Police get bikes donated by BMW of Ridgefield
By Macklin K. Reid, The Ridgefield Press, October 28, 2016
Photo: Showing off the police department’s new bikes on Oct. 17 were, from left, Officer George Romero, Sean Dowd of Ridgefield Bicycle Company, Ed McGill of BMW of Ridgefield, and Officer Fernando Luis. — Macklin Reid photo
Ridgefield CT – The Ridgefield Police Department’s complement of bicycles is up to four, thanks to a donation of two bikes by BMW of Ridgefield.
“It’s just an effective way to patrol downtown,” said Capt. Bryan Terzian, uniform division commander. “It allows us to patrol areas a cruiser can’t get to — the rail trail and behind certain businesses.
“They do the same things as a cruiser: They stop cars, they answer alarms, handle motor vehicle accidents,” he said. “It’s just a great tool.”
For events that attract sizable crowds to Main Street — like Halloween or Summerfest — the department expects to put all four bicycles on the street, Terzian said.
The bikes also foster good relations with younger people in town, as kids will often come up to check out an officer’s bike.
BMW of Ridgefield has long supported the Ridgefield police, according to owner Ed McGill. “We rely on the police in many different areas,” McGill said. ”We have over $20 million of inventory and they’re in our lot nights as well as days. Also, managing traffic flow on Route 7 to be safe and at reasonable speeds.
“That’s why we love to be part of Ridgefield,” McGill said. “Anytime we can do anything, we’re always happy to support the Ridgefield Police Department.”
Sean Dowd of the Ridgefield Bicycle Company, which sold the bikes at discount, felt the same way. “The bicycle shop is all about community,” he said, “so anytime we have an opportunity to participate with the police or another business, we’re happy to do it.”