More events are occurring in Magnolia along the Stroll and at Unity Park, so the Magnolia Police Department (MPD) has implemented a new Bike Patrol Program.

At its regular meeting Sept. 13, city council granted MPD permission to purchase four Cannondale Enforcement Patrol Bicycles.

Each bike is marked with MPD logos and is equipped with lighting and sirens.

Pictured (from left to right) are Officer Kyle Montgomery, Sgt. Jose Lopez and Officer Jerad Salmassi.

In addition to the bikes, officers will have helmets and a uniform which consists of shorts and a shirt that is reflective with police lettering. Sgt. Jose Lopez explained that the reflective shirt will benefit the officers by assuring that they are visible to motorists at any evening or night events.

Each bike is also equipped with patrol bags that contain first aid products and citation books.

Police Chief Domingo Ibarra said the bike patrol will be used only as the need arises, such as Stroll events and events at Unity Park. MPD explained the advantage of having bikes at these events is that it makes the officers more mobile in crowds and they are able to move freely in high traffic situations.

He said they will also be used as part of the community policing initiative, which he says allows more interaction between officers and residents.

Lopez said when the bikes are used at Unity Park, for example, citizens find the officers more approachable.

He said he also believes the bikes will help eliminate vandalism at Unity Park because while the officer is on the bike he has much more access to other areas of the park. The bike tends to be quiet and unnoticed, he added.

The cost of the Bike Patrol Program is estimated to be $4,480, according to MPD. The funds for the Bike Patrol Program will be taken from the red light camera fund.

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