Benefits of the Bicycle Unit
The Bicycle Patrol Unit has the capability to operate 24 hours per day and 7 days per week, which increases police visibility in Lancaster neighborhoods. The unit is used for crowd and traffic control, bicycle road races, parades, the 4th of July celebration, and the Lancaster Festival. Each year the unit is requested to supplement policing efforts at the Ohio University Halloween festivities in Athens, Ohio. On a day-to-day basis, each patrol watch commander is afforded the discretion of how and when to implement this unit.
Bicycle Funding
The initial funding for the purchase of these bicycles ($990 per unit) was provided by a federal block grant.