CfSC Policy: The bicycle as a law enforcement tool

Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC) supports the use of bicycles as law enforcement tools, and welcomes their introduction to Ottawa-Carleton. Ottawa, Gloucester and Nepean have now joined police forces across Canada, the United States and throughout the world in recognizing that bicycles can be of significant assistance to police officers in their everyday work.

Many officers using bicycles have commented on the ease with which they have been able to approach a suspect in a crowded location without the officer's presence becoming known. This ability has provided a significant deterrent against all classes of street crime, making the street a safer and more pleasant environment for all.

The quiet and unobtrusive approach of the bicycle has also facilitated the patrolling of secluded areas, such as parks and paths, where before the introduction of officers on bicycles there had been very little deterrent against personal offences such as muggings, theft and rape.

As another example, where traffic violations have occurred on crowded streets, officers on bicycles have been much more successful in apprehending the offending road users (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians) because of the officers' increased freedom of movement.

There has been positive feedback from both police officers and members of the public because the officers and the public are no longer separated from each other as has so long been the case when the officer is in a patrol car. This willingness to get out amongst the people has lessened the stereotypical "them and us" image of the police officer.

In addition to these direct improvements in the provision of policing services, there are significant environmental benefits (reduced pollution from idling car exhausts, noise, etc.) which should not be discounted. Bicycles also incur lower capital and maintenance costs, thus providing better and more cost-effective policing.

As can be seen from the above, police officers on bicycles are well-suited to undertake many tasks, not only the frequently- mentioned apprehension of cyclists who have committed traffic violations.

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Approved by the CfSC Board, March 1990