there and the equipment was outdated.

Now, the department is riding in style with two new mountain bikes allowing them to go just about anywhere.

"It's a pretty fun way to spend your patrol shift."

Some officers are hanging up the keys to their squad cars for these instead.

"We had them several years ago and kind of lost a lack of interest combined with some aging equipment."

But, they're back in action. The department has added two mountain bikes to the force. Officer Brett Compton says it's a nice way to get around town.

"Ability to be personal with the citizens. Driving around, notice a lot more people stop and chat with us when we're out on the bike as opposed to when we're just driving around."

He volunteered to try it out. So far, it's been a hit.

"It gets us out of the car, some exercise on duty. It's also so easy to be able to talk to people and build a relationship in the community."

The department had a bike patrol ten years ago. Lt. John Bennett says it's something they've missed.

"As another way of outreach into the community, make us more approachable and more reachable."

The city has also spruced up the trails along Lake Charleston. Another reason the bikes come in handy.

"It enables us to be out and access some areas more easily than we would otherwise be able to."

Whether they're out driving in squad cars or riding on two wheels, they say it's all about keeping the community safe.

"When we were seen approaching on bicycles, we were a lot less intimidating than we normally would be."

There are six people on the patrols. They'll be used at events and festivals. The department says it hopes to add more bikes in the future.

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