The West Fargo Police Department started using bike patrol in 1995 and the use has grown since. The bike patrol is mostly used for patrol functions, but is also employed for special events such as: parades such as West Fest in September, community gatherings such as Night to Unite, football games, and other community policing opportunities. The bike is used to patrol areas such as city parks, bike paths, outdoor pool, downtown area, other areas where a vehicle may have a hard time getting into
The Advantages to Officers on Bikes
- Bike officers can travel faster and farther than foot officers, and they are able to patrol areas unreachable by car
- Because they are silent, officers on bikes can ride right up to the scene of a crime before they are noticed
- Bicycles are a great public relations tool - an officer on a bike is much more approachable than one in a patrol car
- Bike officers also have the ability to better enforce bicycle laws, monitor road conditions for bicyclists, promote bike safety, encourage crime prevention practices and promote officer fitness.
The bike patrol officers at the West Fargo Police Department encourage all bike riders, young and old, to always wear your helmet. Accidents happen very quickly.