Lions purchase bicycles for police patrols, announce Tour de Fort
By Daily Jefferson County Union, June 26, 2023
Photo: Bucks for Better Bikes: Fort Atkinson Lion Treasurer Michelle Ebbert, Fort Atkinson Police Lt. Ben Lindsey, Fort Atkinson Police Chief Adrian Bump receives a check from Lion President Mason Becker, Fort Atkinson Police Captain Brandon Sachse, and Tour de Fort committee member Lion Dean Hanke.
Fort Atkinson Lions Club members unanimously voted to provide financial assistance to support purchase of bicycles for the Fort Atkinson Police Department.
The local Lions Club views the purchase as a sound investment for the city that will benefit its citizens.
The FAPD is in the process of upgrading its Police Bike Patrol Unit. Currently they have three bikes, which are 18-years old. The Department is purchasing new bicycles in an effort to increase safety and response during a large community gathering, like the Holiday Parade.
They have found that bicycles are necessary for quick response within crowds and in downtown traffic congestion.
The bicycles will also support community patrolling, visiting youth sports, stopping at parks, skate park interaction, local outdoor events presence, supporting bicycle riding on trails, and overall engagement with residents and guests throughout Fort Atkinson.
John McKenzie and Don Bakker Memorial Bike RidePromoting a strong sense of community is important to the Lions Club. They will be hosting Tour de Fort, which features the John McKenzie and Don Bakker Memorial Bike Ride, on Saturday, August 26th.
There are 16-mile, 31-mile, and 62-mile ride options. Riders will enjoy a scenic ride through wooded areas of Jefferson County including Rock Lake, Lake Ripley, and Koshkonong Creek as you visit Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Lake Mills, and Cambridge. Register at: https://bit.ly/Lions-TDF-2023.
The bike ride is back after a hiatus due to the pandemic. “We look forward to officers showcasing their new bicycles as we host riders from throughout the area at this much anticipated event,” shared Jason Fiege, Tour de Fort co-chairman and past Lions Club President.
The Tour de Fort helps the Fort Atkinson Lions raise money for a variety of local projects. Last year the club supported Big Brothers and Big Sisters, BASE (Badgerland After School Enrichment), Christmas Neighbors, Friends of the Library, Lady Blackhawks, Piecemaker’s Quilted Guild, Rock River Community Clinic, and the Summer Reading program.
Funds were also distributed for state Lions projects like Lions Camp, Leader Dog (training canines to assist the visually impaired), BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development — providing outdoor sporting activities for the visually impaired).
Bike Registration
On a related topic, the City of Fort Atkinson Police Department wants to reduce bike thefts of its citizens.
There is a correlation between non-licensed bikes and bike thefts. A bike can be licensed for life of the bike with that owner for only $5. Police also recover a number of bikes each year that are unregistered and are never returned to the owner because the owner is unknown. With a recorded serial number, a stolen bike can be entered into a database which will allow for it to be recovered by police anywhere in the US.
“Registering your bike greatly increases the likelihood it will be returned if recovered,” said Fort Atkinson Police Chief Adrian Bump. To register a bicycle, e-bike or e-scooter owned by a resident of the City of Fort Atkinson for $5 per unit, contact the Fort Atkinson Police Department at 920-397-9905 or stop in during regular business hours.
Bike riding is an enjoyable recreation activity, whether it is a 62-mile ride in the Tour de Fort or a casual family outing around Fort Atkinson.
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world, with 1.4 million members. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives, and strengthened communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. The organization’s motto is “We Serve.”
To learn more about the Fort Atkinson Lions Club visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/fortatkinson/index.php, visit the club’s facebook page, or call the club’s membership chair Lion Kevin Becker at 920-650-8005; for Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.