The Harrison Police Department is putting a charge into its bicycle patrol initiative and has hit the streets this summer on new e-Bikes to enhance bike patrols in the community.
The motor-assisted e-Bike enable officers to conduct longer and more effective bicycle patrols, as compared to a traditional bicycle. Electronic bikes reduce officer fatigue, allowing officers to remain on bicycle patrol for longer periods of time and across a larger coverage area. Officers can also cover ground more quickly on the power-assisted bicycle when responding to an emergency or pursuing a fleeing suspect.
“Our department’s existing bicycle patrols are a critical tool for us to deter crime and heighten our visibility downtown and elsewhere in the community,” said Harrison Police Chief Joseph Yasinski. “E-bikes will allow us to take this successful program to the next level.”
Yasinski noted that bicycle patrols are also are a critical component of the department’s community policing initiative as members facilitate positive interactions with residents and business owners. “People are often more comfortable approaching an officer who is on a bike rather than inside a patrol car,” he said.
The new bikes, made by Bosch eBikes Systems, can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour – about 9 to 10 mph faster than an average bike rider achieves.
Harrison joins a growing number of communities across the nation that are turning to eBikes. “I believe this is a great investment in our bicycle patrol program and in the safety and security of the Harrison community,” said Mayor Ron Belmont.
