How Raleigh Police use Electric Bikes to Patrol the Downtown
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Raleigh police have a new way to patrol parts of downtown and North Raleigh.
The department is using Recon electric bikes as a way to patrol areas like downtown parks and parking decks, as well as shopping centers like Brier Creek, North Hills, and the Village District. Raleigh police Senior Officer Blake DiCello said the bikes have several benefits. “We scoot in and out of traffic and go into parking decks or go around in shopping center areas [in the bikes],” DiCello said. “In a car, you’re in that bubble where the windows are up and you’re not really engaging with the public and the community.”
With areas like the Village District busy around the holidays, DiCello hopes the presence of officers on electronic bikes will also help deter crime. CBS 17 asked him what he’s on the lookout for during the holiday season.
“It’s a difficult thing to say I want to be on the specific lookout for this and that and the other,” DiCello said. “It’s more of anybody needs our assistance, anybody that can, whether you’re locked out of your car, there’s an issue inside of a store, or there’s a disturbance.”
Raleigh police began using the four electronic bikes in the fall, the first time they used them for patrols. Shirley Brex, the manager at Nest Interiors in the Village District, saw the electronic bike patrol in the shopping center for the first time Wednesday. After speaking with officers, she looks forward to seeing them more.
“I think it’s going to give them a lot of added mobility and a great presence,” Brex said. “[The officer] said they’re going to be spending more time here. I think it’s a comfort to know they’re going to be here.”
The Raleigh Police Foundation donated the bikes to the department. Each costs more than $4,000, according to an Raleigh police spokesperson.
DiCello said the electronic bikes are in a test phase. If they have a positive impact, the department may try to get more bikes from the foundation or the city.