Bike patrol officers are the quick-moving eyes and ears for San Antonio police during Fiesta, weaving through packed crowds to spot trouble and respond faster than officers on foot or in patrol vehicles.

Over the past few days of Fiesta, rain and partygoers who may have had too much alcohol have been top concerns for officers working the celebrations this week, said Camelia Juarez, a San Antonio police spokesperson.

Bike patrol officers are watching for any disturbances, and they’re urging partygoers to report anything unusual to the nearest officer immediately.

Juarez said bike patrol officers are assigned individually to Fiesta events such as NIOSA and Fiesta de los Reyes, while the unit also reinforces security efforts throughout downtown. Police declined to say how many bike patrol officers are devoted to this year’s Fiesta events.

Bike patrol is just one approach San Antonio police are using to keep Fiesta safe. Police are using drones, metal detectors and bag checks at Fiesta de los Reyes and Fiesta Carnival at the Alamodome.

READ MORE: Drones, metal detectors and bag checks: San Antonio police detail how they’ll keep Fiesta-goers safe

The advantage of the bicycles, Juarez said, is mobility. In the thick of Fiesta crowds, bike officers can cut through congestion more quickly than officers who are walking or driving.

Bike patrol officers also are trained to provide limited emergency aid, including giving CPR and applying a tourniquet, Juarez said. But she noted that San Antonio firefighters are better equipped for medical care, and each Fiesta event also has a tactical medic on-site.

READ ALSO: Today only: Fiesta Carnival says $15 for unlimited rides, $3 food after rain hurts attendance

Fiesta still has some of its biggest draws ahead. NIOSA, the four-night party at La Villita, runs from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 418 Villita St. Fiesta de los Reyes continues through Sunday at Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

The Battle of Flowers Parade is scheduled for 9:55 a.m. Friday along the downtown route, followed by the Fiesta Flambeau Parade at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, also downtown. The Texas Cavaliers River Parade, one of Fiesta’s marquee events, was canceled earlier this week due to severe weather.

This article originally published at San Antonio police bike patrol officers move fast to keep Fiesta crowds safe.