Cincinnati law enforcement [and EMS] increasing bike patrols this summer for outdoor events
By Chris Jacobs, WLWT5, May 18, 2023
CINCINNATI OH —
Cincinnati police are training an expanded force for outdoor events, increasing bike patrols this summer.
Crossroads Church in Oakley is playing host to a volunteer program for the fire and police departments.
The day-long event started at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and ended at Xavier University with a bike ride.
Cincinnati police and fire departments are preparing for the busy summer festivals such as Taste of Cincinnati and Oktoberfest and the large crowds that accompany those events.
Police officers and firefighters volunteer to be bike cops and paramedics.
They said when crowds gather, it's difficult to get a car or truck through if there is an emergency, so first responders will rely more on bikes.
"Any time we see large crowds and congestion, it's good to get the bikes out there so response times are a little quicker," Cincinnati Fire Department captain Kevin Uhl said.
Uhl said people are more likely to approach a first responder on a bike when they need help.
In all, about 50 volunteers came out to take part. Uhl said right now, the bike patrol is mainly operating in the downtown area and Clifton, but their plan is to expand to other neighborhoods.