Pedal Police

Connect Savannah, September 11, 2013

This past weekend saw the delivery of 25 specially-equipped bicycles to the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.

Five of the new Redline mountain bikes were distributed to each of the five SCMPD precincts to be used by Crime Suppression Unit officers in patrolling their areas.

"Each precinct increased the number of officers certified to patrol on bicycles after a two-day training session by an instructor from the International Police Mountain Bike Association," says a spokesman. "The two-wheelers will be used by CSU officers on routine patrol and in specific operations."

Police say some of the bicycles "already proved their worth last weekend in the Central Precinct when officers on bicycles discovered three vehicles that had been entered before their owners even realized it."

"Using bicycles allows officers to patrol with a 360-degree line of sight and the opportunity to interact better with the residents they serve," says Chief Willie Lovett. "It is much easier to approach residents – and for residents to approach officers – on bicycles than in a patrol car. And in certain situations they could shorten response times. While they are not optimum for all situations, they can make a tremendous difference in the appropriate situations."

The bikes were purchased from Perry Rubber Bike Shop on Bull Street for $31,485. Each bike includes a luggage rack, lights, carry bags, repair kits, helmets and a maintenance contract for the first year of operation. They replace the departments aging fleet of patrol bikes that were purchased in 1992.

Central Precinct CSU Sgt. Sean Wilson said the use of bikes is as much an enhancement of the relationship with the community as it is a crime-fighting tool.

"Residents seem to notice us more on bicycles ... probably because we present a different appearance ... and some stop and talk to us," he said.

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