Bobbies on bikes want folk to stop and chat

By John Wilson, Hereford Times, January 30, 2020r

Members of Hereford South Wye Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) on their new bikes. Picture: West Mercia Police

NEIGHBOURHOOD police in Hereford have saddled up to fight crime.

Members of the city's Hereford South Wye Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) applied to Herefordshire Council's TravelFund grant, which encourages organisations to use bicycles to get around.

Part of the SNT's role is for officers and community support officers to be visible and engage with the community. They say using bicycles around some urban areas will help do this.

Police will take advantage of cyclepaths and networks in Hereford such as those at Rotherwas, Bishop Meadows and the Greenway.

In addition to visibility, they are also helping the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road in Hereford.

The five bicycles bought are already being used around the area and police say they are feeling the benefit of people stopping them to talk. They are also able to get to places like parks more easily.

They are particularly hoping putting bobbies on bikes will help them better disrupt the activities of county lines drug gangs.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Greg Tudge said: “Bicycles are an excellent way to effectively police an urban area, and the reduced impact on the environment and local congestion is also extremely positive.”

Ben Boswell, energy and active travel manager, said: “We’re delighted to have awarded West Mercia Police a TravelFund grant and it’s great to see the bikes out in action."

For more information on the Travel Fund grant scheme email move@herefordshire.gov.uk.

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