More police officers will soon be seen on bicycles across Winnipeg as the service launches a modernized patrol program aimed at boosting visibility and response.
25 officers, who have received specialized bicycle patrol training, will be deployed to all four districts and will use a combination of mountain bikes and 16 newly acquired e-bikes.
“Bicycle patrols allow officers to engage directly with residents, business owners and visitors while responding quickly to emerging issues in areas where traditional patrol vehicles may be less effective,” said Sergeant Kelsey Mahoney, Bicycle Patrol Program Coordinator.
The hope is that the program will enhance public safety by providing officers with another tool to access locations that may be otherwise difficult to reach, while at the same time maintaining a highly visible police presence in the community.
Officers in the program remain fully operational and may be deployed to support calls for service, proactive patrols, major events, riverbank operations and other duties across Winnipeg.
The Bicycle Patrol Program will operate between May and October.