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Police Bikes in Aberdeenshire

Picture of Police bike

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Police Bikes in Aberdeenshire

Grampian Police is increasing the number of officers on bicycle patrol in communities across Aberdeenshire.

Thanks to a funding boost - which helped secure new specialist bikes and support equipment - 23 local cops across the region will now be out and about on two wheels. The officers go through a one-day training course which includes bike maintenance, on-road conditions in urban and rural areas and also off-road use. More details of the course.

The hi-tech mountain bikes, made by legendary gun-maker Smith & Wesson, are specially-designed for use by the emergency services. Each bike features a robust yet lightweight design capable of withstanding tough conditions and comes with built-in features including a torch and panniers for carrying safety equipment.

Picture of Police bike

Chief Superintendent Mark McLaren said:

"Being visible and accessible within our communities is important to us.

"We know that people like to see us out and about on pedal cycles as it creates opportunities for better engagement which is not always possible when officers are travelling in vehicles.

"The big advantage here of course is that our staff like to use the bikes too, so this is a bit of a win/win situation.

"This is a great opportunity for us as not only do the bikes offer health and environmental benefits, they also have the added advantage of being able to quickly get into areas that aren't always immediately accessible by cars.

"In Aberdeenshire, we have already successfully deployed officers on bikes at a number of major events such as the Braemar Gathering as well as regular patrol work. With the support of organisations such as Getabout and other community safety groups, we have a real opportunity to extend this initiative even further and to get closer to our communities where we can."
Police bikes

Transport and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson was at Inverurie police station on Friday 12 March 2010 to see officers take to the streets on the new bikes.

Regional transport group, Getabout, supported the initiative with a £5000 donation which will also provide safety and maintenance equipment, tow bars and cycle racks which can be fitted to police cars.

The Buchan Community Safety Group provided funding for two specialist bikes. Along with four bikes funded by the Buchan Community Planning Group and one by a private company, Grampian Police now have a total of seven bikes which will be in deployed in Peterhead, Cruden Bay, Mintlaw and New Pitsligo in the first instance. They could be moved to other locations in the Buchan area if there is a perceived need.

Police bikes
The photo shows Ed Bushnell, Chairman of the South Marr Community Safety Group, Joanna Stewart, School Travel Planning Officer for Aberdeenshire Council, Ron McKail, Chairman Garioch & North Marr CSG, Andrew Stewart, Travel Planning Officer for Aberdeenshire Council, Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, Ian Fowell, Garioch Area Manager, and Cllr Anne Robertson, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council.

The Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group provided funding for three bikes to be deployed in North Marr. Two of these bikes are for the Police in Huntly and one for Alford. The Garioch Community Planning Group has provided funding for a further two bikes to be deployed in Inverurie.

The South Marr Community Safety Group provided funding for three of the specialist bikes. Two will be deployed in Banchory and one in Ballater.






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