BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 The Kern County Sheriff\u2019s Office is asking for permission to apply for a grant to buy 10 electric bikes, according to the Kern County Board of Supervisors agenda for Tuesday.<\/p>\n
If approved, the department can submit a grant application to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. This would be part of the 2026 New Alternative Fuel Vehicle program, the agenda said.<\/p>\n
Watch \u2018After Sunrise\u2019 on KGET+; Click to learn how to get KGET+ on your smart TV devices <\/a><\/p>\n KCSO is looking to purchase 10 ATR 528 Police e-bikes, according to the agenda.<\/p>\n The project is estimated to cost $100,000, which the department wants to fund through the program. Each new vehicle costs about $9,053, according to the drafted application.<\/p>\n According to a letter of proposal to the Board from sheriff\u2019s officials, e-bikes enhance patrol efforts in the community.<\/p>\n Bicycle patrol has shown it can increase officer visibility in congested areas while also being quiet, providing a tactical approach to crimes as they occur, the agenda said.<\/p>\n Patrol bikes can be used for regular patrol duty, traffic enforcement, parking control or special events, according to sheriff\u2019s officials. The bikes could also be deployed to any area at all hours depending on KCSO\u2019s needs and staffing levels.<\/p>\n \u201cThe use of the patrol bicycle will emphasize their mobility and visibility to the community,\u201d the letter read.<\/p>\n