Oakmont to sell police motorcycle to fund bicycle patrol
By MICHAEL DIVITTORIO, The Trib Live, Friday, April 20, 2018, 1:06 p.m.
Photo: Oakmont police are looking to put cops on patrol on bikes like the ones shown in this photo of a Pittsburgh patrolman. Photo by Jasmine Goldband, Trib Total Media
Oakmont PA – Oakmont Mayor Christopher Whaley wants to boost his police department's community interaction by having officers pedaling on patrol.
He proposes selling a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle the department has to purchase two bicycles for policemen to ride around the town.
The move is designed to have officers in the business district and along walking trails more frequently.
“The meat and potatoes of our town doesn't get the patrol it should,” he said.
Council approved posting the motorcycle for sale on Municibid, an online governmental classified advertising-like service.
Whaley hopes to get around $5,000 for it. The police bikes are estimated to cost $3,800, including decals, LED lights and sirens.
“It will add more versatility,” police Chief Michael Ford said.
The lone motorcycle in the department was mostly used for parades and road closures.
Oakmont's force has three certified motorcycle cops, but only one certified for a bike. Officers could receive bike training through Pittsburgh or West Deer police, the mayor said.
Whaley, a former Pittsburgh police officer, has seen how effectively bike patrols operate in the city.
“They bridge the gap between the police department and the business owners,” he said. “The goal is by summer to have it on a limited trial basis and maybe expand next year.”