Southeast : Police Patrol Adds Pedal Power to Its Bikes

A bicycle patrolman may not be able to put the pedal to the metal for a high-speed chase, but pedal power, on the other hand, doesn’t hurt the environment.

Now, thanks to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the Long Beach Police Department’s bicycle patrol can reach speeds of 20 mph, roam without fatigue beyond their beats to respond to emergency calls and still be air-friendly.

Bikes outfitted with a battery-operated electric motor recharge by plugging into an outlet at the end of a shift. The motors nearly triples each bike’s cost to $2,500.

The AQMD has given the 18-officer patrol four such bikes and if all works well, the department intends to invest in more of the GT-brand mountain bikes equipped by AreoVironment Inc. of Monrovia.

“I can remember responding to emergency calls and basically pedaling as fast as you can go and when you get there you’re out of breath and tired,” said department spokesman Cpl. Harry Erickson. “And if it’s a situation where you have to chase someone or take him into custody, it can get difficult.”