Two patrols will regularly patrol parks, green spaces and the city center in the future
The Darmstadt city police plan to increase their bicycle patrols. Two bicycle patrols will be integrated into regular operations and will primarily be deployed in parks and green spaces, pedestrian zones, and the city center. An expansion to the entire city area is possible in the future.
Head of Public Order Paul Georg Wandrey presented the concept of bicycle patrols on Thursday, August 13th. A key advantage is the direct contact with people. The bicycle patrols will enable easy and accessible communication, especially with cyclists and pedestrians.
"The bicycle patrol is a good and sensible addition to the area of activity of the city police, which significantly facilitates communication with cyclists and pedestrians at eye level as well as patrolling in parks and green spaces," explains Wandrey.
Deployment in early and late shifts
The city police currently have two bicycle patrol units. These are to be used regularly, as far as operational requirements allow. The bicycles are used during both early and late shifts.
According to the city, employees who have a particular affinity for cycling and regularly cycle in their free time are given preference for the bicycle lanes.
The bicycles are also intended to enable emergency services to reach and monitor areas that are difficult to access with a service vehicle. This includes, in particular, parks and green spaces.
Checks on cyclists and e-scooters
The greater maneuverability also plays a role in enforcement. If cyclists or e-scooter users try to evade a check, city police officers can follow them more easily on bicycles.
However, their responsibilities are not limited to bicycle and e-scooter traffic. They also include monitoring illegally parked vehicles, illegally dumped trash, and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding dogs in green spaces.
With this new concept, the city police are adding a mobile patrol option to their existing operational capabilities, which should offer advantages particularly in the city center and in areas away from the streets.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
