E-bike trial for police patrols ‘big success’

ON THEIR BIKES: Police bicycle patrols have been operating in Gisborne since the start of last month on a trial basis, and police have been pleased with how the concept has worked here. Constables Rangi Kingi (foreground) and Lisa Basford were pictured on patrol along the city rivers. Picture supplied

Tairawhiti police have been trialling the use of e-bikes this summer as part of increased accessibility and visibility in the community and they say it has worked a treat.

In 2020 police trialled the e-bike patrols in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin as a way of helping people feel safe and be safe.

“Following the success of that initial trial, Tairawhiti district police have been trialling e-bikes since the start of December,” said Sergeant Isaac Ngatai.

“The trial was aimed at further assessing the potential benefits e-bikes could bring to policing and public safety, and we feel it has been a big success.”

The Gisborne officers riding the bikes around the city covered a wide area from the CBD and out into the suburbs.

“We have also gone to areas where there have been problems with burglary activity, thefts from vehicles and the unlawful taking of motor vehicles.

“The police officers using the bikes have had a lot of positive feedback from the public about it. People wanted to know what the bicycle patrols were all about.”

The idea of police on bikes was not a new concept, he said.

“However our focus is much broader now, especially in the area of road safety.

“The use of e-bikes provides an opportunity to undertake road policing prevention activities focusing on distracted drivers (cell phones) and people not wearing seatbelts.”

Sgt Ngatai said the bicycle patrols provided greater manoeuvrability and efficiency in congested road traffic when police needed to respond to incidents.

“After this trial period, which finishes at the end of January, a formal evaluation on the use of e-bikes will be completed.

“We will consider the potential for longer term operational use in Gisborne.”