Pedal power is latest weapon for police (From Community Newsgroup)

Pedal power is latest weapon for police

9:40am Wednesday 9th May 2007

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BOBBIES on bikes have moved up a gear in Macclesfield.

Riding Hardrock mountain bikes with police livery, police cyclists have been trained in West Park to ride up steps, across rough terrain and down narrow alleyways, as well as using the bike defensively in an attack.

"The training has not been about learning to ride a bike. It has been about adapting the bike to policing," said PC Rob Simpson, who has been in charge of the one-day courses. "We know that bikes are a really effective tool in dealing with disorder in particular. They can get to places where cars cannot reach. They are quick and silent. We can be alongside people before they have any idea we are around.

"The other advantage is that officers can patrol over a wide area and still be very accessible to anyone who wants to talk to them. It is much easier to wave down an officer on a bike than one driving a patrol car."

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