Bike Cops on Runnymede
This morning I found an article in The Bulletin about Toronto Bike Cops, titled Cops on two wheels more responsive, claims bike patroller.
It touches on many issues that most cyclists probably already know: cyclists can get around faster than motorists or pedestrians in many urban areas, people can interact better when they're on bikes rather than inside cars, and of course that cyclists are quiet and stealthy!
There's also a bit of insight into what bike cops do, how they go about their patrols, etc.
I certainly would like to see more police on bikes rather than sitting in their illegally parked idling cars. :-) I would also like to see more parking enforcement and bylaw officers on bikes too. Maybe this would help them understand cyclists' frustration with certain motorist behaviours (aggressive driving, illegal parking, etc.).
You can read the article here.
Comments
Matt Rennick (not verified)
Uniforms
Fri, 03/28/2008 - 09:18It would also be interesting for them to see what it's like to be a cyclist riding around the city sans uniform. Sure, a lot of driver / cyclist mishaps are caused by inattentiveness but a good amount of them are caused by a general lack of respect.
"Should I make this turn and risk cutting off this cyclist? Ummmm... well, they are a cyclist and roads are made for cars so I'll just go, they can wait"
vs.
"Should I make this turn and risk cutting off this cop? Nope, I don't want a ticket"
darren
and the other way around
Fri, 03/28/2008 - 13:55I'd like to see how much passing room drivers gave me if I wore a navy shirt and navy shorts with a big leather belt, plus a white helmet. Where do I shop for this stuff? Anyone have an old Village People costume?
Kudos to them for wearing that heavy vest. It can't be nice during the summer.
-dj
Svend
Cleaner than horses as well.
Fri, 03/28/2008 - 15:23I imagine cops on bikes don't get the same respect from the public or from co-workers sitting in their cars, probably seen as overgrown kids having fun on a toy.
Could also be seen as purely a public relations move by some, but I appreciate seeing them in my travels and know they are useful in many situations.
chephy (not verified)
Bike cop respect
Fri, 03/28/2008 - 17:55Actually I heard that there is a non-trivial amount of competition within the Toronto Police force for the bike cop spots. All cops first have to pay their dues working in traffic enforcement, and then they can move on to more interesting stuff, which, apparently, includes being a bike cop. Many of their co-workers in idling cars are traffic enforcement officers envious of their colleagues on bikes (or at least respectful, due to bike cops' seniority).
Anonymous (not verified)
You have no idea what you're
Sat, 04/19/2008 - 14:35You have no idea what you're talking about. The bike cops are usually part of the Community Response Unit and you usually have to be a cop for at least a year before you can apply there. They don't all start in traffic but rather get assigned to a division as a regular constable. Traffic may be where they end up but it isn't a given.