Bicycle Patrol

The most recent trend of police patrolling on bicycles began in the mid 1980's. As this method of patrol increasingly proved to be an effective way of policing in other communities, it was also adopted by the Two Rivers Police Department. The Two Rivers bicycle patrol program began in Two Rivers in 1992. The team started with two Schwinn mountain bikes and other related equipment, a great deal of which was donated by community civic organizations and businesses.

The Two Rivers Bike Patrol Team is made up of several volunteer officers who patrol on mountain bikes for 4 hours of an 8 hour shift. These officers are trained in basic riding skills, conducting traffic stops on the bike, apprehension techniques, and proper riding attire and equipment adjustments.

Goals of the bike patrol program include increasing informal police/citizen contacts, decrease problems in troubled areas and to enhance bicycle safety through education. The informal contacts allow police officers and citizens to pass on information directly. These contacts also allow officer and citizen to meet and get to know each other.

Special assignments given to members of the team include patrolling parks and playgrounds, parade patrol, car shows, July 4th celebration, Ethnic Fest, Apple Fest, Bike Rodeo, and bicycle safety education in the schools.

Other objectives of the bike patrol are efficient building security procedures and improving public relations.