Newquay police set to patrol resort on bikes
By CG Alex, Cornish Guardian, June 12, 2014
Photo: Bobbies on bikes (left to right): Inspector Dave Meredith, PC Darral Mares, PCSO Ben Pessl, PCSO Alex Allen, PCSO Liam Brannigan, PCSO Paul Price, PCSO Liz Whitehall, and Sergeant Emma Fox
FREEWHEELING bobbies will soon be patrolling the streets of Newquay on bike as part of a new scheme to reduce crime.
This summer the town’s police officers will be making use of a fleet of six hybrid mountain bikes to carry out high visibility patrols throughout the resort.
Newquay inspector Dave Meredith said the new bikes will be used in the town centre, as well as residential and commercial areas.
“Newquay is a geographically compact town which makes the use of patrol bikes very practical and effective,” he said. “The bikes will allow officers to cover a much larger patrol area than they would on foot, and cut through traffic in busy summer periods.”
Officers using the bikes will carry their normal patrol equipment, including Airwave radios, so will be able to quickly respond to requests relayed via police radio.
Mr Meredith said the bikes would be of particular use in compact residential areas where they will allow officers to more effectively patrol access lanes and paths that are too narrow for cars.
But before officers are able to patrol their patch on the saddle, they must complete a cycling proficiency test. Mr Meredith said it was a "simple" test and that most had already passed.
The initiative will surely prove a hit with members of the public, many of whom like to see a strong police presence on the streets.
“We have had some great feedback from the public over the use of patrol bikes, and I am confident the use of up to six patrol bikes will have a really positive effect on public confidence in the police” said Mr Meredith.
“This initiative supports the force’s green agenda and I am delighted to see officers making full use of these patrol bikes,” he added.