Thursday, May 29, 2014 | 5 p.m.
The Henderson Police Department is launching an 18-member bicycle unit.
The city, recently designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community, netted a $45,627 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice that will fund bicycles, uniforms, helmets and bike racks for patrol cars, according to a Henderson press release.
People can expect to see the officers at large city events, such as the Fourth of July celebration at Mission Hills Park, the release said.
Officers in the unit will work part-time shifts during regular patrol hours, the release said.
Bikes allow officers to quickly and quietly navigate areas that are difficult to reach on foot or by patrol car, the release said.
Bicycle patrol officers also tend to stop and chat with community members more, the release said.
In addition to enforcement, the unit — made up of 15 current patrol officers and three sergeants — will also strive to educate the public about bicycle safety, the release said.
The unit’s educational role aims to support of the city’s new bike-friendly designation, according to the release.
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